Image via Paige Strabala
Rochelle Jordan’s hyperkinetic “Got ‘Em” was one of the first sonically arresting tracks to drop at the top of 2021. With lyrics like, “We could go back to the 405/401 to the city lights” over 2-step garage beats, the track not only encapsulates the diasporic journey Jordan’s music is negotiating, but also the navigational path her own life has taken. Not only is she lyrically referencing major highways in Los Angeles and Toronto, the musical bed on which her vocals rest evokes the sounds of ’90s UK garage. In doing so, Jordan synthesizes the geographical strands with seemingly effortless aplomb, asserting her current musical agenda.
Rochelle Jordan makes R&B bangers for near-future dancefloors
Rochelle Jordan makes R&B bangers for near-future dancefloors
The Los Angeles-via-Toronto singer/songwriter s new album Play With The Changes beautifully brings together formative influences and experiences By Kevin Ritchie
Angel Rivera
We need something to look forward to right now. A life that’s more open, with loud music and dancefloors, seems like it’s on the horizon – and Rochelle Jordan is ready with the bangers.
In fact, she’s releasing her best album yet on April 30, Play With The Changes (Royal Mountain), a collection of 12 songs that beautifully merge off-kilter UK garage rhythms with Toronto’s hard-hitting R&B minimalism and sultry pop melodies.
Los Angeles-based
Rochelle Jordan has unveiled the third cut from her newly-announced third effort âPlay With The Changesâ.
Following singles Got Em and All Along , the KLSH and Machinedrum-produced Next 2 You is a glowing vitrine for Jordanâs versatility as an underground rave Queen; her 90s R&B siren-like vocals skate over celestial synths and a club-indebted 2-step beat.
âWhen KLSH first played me this beat, I thought it was so jarring and unconventional that I fell in love with it,â says Jordan. âIt really took me back to the days when I obsessed over Deadmau5 and Artful Dodger, but this was a very futuristic sound I hadn t quite heard before. It s as strange as it sounds, as it feels, and is as beautiful and unique as I love for my music to be. As far as the lyrics go, the song is about what it says. I m trying to get next to you.