The Jordan Okrend Experience is more than one thing. First, there is the signature sound, vintage pop imbued with an infectious funky jazz edge. There is also something else. Soulful music with socially conscious lyrics, that has all been but lost in today’s current pop climate.
The North Carolina raised singer/songwriter released his first two EP’s, Unpredictable and Rising Up, between 2010 and 2012 while attending Berklee College of Music in Boston and has been performing extensively throughout the East Coast ever since. Has performed at notable venues such as Rockwood Music Hall, The Bitter End, Smiths Olde Bar, Gypsy Sally’s and The Grey Eagle. His 2015 EP World Keeps Turnin was a clear indication that Okrend had thrown his hat into the ring of other soul revival upstarts such as Allen Stone and Michael Kiwanuka. The EP blended the old school with the contemporary while echoing the conscious elements of his musical heroes-Lennon, Hendrix and Marley.
Okrend’s last full album, Dance By The Riverside (2017) is a buoyant meditation of the stresses of the modern world, with a distinctively funk and retro soul vibe. IndieMinded says” Okrend’s latest offering delivers in a big way, Soulful vocals in the vein of Amos Lee and Allen Stone, expert instrumentation that includes everything from electric guitars to horns, and meaningful lyrics. ”
Since the release of Dance By the Riverside, Okrend has released a slew of singles reflecting issues he sees pressing in the modern world. The upbeat songs Competition(2018) and Higher Mind(2019) speak to a longing for change and self empowerment. The retro-soul feel of How Many Days(2019) speaks to a longing for love that seems elusive. The just released single, Streets On Fire(2020) speaks to the cry for racial justice since the killing of George Floyd and the protests occurring in the United States and around the world. Since 2019 Okrend has been touring the world and currently lives in Nice, France.
jordanokrend.com
https://jordanokrend.bandcamp.com/
