With small-town roots in Mercer, West Tennessee and now calling Nashville, Tennessee home, is country artist & songwriter, Hunter Jordan.
As an artist, he’s toured across the United States and has opened for notable country acts such as HARDY, Riley Green and Mitchell Tenpenny. As a songwriter, he’s penned tracks with some of Music City’s most renowned talents. This past February, he embarked on his new solo project with the release of his catchy single, “Dark”.
Recently, I spoke with Hunter about how he got his start in country music, his new single and more.
Kyla Pearson: For those who are unfamiliar with you and your music, can you tell us a bit more about how you got your start in music? Why did you decide to pursue country music specifically?
Hunter Jordan: I got thrown to the wolves. My first show ever I opened for Dylan Scott at a philanthropy event for my fraternity. I was hooked from the first show after feeling the adrenaline rush of being on stage. Country really speaks to me because of the storytelling aspect. We all have a story to tell and country music gives me that outlet to tell mine.
Kyla Pearson: “Dark” is your first release as a solo artist. What made you select this song as your debut? How would you say “Dark” introduces you as a solo artist and the type of music fans can expect from you in the future?
Hunter Jordan: Dark was special because it’s a blend of so many genres that have influenced me. I wanted to debut with a track that shows my versatility as an artist. Something that shows everyone that I’ve been shaped by not only country, but other genres as well.
Kyla Pearson: “Dark” was co-written by you, Rob Pennington (Chris Janson, Mason Ramsey, Taylor Austin Dye, Lily Rose, Tyler Booth, Cody Hibbard, Grant Gilbert) and Michael Wilkes (Stephen Wilson Jr.). Can you tell us a bit more about the songwriting and recording process?
Hunter Jordan: I believe it was Rob’s idea and Michael had a couple tracks built to write to. We selected the track that stood out the most and just felt like it really fit the vibe for the song. Before we knew it we had something special. Something with that modern edge to it, but with that country storytelling that we all love.
Kyla Pearson: According to you, what is the ideal setting for fans to listen to the song in order to fully experience it?
Hunter Jordan: Based off the vibe and focus of Dark, I think there’s no better place to listen than in your truck on your favorite backroad, with the one you love riding shotgun.
Kyla Pearson: Within the first few days since its release, you were made the face of UPstar. Music’s New Music Friday playlist and the song was streamed over 40K+ times (78K+ at the time of publication) on Spotify alone. What has this early success and wide reception of the song meant for you, especially as an indie artist who is “starting over from scratch” with your solo project?
Hunter Jordan: It means the world! I was nervous starting over and the way the song was received was humbling. I’ve never had a project take off so fast. I feel like the people have spoken and let me know that I made the right decision. I can’t wait to see what this year brings as I release further singles.
Kyla Pearson: On a related note, you and your co-writers were previously pitching “Dark”-- which was almost cut by a label artist. Given its success, are you happy you decided to record it instead?
Hunter Jordan: Most definitely. I waited on moving forward with Dark for so long because I was hoping for a cut with a label artist, which is a dream of mine as well. When enough time had passed and it felt safe, I decided why not get on it myself and put this thing out. Fortunately, it ended up being a great decision.
Kyla Pearson: “Dark” is also a testament to your ability to write a “hit”/well-performing song. Moving forward, are songwriting and writing tracks for other artists something you plan on focusing more on? What are your goals as a songwriter?
Hunter Jordan: I love performing, but I definitely have songwriting goals. I hope to land placements with other artists and I’m proud to say I already have a couple to be released by some fellow artists this year. I’d love to keep pushing and land a cut with a major label artist.
Kyla Pearson: Lastly, do you have any upcoming shows where fans can hear you play “Dark” live?
Hunter Jordan: I have upstate New York shows and some in Georgia coming soon. Y’all will want to keep up with my socials and “Bands In Town” profile so you don’t miss any shows.
Listen to "Dark" Now:
Stay up to Date with Hunter Jordan:
INSTAGRAM| FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | WEBSITE | TIK TOK | APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDS IN TOWN
Jordan, Hunter. Interview. Conducted by Kyla Pearson, Feb 28 2024.
Unknown. “Featured: Official cover art for Hunter Jordan’s debut single, “Dark”.” Photo courtesy of Hunter Jordan. Accessed Mar 6 2024.
Unknown. “Featured: Country singer-songwriter, Hunter Jordan. Photo courtesy of Hunter Jordan. Accessed Mar 6 2024.
Unknown. “Featured: Country singer-songwriter, Hunter Jordan. Photo courtesy of Hunter Jordan. Accessed Mar 6 2024.
