With a voice that channels the soul of classic R&B and guitar work that would make the late and great Jimi Hendrix turn his head if the rock god were still gracing this planet, Jordan Hawkins is carving out a space uniquely his own in the rock sphere. The Los Angeles-based singer and guitarist blends smooth falsettos, raw emotion, and grizzly guitar riffs into songs that feel both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Whether he’s performing live (he’s just come off a tour with SAINt JHN) or crafting meticulously produced tracks, Hawkins brings a rare authenticity to his striking blend of “electric soul.”
We caught up with Jordan to talk about his musical journey, his new experimental single “Hate Love”, and his recent tour with SAINt JHN. The once choir boy shares all.
First, where do those impressive guitar skills come from?! Do you have any family members who played guitar or other instruments?
Jordan: My mom played piano! I grew up with her piano at my grandparents house and piano was my first instrument. Guitar started for me in middle school with a classical guitar course. I just remember being really inspired to try and play crazy solos from all the iconic rock bands and guitarists and begged my grandfather to buy me my first electric guitar. As time went on I taught myself off of YouTube and would jam with my other friends from school that loved guitar. We would create our own bands and enter talent shows and guitar became something that I just couldn’t stop.
Your recent single, “Hate Love,” has many sonic layers that sometimes sound dark, droning, and suspenseful. What was the idea behind the production? Was the dark feel intentional?
Jordan: “Hate Love” started as a guitar and bass loop that can still be heard in the track. I remember when I made it, it sat on my computer for a while until I showed it to my friend Stari and we began building out the production before we had Greg play live drums on it. The idea behind the production was to push boundaries and expand my sound to a place that no one had ever heard it before. There was definitely intention behind the darkness of the tone. It sets a mood and embodies the emotions within the track.
Did a particular life experience inspire “Hate Love”?
Jordan: I was going through a rough patch in a relationship at the time and found myself wanting to get back at a person for doing me wrong. I hated how they did me, but felt it was vindictive and enjoyed seeing them experience the same pain when the tables turned.
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How has growing up in a church choir influenced your music?
Jordan: The church choir taught me harmony and really developed my ear to be able to pick up on a lot of things naturally when it came to music. It also embodied me with a certain soulfulness that I feel like church can only bring. I think that’s why I sit at the intersection of so many genres and ultimately define my music as electric soul.
In an Instagram post, you mentioned meeting SAINt JHN at a Coachella event in 2019. How did you all connect, and how did that lead to your tour with SAINt JHN?
Jordan: I got hooked up with some artist passes for a REVOLVE concert out in the desert that year and SAINt JHN was performing. I hadn’t really released much music yet at the time but I was eager to connect with anybody and everybody that I thought was dope or that I could learn something from. The interaction was very brief! We got a picture with some of my friends and I told him how dope his performance was! I don’t think that interaction was the catalyst for us touring but it definitely felt like a full circle moment when I knew he wanted me to open on tour.
What’s been your favorite part of SAINt JHN’s FEStIVAL SEASON Tour?
Jordan: My favorite part of the tour has been the interactions with all the amazing people in every city we hit. I think a lot of times as an opener it can be tough because people aren’t there to see you. I just went on the stage as my authentic self and could immediately feel that people were into the music and used that energy to set the stage for SAINt. The tour became really special for me when I also got to perform with SAINt on guitar during his set. We were doing all types of crazy shit like standing on top of balconies and barricades rocking out. It was some real rockstar shit and I’m super grateful for the opportunity.
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Jordan just released a new song and video titled “Off Them Drugs.” Keep up with Jordan Hawkins on his Instagram for the latest music drops and future show dates.
