Imagine being in the industry, writing songs for the biggest artists, rubbing elbows and making music with them and going on tour with Lupe Fiasco, but still ending up sleeping in your truck. Imagine becoming homeless and not knowing where your next meal was coming from. Read more for the Jordy Towers interview.
Jordy Towers doesn’t have to imagine because that was his life. California’s San Fernando Valley and Jackie Jackson’s family raised him. His mother left and his dad was an actor who always worked, so for Jordy music became his outlet. Creating his Rap alter-ego, Optimus, he became an underground rapper and recorded an album that reached the ears of Lupe Fiasco. After plans fell through for going on tour with Fiasco, Zach Katz, a business associate of producer J.R. Rotem contacted Towers and he eventually recorded a four song demo, but again the deal didn’t pan out. Still through all the disappointments, Jordy maintained, never completely giving up hope.
Fast-forwarding to today, Gary Marella recently launched his label, Roma Records and was looking for a flagship artist. The opportunity landed in fron of Jordy Towers and immediately he jumped at the proposition. Releasing his debut single, “Pretty Monsters,” Towers swam in the territory of mixing singing and rapping. He is here to make a statement. Chatting with Parlé Magazine, Towers sheds light on his growth, the music industry and trying not to give up hope.
Parlé Magazine: After everything you’ve been through, how does it feel to finally have a debut single?
Jordy Towers: It’s a dream come true, I’m been doing this since I was 12 and I was ghostwriting for people. I was dreaming of having studio time for myself to work on my music and now it’s a dream come true.
Parlé: Did you ever give up hope?
Jordy: Hell yeah, that’s natural. You try to psyche yourself out and think positive but it’s only natural as an artist for you to feel hopeless.
Parlé: What did you learn about yourself through the process?
Jordy: I learned that this is all I have. Music was all I did and it will always be all I have.
Parlé: Has the whole experience changed anything about you?
Jordy: It made me stronger as a person. Now I can afford to go to a gym, workout and probably knock someone out. (Laughs)
Parlé: Take us back to the day when you got the call from Roma Records, did you expect it?
Jordy: Hell no. I gave my CD to the A&R at Roma Records and just held out hope.
Parlé: What’s your motivation as an artist?
Jordy: I want to see the dinosaurs die, I want the older artists in the game to let the younger ones take the reins.
Parlé: What lane do you hope to create?
Jordy: I’m trying to create my own space and make white cool again. (Laughs)
Parlé: What can we expect from your debut album?
Jordy: I’m taking what’s hot right now and putting my own spin on it. I want people to hear that while I also inject them with some real stuff. Just expect me because I have creative control over my music and I’m not afraid to step outside the box.
Parlé: What’s next?
Jordy: Just released the single “Pretty Monsters.” I’m also working on films and more music.
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