Meet Jordan Huffman | Recording Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jordan Huffman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jordan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I consider risk as a perspective more than as a method of measurement to use when considering an action. What I mean by that is fear is not a driving motivation I’ve ever used to edit my actions or intuition on my next move. That’s not to say that I have never been scared, but I have learned to use fear and (rebrand it if you will) to work for me, rather than me follow its lead. I feel there is a very distinct difference between awareness and fear. If I am afraid, it is because I care because what I am doing matters to me. I see so many living in and operating from the fear position thinking that they are being cautious and methodical. Being stuck, refusing to grow, or simply not starting at all is not methodical.

In my industry, it is all about risk. I don’t know the real outcome of all my endeavors as a recording artist. I mean the basis of the business model is built around risk I would argue. The product that is being sold is me and what I create in a song both on a recording and in a live performance. Now any business owner will tell you the same things. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.

It’s “risky” to attempt building something from an idea with a mind to turn it into an operating business. It’s risky to keep trying something that doesn’t work over and over again without any clue on if you’ll ever “make it”. It’s risky to go against the grain and explore your own path because you are having difficulty prescribing to what others do or in how others think. It is risky to create.

Risk in my opinion, is the operational ingredient.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Nashville based Singer, Songwriter and Recording Artist. I am probably best known for my work with the Grammy Award-winning producer, engineer and performance artist Alan Parsons. I have toured internationally with him, recorded with him on both his music as well as my own.

A proud moment for me was when Alan and Joe Bonamassa introduced me as an emerging artist to pay attention to during a live stream that aired from the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville as we unveiled to the world a song and its music video I wrote and performed with Alan titled “The NeverEnding Show”. Last month I performed my recent release “Everest” at a benefit concert where I shared the stage with Joe Bonamassa, Michael McDonald, and of course Alan Parsons.

BACKGROUND: I graduated from the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences with studies focused on sound engineering and record production. After graduation and time spent in the production environment, my inherent passion and love for singing became the forefront of my focus. After a year of working at East Iris Studio in Nashville, TN, and cutting my teeth in the music community, I decided to move back to California where my best friend and renowned drummer Danny Thompson and I briefly endeavored on multiple projects. That is when I was introduced to Alan Parsons. Alan gave me my first cut on a commercial selling album. I co-wrote and sang my very first professional recording under Alan’s guidance and release. Ever since then I have been continuously mentored by Alan and have worked on multiple projects with him. It is Alan who encouraged me to be a solo artist, so here I am. It has not at all been easy, but it is my purpose in life to do what I do, and I firmly know and believe that. The only thing that kept me going before any tangible representation that my dream and endeavors were attainable, was my immovable belief in myself and my determined refusal to think that anything was impossible. I have heard all of my life that my dreams are too big and unreasonable. I still hear it today, and I still refuse to listen.

A lesson I learned and am still learning, is that the one who continuously shows up is the one who “makes it”. Also with that, you need to define and set the expectations with yourself of what success is for you, and no matter what do not negotiate on that. If you have haters and neigh sayers, then you’re doing something right.

I am currently working closely with Alan at his studio ParSonics in Southern California on my new material. I have recorded and released five songs as a solo artist to date and am in the recording process right now. Actually, while in the studio, I took a short break to do this interview.

I plan on releasing an EP by the summer and I am really excited about it. I am working with some fantastic and extraordinary people. Noah Bruskin and Daniel Xander are spearheading my next phase creatively as producers on the project.

The songs I have been focused on as of late and have always focused on creating, are songs that make you feel, songs that make you want to sing and dance, the songs that represent our lives and the experiences of them.

My latest release “Out Loud” (available everywhere) is really a strong representation of what I am talking about. Go check it out, and if you do I hope you dig it. After all, I did write that one with all of us in mind.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well this is fun. Okay, here is where I would take my friends, well where I do take them actually.

In no particular order,

Food – Oak Steakhouse, Chahaun Ale and Masala House, Shotgun Willie’s BBQ, Skull’s Rainbow Room, Pinky Ring Pizza.

Bars and hang spots – Sixty Vines, The Fox Bar and Cocktail club, The Inglewood Lounge, The Bobby rooftop bar, Pin’s Mechanical.

Excursions – The Musicians Hall of Fame, Radnor Lake, Leiper’s Fork, Franklin, TN, “Broadway” (everyone wants to see it at least once you know), kayaking the Harpeth, East Nashville.

Music – Pitch Meeting Presents: at the Eastside Bowl – These guys are just phenomenal. Best live music scene in my opinion. Readers do yourself a favor and check this out as soon as you possibly can. It is every Tuesday night. You can find great music any time down on Broadway, but for more original stuff I like to branch out and hit more local venues – like The Basement, 3rd and Lindsley, Bowie’s, and there’s even a great local music night at Inglewood Lounge too.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are several people and influences along the way that have shown me love and have supported my journey. My father, for teaching me some very important lessons about what I do professionally, how to carry myself, my morality, and my thoughts on entrepreneurship and risk taking. My parent’s mistakes have a big role in who I am and gave me the survival skills I needed.

I want to mention Maggie Huffman, who showed me at a time in my young life what a safe and healthy home was and what unconditional love looks like. My wife Tabitha, who won’t let me stay in the salt when it gets harder than what I’m familiar with. Danny Thompson, my best friend who is also a professional musician. He was one of the first to encourage and work with me without there being a reward at the end. I inspired him, and he inspired me.

Lastly, beyond all who I’ve mentioned, and as crucial as they all are, I must also thank myself. The fact is, is that none of this would at all be happening if I didn’t believe in myself or my dreams. No one believes in you long-term if you don’t believe in you. Any roadblock starts or stops with me.

Website: https://www.jordanashermusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanasherofficial/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JordanAsherMusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jordanasherofficial

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/42aTOUJQPoSxpitpURAacW?si=kreyZ1gzTQmX60IgiHNysw

Image Credits
Tabitha Parsons