What I’ve been Listening To: Jordy Burns

Jordy Burns is a fan of Lewis Capaldi, Troye Sivan, Leon, Adele, and she would really have liked to feature on Home By Now By MUNA!

Sydney-based singer and multi-instrumentalist Jordy Burns has unveiled her debut single, ‘Walls’. The song explores a narrative with strings, a warm piano, and emotive vocals, accompanied by rich cello melodies that immerse in a realm of deep emotion and introspection. Jordy Burns shares that ‘Walls’ reflects the pain of heartbreak and broken trust, recounting a tumultuous relationship where trust was shattered. The release is complemented by an evocative music video, directed and produced by Jordy, blending behind-the-scenes glimpses with captivating performances to create a visually enchanting experience.

Who is Jordy Burns and how did the namesake come about?

I’m a music-obsessed singer who is finally ready to throw my music into the world. I’ve recreated myself in life and as an artist a few times, but this is the first time that I’m releasing anything that’s completely me. While Burns isn’t my real last name, it’s my dads middle name and I’ve always like how edgy it is. It felt like it’s a piece of me without it being my offical name.

What artists or bands are on your must-listen to list lately and why?

Ooh how many can I list? Lewis Capaldi will always be on my list, I love his soul-bearing and vulnerability and you reallycan’t go past those powerhouse vocals. I really admire his songwriting too. Troye Sivan is a lifetime favourite as well, I love his story (he’s also a South African born queer person who grew up in Australia), his album Blue Neighbourhood helped me come out. I love his new stuff too.

Leon is another obsession of mine. Her songs really speak to me, I think it’s funny that a song she’s written about heartache is my go to ‘shake it off / dance in front of the mirror’ tune! There are also some country influences in her music that I’m surprised that I love. And forever and always will be Adele, because Adele.

When you go into the recording studio to work on new material, what are your must-haves?

Coffee. My big, dented, metal water bottle. And a big bag of food… I get pretty hangry so the regular snack breaks are everybody’s safest option. I’ve been in trouble a couple of times eating chocolate between vocal takes… sorry Luke!

Which song, or songs, of yours would you recommend to a first-time listener and why?

‘Walls’ would have to be the one! I love that my first release also has me playing the cello. It’s my favourite instrument to play and I’ve really loved incorporating it into my music. I’m so excited to show you my other tracks later this year with my EP. But for now, I hope you enjoy ‘Walls’.

https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1727166996

Which song of someone’s else’s (artist or band) would you have liked to feature on and why?

Ugh so many. Every time a track comes out like this, I wish I’d already been an established musician to have been able to do just that!

But here we are SO… the first one that comes to mind is Home By Now by MUNA.

When that song came out I remember thinking that I wish I’d written it. The lyrics were just so poignant to me at the time, I wanted to be the one singing it too. And trust me, in my car I have been!

What led you into becoming a musician(s) and why do you keep making music?

Where do I start?! It started with violin at age 6 then viola, then cello. By 9 I was playing the trumpet too, at 11 I added in some guitar and taught myself piano. By 14, I’d convinced my parents to let me have singing lessons as well. In high school, I was in every possible music group, including some unofficial ones that I organised myself. I wanted to perform any chance I could! I love everything about music: how it made me feel, the sound, and what it did by bringing people together (whether that was as a conductor, administrator, musician or audience member). It’s just magic.

I was pretty competitive with sports in high school and eventually had to make the choice between music and sports. Music won. I went on to study singing (despite the struggle to choose between cello, trumpet or voice). As with many musicians, there have been highs and lows in the journey. I’ve been writing music since I was about 11 and never believed that anyone would enjoy the songs I wrote.

Slowly I decided that that didn’t matter and I could just perform them anyway. I’ve played in all sorts of bands and concerts and love every aspect of music. I could ramble on all day but basically, when I step away from music, something always pulls me back. It’s the love.