A rising star in her own home province of Alberta is Canadian-pop country artist Jordyn Pollard. Previously, she’s shared the stage with the likes of Brett Kissel, Jojo Mason and Gord Bamford. When she’s not performing on stage, she “continues to mine her life experiences, pop culture and even just simple conversations she has with friends and family for her original material, focusing on the little things that really do matter.” (Pollard). This led her to release her debut 4-track EP, “Good on Me” last November whose title track quickly became a hit on Canadian country radio. On June 11th of this year, Pollard released her latest single, “Kisses Back”- a breakup song that speaks to someone who wants to have their “Kisses Back” from their ex after coming to terms that they weren’t right for them.
Recently I spoke with Pollard about her path to pursuing country music, her latest single and her goals for this year.
Kyla Pearson: For those who are unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us a bit about your path to pursuing music? What made you want to become an artist?
Jordyn Pollard: I have been in love with music for as long as I could remember! My parents say that I could sing a tune before I could talk, so it’s always been a constant. I can remember watching shows like Lizzie McGuire and singing along to all of the music. “Up” by Shania Twain was my all-time favourite song when I was around 2! My family has always embraced my love for music and I am super grateful. I think I’ve always been drawn to performing as I did it constantly growing up, there was never one moment that changed it all.
KP: Your latest single, “Kisses Back” was released on June 11th. The song speaks to someone who has come to terms with the fact that their ex was not right for them and that they’ll find someone who is right for them and loves them just as much (If not more). Can you tell us a bit more about the inspiration behind the song?
Jordyn Pollard: This song was pitched to my team and was written by Matt Koziol, Nick Bailey and Emily Earle. I loved the song instantly as I couldn’t get it out of my head! I still can’t!
KP: What made you want to release a breakup song with more of an uplifting, positive twist?
Jordyn Pollard: As I said before, I could not get this song out of my head and I think that’s a really good sign! I also love the tagline and pun that goes along with the whole idea of wanting the kisses back that you gave to a guy who never kissed you back. It’s lyrically genius and I’m honoured that we were able to put our own spin on it!
KP: Can you tell us a bit about the recording process that went into making the song?
Jordyn Pollard: We experimented a lot with this song as we wanted to make it fit my sound. I first worked with Bill Caverly and Barry MacKichan to create a track for my Saskatchewan Country Music Awards Performance. We switched up the song to make it my own before I headed to the studio to work with Bart McKay. Travis Switzer, Ryan Davidson and Chad Melchert were the players in this track and we had a blast coming up with new elements to add to the track!
KP: What do you hope to achieve with this new single? What do you hope fans will get out of this song?
Jordyn Pollard: I want people to have a song to get lost in. I hope people can dance to this song and have fun with it! Blast it in their car, jam with their friends. It’s a super fun tune!
KP: Do you plan on releasing a lyric video or music video for the song? If so, can you tell us a bit more about your plans for them?
Jordyn Pollard: I am releasing a music video for this song! I worked with my good friend Codi McIvor to put this video together. We had lots of fun planning it out and we even had a few actors join us on set! I’m excited to share it with you all!
KP: You’re also a songwriter. With the past year being on pause because of the pandemic, did you have the opportunity to write more songs? How has adapting to zoom/virtual co-writes been for you? Lastly, do you think that you’ve grown as a songwriter this past year as a result?
I have done a lot of co-writing this past year. Though we could not get out of the house and experience life, I had a lot of emotions to get out on paper and it resulted in a lot of writing sessions! I think I have grown as I have been able to look at different perspectives through the co-writing process. I wasn’t really able to do that as well before.
KP: Moving forward in 2021, what is one goal you hope to achieve with your music by the end of the year? Do you plan on releasing new music other than “Kisses Back”?
Jordyn Pollard: I am looking forward to touring again this year once things open back up! I can’t wait to visit radio stations and see my music friends once again. I am going to be releasing more music other than “Kisses Back” later this year! Stay tuned to hear more as I will be releasing information in the weeks to come!
Listen to “Kisses Back” now:
Stay up to Date With Jordyn Pollard:
Twitter: @JordynPollard1
Facebook: @jordynpollardmusic
Instagram: @jordynpollardmusic
Website: www.jordynpollardmusic.com
Works cited:
Pollard, Jordyn. Interview. Conducted by Kyla Pearson, May 24 2021.
Pollard, Jordyn. “Featured: Canadian-pop country artist Jordyn Pollard. Photo courtesy of Jamie Crawford. Accessed May 24 2021.
Pollard, Jordyn. “Official cover art for Jordyn Pollards’ latest single, ‘Kisses Back’ ”. Photo courtesy of Jamie Crawford.
Accessed May 24 2021.
