WATCH Soi TV Spotlight: Jordan Pineda “Drifting” (Unplugged)
AAA Backstage is proud to partner with Made by U and Soi Music TV’s latest initiative to showcase the talents of local indie musicians. The Pan-Asian online music channel are the brains behind Soi Music TV Brisbane, with their aim to give Brisbanites the chance to discover the next big artist and bridging cultural perceptions in indie music!
Our first spotlight is on Jordan Pineda, a devoted singer-songwriter and Queensland Music Award finalist. Influenced by John Mayer, Angus Stone, and Michael Bublé, Pineda blends folk, pop, and RnB into “smooth, heartfelt art”. In our opinion, he nails the blues-pop style of John Mayer…thankfully without the massive ego and unnecessary ‘artist’ hat. Pineda’s currently working towards releasing his debut EP ‘Sonder’ early next year.
“Every reason music exists should be to move and inspire…to change someone’s everyday world and give them an escape. This won’t always happen, you can’t expect that. But if one person is able to understand and feel the emotions you feel, that is any songwriter’s purpose done well, this is the best kind of music worth creating,” says Pineda.
Late last year you went to L.A and Nashville as part of a 10-Day songwriting scholarship, what did you enjoy the most about that trip and what was the most important thing you learned?
The scholarship to America really opened my eyes to the international possibilities as a working musician/songwriter. I met so many industry professionals and other college students studying music too. I guess the most important aspect that I took away was just the overwhelming sense of inspiration and awareness that chasing a career in music is very possible with the right attitude and drive. Definitely a place I’ll have to travel again!
In Drifting there’s some pretty strong John Mayer vibes, when did you first start playing music and who are you biggest inspirations?
I started learning guitar when I was around 15, and just learned from my friends at the time. We’d go to the music room and jam for as long as we could before the teacher sent us back to class (laughs). I really enjoyed artists and bands like John Mayer, Last Dinosaurs, and even Michael Bublé at times! They helped shape my understanding of music growing up and are huge inspirations for me!
You’re working on releasing your debut EP ‘Sonder’ early next year, what has been the recording process like to produce your first major release?
Collaboration has been a big emphasis for the recording process. The 5-track EP will be a collection of stories that are written from a personal place but hopefully can relate to many people. I’ve worked with producers who prioritise simplicity and do a great job at capturing the organic feel right there in the room. I’m super excited for its official release!
What attracted you to being an artist on Soi TV Brisbane?
Made By U and Soi TV Brisbane approached me, saying they had been looking for artists from an Asian background and wanted to support this community further. I was humbled and pleasantly surprised when they contacted me and so of course I was genuinely happy to help out. And I’m really glad I have, I’ve met great people because of it!
Lastly, where’s the best place to listen to music in Brisbane?
I recently attended BIGSOUND which was held in Fortitude Valley. It was such an amazing showcase of artists across Australia and so many venues helped to make a phenomenal two-night event. My personal favourite places had to be Black Bear Lodge, The Foundry, and The Brightside!
Check out Jordan Pineda’s unplugged version of Drifting below! We’ll have another Soi Music TV spotlight in a few weeks…
