Indie music singer/songwriter Jordan Danielsen

Interview by Grace Augustine

Being an author has allowed me to meet many people from all walks of life. Four years ago, I hosted a Wine/Music/Books event at Fireside Winery, just south of Marengo, Iowa. That was where I met Joanne Jaytanie. I also met a very talented musician, Jordan Danielsen, who made me a groupie with one song!

Jordan Danielsen and Jef Spradley

     A native of Denver Colorado, but raised in the Iowa heartland on the banks of the Muddy Mississippi, Jordan grew up with guitar in hand and a harmonica around his neck. He has spent over a decade hosting open mics, performing in wineries, casinos, pubs, restaurants, festivals, and everywhere imaginable from Madison, WI. to St. Louis, MO.

     A wandering loner at heart, Jordan has spent much of his musical career as a solo act. However, he has also played with some of the finest musicians in the Midwest, created two full-length albums, and has done some touring as well.

     In 2011, Jordan released his debut CD, Night Alone in the City, an album very diverse from start to finish. It's chocked full of soulful horns, electric guitars, acoustic ballads, blues, and a tiny bit of hip hop. Jordan's lyrics tell the story of his life growing up in Davenport, Iowa, and at times borders on the hilarious.

     2014 brought the release of Old Soul, an album much different than it's predecessor. Jordan spins his musical tales of rivers, road trips, and great grandfathers in the Civil War. Sleek piano, organ moans, and a haunting fiddle make this collection of songs very soothing yet exciting and take you along for the ride.

     The same year Jordan began touring with a young musician out of Houston, Texas by the name of Jef Spradley. Jef plays a small stripped down drum set while singing some pretty amazing harmonies. The two together put on an entertaining show and one not to miss. 

     Always on tour and never without a song in his throat, Jordan writes from his life experiences and reflects his personality through his music. With many more songs to record and endless gigs to play, he continues to strive for new audiences every day.

     He also does some awesome covers from other musical legends. I can't end this post without sharing with you my favorite Jordan Danielsen song. Check out his website by clicking the link below.

WEBSITE

Father of Water by Jordan Danielsen

The UK Music Industry and the Volunteer Revolution #OriginalitybyDesign

     By Guest, Brian Player

photo: socialindiemusicians.com

Here in the UK we are facing huge changes in areas where people have worked to earn a living…being paid for their efforts on a scale that reflects their skill and the demand for what they do. If one is particularly skilled and there is a high demand for those premium skill levels, monetary reward could be achieved, it isn’t so much that way today.

The music industry is a prime example of this. Large sums of money could be commanded by the most popular, and selling products, such as records or CDs, helped artists sell their efforts across a wide audience.

So, what has changed to reduce the amount of money changing hands? What has changed the impact of the reward enjoyed by those working in music?

Technology has revolutionised the recording, production, and distribution of music. Never has it been easier, or cheaper, for a working musician to produce a professional standard product and distribute it to those that will help he or she become better known. Whilst this is a great positive for those with talent and ability, it is also a negative because we are seeing an explosion of artists coming onto the scene, all trying to gain a piece of the action.

Secondly, the range of further education courses offering aspiring musicians the chance to learn and hone their skills in music has never been higher or more popular.

The result here is a huge increase in the number of talented graduates attempting to find a place in the industry or going out on the road.

The third area is those who, whilst practicing a career in some other industry, use early retirement or work part-time as an opportunity to indulge in their musical passion.

Some other indirect areas are also experiencing change:

There has been a significant increase in the number of venues and events where musicians can showcase their talent. These places are run by enthusiastic volunteers who see putting on a show as an opportunity to share talent they have discovered with others. These promoters are very often also part-time or retirees who are taking the opportunity to indulge in a passion.

While offering more opportunities for musicians, the very high number of events has meant that audience numbers cannot be relied upon and so entry charges have declined, or in many cases, event entry is free.

The overall effect of these factors is less money being generated and many in or associated with the industry providing service for free.

Areas not affected by these changes are artistic development and experimentation. The more the merrier and those who like to try new things are very well served by technology and opportunity.

The area affected most is for those hoping to generate an income and make a living. There are still high-ticket priced events attracting thousands of attendees but much less money changing hands at the lower end in clubs and small events were playing for free is rapidly becoming the norm.

Maybe, as has always been the case, our musicians need to find a path to the very top if they are to achieve commercial success. So, perhaps overall, things aren’t so very different. Music has always been a struggle. It’s just the challenges are that different.
                  ---Brian Player October 2018

Brian Player is a well-known radio show host of The Acoustic Café on Wey Valley Radio in Alton, UK. He is devoted to sharing the talents of the independent musician/singer/songwriter.