Q&A With Christian Singer, Songwriter, and Purveyor of the Road-Less-Traveled, Jordan Feliz
One of the best parts of working at Musicnotes is that you get the opportunity to celebrate, appreciate and play an entire world’s worth of musical styles and genres. This is part of the reason we feel a kindred connection to singer/songwriter Jordan Feliz.
Jordan Feliz’s single, “The River,” has quickly ascended the Christian music charts, and his debut album ‘Beloved,’ has garnered rave reviews from critics and fans alike. It’s hard to imagine that this soulful CCM breakout started his professional musical career as none other than a heavy rock vocalist for a band notably showcased via the punk-rock-focused Warped Tour.
The journey from fronting the band A Current Affair to leading church worship to writing contemporary Christian music gives Feliz a unique perspective on the creative process. He was kind enough to answer a few questions regarding his musical evolution and inspiration, as well as share his advice to fellow singer/songwriters.
Musicnotes: Did you always know you wanted to be a musician? Could you share a little about your background leading up to your professional musical career after high school?
Jordan Feliz: Pretty much! I have always felt that music was a part of who I am. When I was a senior in high school I was approached by a band called A Current Affair that wanted me to sing for them. The music was heavier than anything I had ever thought I would be a part of, but what had me was the heart behind the music. We were all about shinning God’s light in a genre that really needed it. After that season of music was over, I worked as a worship leader for a year. During that time I also felt God pushing me to continue writing. That is what brought me to Nashville two and a half years ago, and by the grace of God I am here!
Your debut album, ‘Beloved,’ has a really rich R&B/folk backbone. What inspires your sound?
I grew up listening to a lot of soul music with my family, stuff like Earth Wind and Fire, Sam Cooke & The Commodores. I feel like the more I was writing, the more the stuff I grew up listening to came out!
Did you set out creatively to achieve a certain feel for ‘Beloved,’ or did it naturally evolve? What inspired the album?
I feel like ‘Beloved’ naturally evolved more than anything, but at the same time I also feel like it was something I had been waiting to write for several years. The record was really inspired by the season of life I have been walking through the last couple years. I have always loved writing about real life stuff.
Going from a heavy rock band (A Current Affair) to a solo Christian artist is definitely a road-less-traveled. Was the transition difficult? How do you think having performed with a group has helped you musically?
It definitely is way different, haha, but it really hasn’t been very hard. I have always loved performing, but more than anything I just love people & that has always been my motivation. I do feel like touring with A Current Affair definitely has helped in a lot of aspects. I would say the number one thing that helped was just getting out and playing so much. It gets you really comfortable with your instrument and on stage.
Your single “The River” has been very enthusiastically received by fans. Would you be able to tell us a little about the song? What inspired it? What is the meaning behind it and what do you hope listeners take away from it?
The River stemmed from John 7:38. The verse says “Whoever believes in me, will have rivers of living water flow from within them.” The River is an invitation to everyone. Maybe you feel like you have lived your life by the book, or maybe you feel like you have so much baggage and are to ashamed to give it to Christ. It is an opportunity to go down in amazing grace and rise up made new.
Do you have any advice for younger musicians just starting out?
Man, I would say practice and dig deep into what you love. Music is such an incredible gift!
Your album just released last November, what’s up next for Jordan Feliz?
Well, I am so excited, because I am going out on the Beautiful Offerings tour with Big Daddy Weave and Plumb at the end of January! Also, I am working on my next record! So many exciting things, I am just so honored to be where I am. God is good!
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We’re so thankful to Jordan Feliz for taking time out of his busy schedule to share his answers. Be sure to take a look at Feliz’s website for more information regarding his music and upcoming tour, and keep an eye out for even more downloadable sheet music by Jordan Feliz making its way to Musicnotes.com soon!