Jordan Cordel’s musical journey began at an early age, with church performances at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in his hometown of Port Arthur, Texas. “I began singing at age 8,” he recalls. “That’s where it all started for me.” As a teenager, he honed his craft, winning multiple talent shows throughout high school, even securing three consecutive state wins in UIL solo competitions. His passion for music grew during college at Stephen F. Austin State University, and he eventually started a band at Lamar State College Port Arthur.
After graduation, Jordan’s father encouraged him to pursue music professionally, a pivotal moment in his journey. “I briefly lived in Los Angeles and then moved to Austin in 2020 to finish school and focus on music,” Jordan says. Since then, he’s released over four EPs, a compilation album, and multiple music videos with thousands of views, all while completing both his bachelor’s and MBA degrees from the prestigious McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin. His dedication paid off when he placed in the Top 10 of the Coast 2 Coast Live World Championship in 2021, standing out as the only singer among all the competitors.
Jordan has collaborated with legendary producers like Zaytoven, D Billy, and Bryan Michael Cox, and in 2024, he had the honor of performing the National Anthem twice for Texas Athletics on ESPN. “I’ve accomplished all of this as an independent artist,” he shares. “I can’t wait for someone to give me a shot—I decided to create those opportunities myself.”
Creative Process
Jordan’s creative process is anything but conventional. “Sometimes, ideas hit me based on real-life experiences, other times I’m inspired by another artist’s music, or even a beat I hear,” he says. “I’ve woken up in the middle of the night with a melody in my head and rushed to record it in my voice memos so I don’t lose the concept.” Jordan thrives in spontaneous creativity, and some of his most authentic tracks were made in one take, particularly during “R&B freestyle” sessions with friends.
As for his working environment, Jordan enjoys isolation when writing lyrics but also welcomes collaboration with positive, like-minded individuals. “Good vibes only,” he laughs, emphasizing the importance of the right energy when creating.
Challenges and Growth
The road to success hasn’t been without its hurdles. “Where do I begin?” Jordan jokes when asked about the challenges he’s faced. “The industry is all about streaming numbers and going viral. Sometimes it feels like talent takes a backseat to meeting certain criteria.” He’s had to contend with unfulfilling record deals and even had songs and concepts taken by more established artists. Despite these setbacks, Jordan has remained true to himself and his vision.
“I decided to stop waiting for someone else to give me a chance,” he shares. “I started releasing my own music, creating my own music videos, booking my shows, and networking. Now, I move like a boss.” Jordan believes that sometimes setbacks are what set you up for your breakthrough.
Connecting with Fans
Jordan’s fans are at the heart of his journey. He connects with them directly through social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, using these spaces to share his music and engage with his growing global audience. “My favorite fan experience is looking into the crowd and seeing someone sing my song word-for-word,” he says. “It’s a beautiful experience that I don’t take for granted.”
In Austin, Jordan also performs live to engage with the local community, steadily growing his fanbase. When releasing music videos, he uses targeted ads to identify where his audience is, ensuring his music reaches the right ears.
Upcoming Projects
Looking ahead, Jordan is gearing up to release his highly anticipated debut album, You Made Me This Way, later this year. “It’s been three years in the making,” he shares. “I truly believe it’ll be one of the best R&B albums of 2025. But I’ll let the world decide that.” He’s also excited about his upcoming tour, which will accompany the album’s release, and his performance of the National Anthem for Texas Athletics at the Moody Center—his biggest stage yet.
“There are more amazing opportunities coming up, but fans will have to stay tuned,” Jordan teases.
Musical Influences
Jordan’s musical influences are as varied as his sound. He admires legends like Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, and Whitney Houston, striving to emulate their excellence and precision. He also draws inspiration from contemporary artists such as Bruno Mars, Usher, Chris Brown, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Brandy, and Lucky Daye. “These artists have helped me become unafraid to experiment with different sounds,” he explains. “As a singer, they inspire me to keep perfecting my craft, from my falsetto to my runs.”
Social Impact
While Jordan believes that musicians don’t always have to address social issues directly through their art, he’s passionate about using his platform to speak up. “It’s important to stand up and shine a light on the issues that matter, whether through social media or interviews,” he says. “My music isn’t necessarily political, but I’m always going to advocate for peace and love.”
Advice for Aspiring Musicians
Jordan’s advice for emerging artists is simple but powerful: “You have to believe in yourself more than anyone else does. Invest in yourself and don’t wait for someone else to create opportunities for you. Express yourself freely, don’t settle for less than your worth, and trust that if you have what it takes, the world will notice.”
Jordan Cordel’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and self-belief. From his humble beginnings in Port Arthur to becoming a rising star in Austin’s music scene, Jordan is on the fast track to greatness. His upcoming album promises to be a defining moment in his career, and his unwavering commitment to his craft ensures that his star will only continue to rise.
Follow Jordan Cordel:
- Instagram: @jordancordel
- Twitter: @jordancordel
- YouTube: Jordan Cordel YouTube
- TikTok: @jordan_cordel
