Baron Spotlight: Jordan Reynolds

By Donald Chan, Managing Editor

Senior Jordan Reynolds is the student director of FVHS’ renowned Troubadours, but he extends his passion for music way beyond school activities. Playing the acoustic guitar as well, he has been performing covers of songs for several years and recently started composing. He is a bass baritone, and you can find his website here: www.reverbnation.com/jordanreynolds.

Baron Banner: What motivated you to start writing your own songs?
Jordan Reynolds: I started writing songs when I felt like I needed to express something. My songs are mostly written about problems I\’m trying to deal with. Others are experiences I\’ve had, and a few even just ideas trying to place myself into someone else\’s shoes. Songwriting became a great way to positively channel my thoughts.

BB: What is your favorite song so far that you\’ve composed?
JR: My favorite song I\’ve written so far would have to be “Anchor.” The song isn\’t the most cheerful, but I always feel more at peace when I play it. The song was meant to be part of the solution I pray for in the song. It was meant to be an “anchor” in my life that has mostly been filled with stress recently. I\’ve been struggling with college apps, core personal beliefs, and uncertainty about what to do in this life. The song is a plea for stability, and I state that I am willing to pay whatever price to obtain it.

BB: Did your interest in music start because of choir or earlier?
JR: My interest in music goes back to my grandfather on my mother\’s side. He could play trumpet, sax, and piano. He could also sing well enough to match famous jazz singers at the time. He inspired me to start music from a young age. I\’ve been in and out of choirs, self-taught myself guitar, took a few years of piano, and recently started taking private voice a year or two ago. However, choir has definitely helped drive my music from just a hobby to my passion.

BB: What type of music do you like singing?
JR: I like singing all kinds of music. I sing classical, Broadway, acoustic mellow, and a little pop. I\’m not a huge pop fan, but it\’s fun to sing runs every once and a while.

BB: What are your upcoming gigs or song releases?
JR: My next upcoming gig is going to be a either Catalina Fish Kitchen on Garfield and Magnolia or Borders, South Coast Plaza. I\’ve been given the green light to perform at both; I just need to check with them for times. I\’ve been to busy this month to schedule any gigs. If you\’re interested in seeing me perform, my upcoming shows will be listed on www.reverbnation.com/jordanreynolds. As for song releases, I should have three “professionally” recorded by Kyle Trewartha on my website by January 30.

BB: Who are your favorite artists and why?
JR: My favorite artists range from Michael Buble (jazz) and Renee Fleming (classical), to Matthew Bellamy [from the band Muse] (progressive rock) and Anthony Raneri [from the band Bayside] (punk/alternative rock). Anthony Raneri is one of favorite musicians mainly because of his songwriting ability. He has worked hard over the last few years to match his songwriting skills with his performances and has made huge improvements. He has a distinct voice to his music, not only because of his unique vocals, but the way he writes his songs too. I can recognize Anthony\’s voice the instant I hear it. Like any good musician, he truly connects to the songs he sings.

BB: What colleges do you want to attend? Are you planning to major in music?
JR: A few colleges I have applied to so far are BYU [Brigham Young University], Eastman College of Music, and Berklee College of Music. I am planning on majoring in Vocal Performance through classical voice. I may switch to contemporary voice and work on songwriting, but classical is currently my strong point. However, a lot changes from high school to college, so I may end up taking that alternate route.

BB: Thank you for your time.
JR: You\’re welcome, and thanks for writing the interview. Let me know what happens and where I can see the article when it comes out!