Photo credit: Samuel Gove

To celebrate her 30th birthday, emerging pop rock singer, songwriter and entrepreneur Jordan Michelle has released her new single “It’s My Birthday (RIP To Me)” with rising hip-hop/punk rock artist SK8 and rising in-demand drum talent Tosh The Drummer (Jxdn, Machine Gun Kelly, Lil Nas X). The pop punk birthday anthem, co-written and produced by Michael Bono (Avril Lavigne, Modsun, John Feldmann) and co-writer Reece Lenzo and available via Wayward Music, is an upbeat party song that she hopes people feel empowered by while listening to. PRESS HERE to listen to “It’s My Birthday (RIP To Me).”

“I always thought there was a missing space for a pop punk birthday anthem,” explains Michelle. “As my 30th birthday was approaching, I thought, what could be something cool to do for such a big birthday? I was joking with friends that I should have a funeral for my 20s and then realized that’s actually a great idea. I don’t mind turning 30, so I didn’t want it to be a negative thing. I’m so excited to move into this next chapter. 

I look back on the version of myself over the last 10 years and wish I could inject some confidence into her or squeeze the worry out of her. Every year, she dreaded getting older. I want to hug her all the time and tell her it’s going to be okay. When I connected with Michael Bono, I told him about the funeral concept and ideas I had and then ‘It’s My Birthday (RIP To Me)’ was born. I want people to party to it, to yell it, to feel it and feel empowered when they bop it. Growing older is a privilege.”

What’s your story as an artist? 

I guess functionally any artist was born an artist. I was always picking up instruments, singing, and writing poems as a kid. I never saw it as a career option until the first day of my senior year of college (I was majoring in Political Science and Journalism) and my brother died suddenly. He was also a musician and soon after, I was hit with the harsh realization that he couldn’t pursue music because his time on earth was over. I questioned everything about where I was, what I was doing, and who I was doing it for. That was when I decided to say (for lack of better word) fuck law school and pursue music. 

As an artist, I am a storyteller and a facilitator of feelings. I share my story and process emotions through music, which in turn, I hope will resonate with people who share my struggles (and happiness) but maybe can’t make sense of it. 

What inspired this last release, “It’s My Birthday (RIP To Me)”?

As my 30th approached I obviously was thinking, “what’s an epic birthday party idea?” And as a true emo kid, I was like “I’m gonna have a funeral for my twenties!” Nothing morbid, just like, wear all black, prepare a eulogy (say nice things about me) and scream emo songs at the top of our lungs. I have always wanted to write a birthday song though, just seemed like a good idea. 

I was connected with Michael Bono and while he was in LA I told him the concept and he loved it and we ran with it. It’s just like, not a sadness about getting older, but an acknowledgement that we shed skins and we say goodbye to parts of our lives. 

Do you get inspired by other art forms?

Yes! I am incredibly inspired by most art forms to be honest. I wish I was better with my hands. I love visual arts, whether it’s paintings, photos, videos, drawings, I am so inspired by watching how other creative expression comes about. 

Any funny anecdotes from the time you were recording or writing this?

There were tons, so many that if I write them here, they would probably seem a little “you had to be there.” Luckily, we have been documenting the entire process, so there will probably be a little docuseries in the future. The funny thing about this release is how messy it was. The DSPs didn’t even release it on the correct release day (happy birthday to me). Michael and I joked about how it’ll be a good story one day, so, to answer your question, everything has been funny, but maybe too soon! Ha 

What’s your favorite place or environment to write?

I tend to flow in the studio. It’s structured enough that my mind can focus but also safe enough that I can be completely open. It sounds overly simple, I would love to give a cooler answer, but that’s my truth! 

What’s a record that shaped your creativity?

Being asked this question, when I think of “shaping” my creativity, it’s always taking shape. I think some records for me are just where I debunk my imposter syndrome and I’m like “oh shit, I actually am good at this.” Of the records that I have out, I would say it was “Kids in Love” and “Never Date a Gemini.” Those songs wrote themselves and came out of me so quickly. There are definitely others that aren’t out yet, I can’t wait for everyone to hear them! 

Who is an artist or band you look up to today?

I have to give it to Machine Gun Kelly. I really resonate with his new music and I see him as an artist. He really is just driven and so incredibly talented. He brought back the genre of music that I grew up on and love the most, so I really look up to him in many ways. My boyfriend just bought me the Tickets To My Downfall guitar for my birthday! 

What excites you the most about what you do?

I think my favorite parts are when the song comes together. I think almost every time I’m just like “holy shit, songwriting is so weird, like, this didn’t exist an hour ago and now it’s my favorite song of mine.” My songs kind of dictate my trajectory in a weird way so it’s amazing that I can make something out of thin air and it can change everything. 

Another thing I really love is when people tell me they felt moved in any direction from something I made. That’s a dream come true. 

What is your view on genres and music styles since you mix a lot of them in your music?

I think there’s something to be said for having a sound that people can recognize and get attached to, however I think that art is so subjective and personal. Bringing it back to Machine Gun Kelly, he had a huge career as a rapper, I’ve still barely listened to his rap music, but he’s one of my favorite rock artists. He does both well, why not? 

What does music and art mean to you?

I think music and art make the world go round. Without music, movies wouldn’t even be as moving. You think about the hardest times in the world or in your personal life, you always turn to artists – whether it’s binging a show, movies, listening to music that keeps you going; it unites us. Art is the heart of humanity. 

How would you describe your act in one word?

Dichotomy.