Born and raised in New England, pop artist Jordan Armstrong is merging genres and finding a sound she resonates with. She talks about her shift into the country world, hoping to create a space for female pop country to thrive.
BTS: What inspired your single “Even If”?
Armstrong: This song was inspired by a conversation I had with a friend. It’s around the topic of being upset at somebody that broke your heart, but you also want them to be happy. You’re heartbroken, but you love this person more than the heartbreak. I wasn’t going for Carrie Underwood “slash his tires.” It’s more like, I still love you and I hope you get what you want even though you broke my heart.
BTS: What was the process like for creating this song?
Armstrong: I write a lot of my songs by myself. I’m starting to branch out with cowrites for my artist project but wrote this one by myself. I wrote the chorus a while ago then came back to it. I got one of my friends to produce it, we recorded it in her studio.
BTS: What was shooting the music video like?
Armstrong: It was a lot of fun! I’m really fortunate. My manager Dayna, she’s amazing. Her husband, Paul, has worked with me on my music videos – he lets me take the creative wheel. He gets the vision and executes it. The video is basically a pity party. The whole song is me not wanting to react to a breakup because I want them to be happy. It was all DIY – I bought the cups and amazoned everything.
BTS: How would you describe your sound, overall?
Armstrong: I like to describe myself as Laurel Canyon 70s with a Y2K 90s pop twist! I was raised in 90s with Christina Aguilera. I’m singer/ songwriter with R&B undertones. I like some rock country from bands like the Eagles. That’s really shaped me.
BTS: How has your life influenced your music this far?
Armstrong: It’s influenced a lot. Life changes can take you away from what you thought your writing would be about – mine has been about mental health and anxiety. I try to present myself as all together, but I’m not. My early music was overthinker, nervous girl, but as I go through relationships and friendships, my music is really about love and relationships. That’s taking a front seat right now.
BTS: What can we expect from you next?
Armstrong: I’m actually leaning a lot into the countryside of my artistry. It’s gonna be new for what I’ve released in the past. I’m leaning into that world. Female pop country is having a crisis – country fans don’t want to embrace them as country artists. I’m a girl from New England, but I love country. There’s room for me to come in and be welcomed. You’ll hear some twang on the new sound.
BTS: What are you most excited for in the future?
Armstrong: I’m excited to keep playing gigs! And release more music. “Even If” and “When The Summer Ends” came out close together. I’m working on a lot of songs – it does take a while. I’m excited to get more music out there and play it live and build a little fanbase and connect with more people!
We can’t wait to hear what she has in store. The country scene isn’t ready!
Stream “Even If” now!
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