Hundreds of students graduate from Northern High School every year, each pursuing different career paths. One former student in particular has made a name for herself over time – Jordana Nye (more widely known mononymously as Jordana). Her singing, songwriting, and talents with instruments have gathered her a total of 4.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Having collaborations with popular artists such as TV Girl, Yot Club, and Magdalena Bay, her audience has expanded and continues to grow as she releases more and more new music. But she didn’t always have such a large fanbase, every artist starts from somewhere. Here’s a glimpse into the high school life and early career of Jordana.
Did you always want to be a musician? How did you find out you wanted to be one?
“I actually wanted to be an actress! I was involved with Twin Beach Players when I was growing up, and really went for that path at some point. However, I had been playing violin since I was 9, and constantly getting my hands on new instruments to add to my repertoire of passion, keeping myself very busy with music, it gladly hijacked my life. So each step forward, it was obvious music was the answer and real calling. Besides, I’m not so good at memorizing lines anyway!”
Did you take any music classes at Northern High School?
“I took Orchestra every year with Mrs. Moran! It was an essential end to my day and obviously I would look forward to it every single time. She’s so patient and made it so enjoyable. I also got to see a bunch of my best friends — us orchestra nerds gotta stick together!”
What instruments do you play?
“I play mainly guitar, violin, bass guitar, etc.. But I try my hand at other instruments a lot. Playing an instrument can be a spectrum. There are so many different things you can do with them, big or small, different skill levels and such. In the end, all you have to do is make some noise on it and then decide if it’s good or not.”
What was your high school experience like?
“I…wasn’t very good at it. I did not like school in general. I’m a very stubborn person, haha. I really did just not want to do anything unless it involved some form of the arts, which isn’t helpful when you have to be good at other things in order to pass your classes…like math homework…I hate math. I actually had a teacher call me up after class one time to tell me, “you need to stop taking every other class besides music as a joke.” Now, I’m not saying to be the way I did… Stick with your studies, but I’m just saying, with my school-hating, non-college experience, I’m not doing so bad out here! It needed to work out, so I made sure it did. Plus, if you work hard, keep humbling yourself, and be kind, the universe will give you little hints and handouts. Aim for the stars, but keep your expectations at bay for your own safety.”
Were your teachers/peers aware of your love for music? Were they supportive? Any teachers specifically?
“I made it very clear how much I love music, almost to a fault, haha! I didn’t feel the arts were given enough love and care in school, and hated sports. Hating sports and going to Northern is not a good mix — your survival instincts turn on. There were a few teachers I would flock to, but one in particular was Mrs. Sara Moran. That woman is a saint…I look up to her so much. She’s so patient and made it so clear how much she cares about us. I got to queen out with her on many occasions, especially when I found out she played Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector (it made so much sense). She made every day worth going to school. Orchestra was like a little treat earned after surviving the day. I think of her fondly, and still talk to her from time to time! I only ever want to make her proud.”
How did you boost your career? How did you get the opportunity to record your studio albums?
“I started by myself! I got an iPod and started recording music on it with the GarageBand app (then graduated to laptop) and posted it to SoundCloud. I released my first album in 2019, which was a compilation consisting of my singles already out and a few others, then my managers found me online, saw my potential, and flew me out to New York to record more. That was so cool and exciting, being in studios other artists I looked up to would frequent. What a crazy new world I was introduced to due to my stubbornness of making it a reality! Never give up — I never thought I would be where I am right now. If you sincerely have a passion you invest your life into, then there is no plan B.”
What does it feel like going from playing for friends and family to an international tour?
“It’s honestly much more nerve-racking to play in front of a small group of people, especially friends and family, than it is to play in front of strangers. There is already predetermined expectation with people you know, which can lead to obsessing over judgement on their end. Meanwhile, with strangers in a big room, you have someone handling sound, making sure you sound good already, and get a shot to show people some good music for the first time (or second or third) and perceive it in their own way. It was pretty scary the first couple of times, but you get into the swing of it, and what a rush it is! You can be whoever you want on stage, it’s really awesome and freeing.”
What’s a song of yours you would recommend to a new listener and why?
“I would recommend my song “We Get By” to a new listener. It’s a fun and carefree love song with big choruses. It feels like summer — plus, there’s a violin solo in it I’m super proud of!”
Are you working on another album? When will we get to hear it?
“I actually do have another album ready! It may come either this year or next, but I’m always working on new music. If I’m not touring, I’m home and always working with new people. My explanation is: I’m so incredibly lucky I get to call music what I do for a living, it’s what I’ve wanted for so long…so why not always be working on it in some form — what else would I do? Maybe if I need a break at some point I’ll go back to my roots and audition for an acting production…but music will always be there for you.”
Being an artist of many genres, Jordana’s music can appeal to a widespread audience. You can find her discography on all popular streaming platforms, including her most recent album “Lively Premonition”. Her bubbly, authentic personality and unique, fun sound is sure to charm listeners – both new and old.