Jordan Duffy is a singer-songwriter who hails from and Massachusetts now lives in Los Angeles. The creator and powerhouse singer has just shared her latest album Nights Like These. The 10 song collection proves her ability to weave emotions into a tapestry of sound that’s both intimate and expansive. Highlights include the 80's drenched synth pop banger title track "Nights Like These", where Jordan sings haunting lyrics, "Please hold me tight / Please don't let me go / I'm so terrified." The sax solo gives listeners the chills as it entices along with Jordan's dynamic vocal performance. Then there is the gorgeous folky singer-songwriter song "Stay With Me". The track is an ode to her object of desire with romantic melodies and lush acoustic guitars. "Not Your Dream Girl' is a fun, kaleidoscopic upbeat pop song and one of the best songs of the year. The chorus is catchy and the production courtesy of Party Nails perfect. Jordan digs into her rock side with "CMF", a retro style rock n' roll track a la Pat Benatar and Heart. All in all, Nights Like These is a must-listen to journey from start to finish.
We talk with Jordan Duffy all about her new album, music videos, collaborators and more. The artist even touches upon her belief in extraterrestrials.
Congrats Jordan on your new album Nights Like These. Can you tell readers more about the various themes found on the new album?
Thank you! The main theme of the album is about those late night thoughts that keep you up, hence the album name “Nights Like These.” The album moves through a variety of emotions – from remembering the person who broke your heart, fears of new love, sexual desires, to anger over someone's actions. Funny enough each song was written at night when my brain wouldn’t let me rest and was just overthinking those impactful moments throughout my life.
How does Nights Like These differ from your past music?
“No Big Deal” which came out in 2023, was my very first EP, and you can hear how much my producer, Party Nails, and I have grown as a team and as a sound. This album is ME, these are my songs, my thoughts, my vulnerable moments, and they all sound exactly how I want people to hear them. This album has a mature feeling and sound, the difference is even in the saddest song you can still hear and feel the power in my voice, really showing how my confidence in making a record has grown.
You experiment with so many different sounds and your new album is genre-bending. Tell our readers all about your musical and creative influences and how they seep through in the new album?
I love to view each song as its own story – What do we want the audience to feel when they listen to the song? That has always been my motive for making each song unique; and they just so happen to flow beautifully in this record together. Not every song is a pop punk/rock song like “Means” and “CMF” – for which we pulled inspo from Avril Lavigne, Olivia Rodrigo, and Styx. “Let Me Down” originally was supposed to be a slow song, but my producer (Party Nails) referenced “Echo Beach” by Martha And The Muffins and that helped make "Let Me Down" the song it is today. The album references artists from Twenty One Pilots, Yola, Charlie XCX, James Taylor, and so many more. Back in college my senior thesis was focused on artists being able to release music in multiple genres and be successful at it – I had professors tell me this was a silly thought and would never work. Well, I am here to prove them wrong.
You worked with producer Party Nails as well as other amazing musicians. What did these people bring to the album sonically?
First and foremost producer Party Nails is the most amazing artist to work with in the industry. She takes the time to listen to all my crazy thoughts and ideas and executes them beautifully. Also, she is a synth wizard! To this day I do not know how she comes up with these amazing synths that just make the song what they are. We also worked with Tara McLeod, guitarist for Kittie, who is an absolutely breathtaking guitarist and who made “CMF” as wicked as it is. Party Nails and I had the idea to have her on the song and the fact she said yes and honored us with a gut wrenching guitar solo is a dream come true! In “Nights Like These” the song, we asked Trey Magnifique (aka Brian Wecht from Ninja Sex Party) to be the featured alto sax soloist and the song would not be what it is today without his sax. He came in and improved the entire part and I was blown away! I am so lucky to have worked with such amazing artists on this record.
Do you have a favorite song or two on Nights Like These and if so why?
This is a hard question because I do truly love each song on this record, haha. But I do have 2 favorite songs: 1 is “Looking In” because it is raw and reminds me of all the open mics I would play in my 20s. This song was one of the fastest I wrote and is also one of the most vulnerable. 2 is “CMF” aka Confusing Motherfucker. This song was originally not going to be on the album, but we took a risk and this song reached new levels I didn’t even think were possible. I always wanted a song like “Renegade” by Styx and “Fat Bottom Girls” by Queen, and I feel this song reached that level and I am so proud of it.
Your music videos for "Not Your Dream Girl" and "Nights Like These" are storytelling, fun and thrilling. How involved were you in the direction and how do you think each one continues to tell the theme of the song?
I love music videos that tell a story, a short film if you will. For my music videos, I partnered with the Painfully Creative Production team where we discussed the song and its meaning, how the song felt to each of us, and from there we mapped out a story idea for the video. I was involved in the process from start to finish, and even though Painfully Creative had total control, my ideas were always heard and implemented, and I had a blast on set. I am so impressed with their work ethic, ideas, vision, and when they presented the video I knew this was the team I would continue working with.
I have to ask, an alien plays a big role in the video for "Not Your Dream Girl". Do you believe in UFOs and aliens?
I already did believe in UFOs and aliens, and even more so now since the recent news that came out about them. Our universe is far too big for us on planet earth to be the only ones here.
What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I hope those listening to this album first off enjoy it. I hope at least one song makes you get up and dance or makes you feel like you can take on whatever the world throws your way. I hope those listening can connect and understand and say ‘aww man, I’ve been there too.’ I hope those listening know they’re not alone, that their feelings are valid and heard, and whatever pain they feel or whatever they’re going through, that things will get better, and you will move on from it and only be strong.
If you could describe your new album in three words, what would they be and why?
Adventurous. Vulnerable. Powerful
Finally, what is next for Jordan Duffy?
I hope to perform live and go on tour soon! That has been a dream of mine for so long and I cannot wait to hit the road. Be sure to look for any upcoming shows on my website JordanDuffyMusic.com!
Connect with Jordan Duffy: INSTAGRAM
