Peach Jam Podcast: Jordan L'Oreal - Atlanta, GA

From singing in church as a child to gracing the legendary Madison Square Garden stage at just 13 years old, Jordan L’Oreal’s journey is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in oneself. “I know that God’s hand must be on my life, I guess,” Jordan reflects during her conversation with Jeremy Powell, as they dive into her early experiences as a performer.

Jordan describes her music as “alternative pop,” but she’s quick to clarify that it’s a fusion of genres: “There’s some R&B in there… little rock, little pop.” Her sound is as unique as her journey, blending different styles into something that is unmistakably her own.

But defining herself musically was a challenge in an industry that often tries to fit artists into predefined categories. “When you’re a kid, you’re not labeling yourself based off of your creativity. You just want to sing. You just want to share your gift,” Jordan explains. As a young artist, she wrestled with self-doubt, questioning whether she “fit the mold” of what a successful artist should look like. But rather than conforming, she chose to break the mold.

Many artists start their musical journeys in humble settings, but Jordan’s first stage was anything but ordinary. “Thirteen years old. First time you sing on stages at Madison Square Garden,” Jeremy says in disbelief. Jordan’s response? “I know, right? I’m not bragging. I’m just telling you the information.”

It was the first of many major milestones in a career that has already spanned R&B, pop, rock, and even gospel. But even with impressive achievements under her belt, including contributing to Disney Channel songs for stars like Zendaya and Chloe x Halle, Jordan admits her journey hasn’t been without its struggles.

Jordan describes the challenges she faced navigating an industry that often tries to put artists into specific boxes. “I felt kind of boxed in,” she shares. “There were songs that were being birthed from me that I felt like I had to share versus trying to sell it to another artist or another platform.” This realization led her to embrace her identity as an alternative pop artist, blending influences from R&B, rock, and pop into her unique sound.

Raised in Atlanta by parents who are pastors, Jordan’s introduction to music happened in the heart of the church. She doesn’t even remember her first performance because it was simply always a part of her life. “I have no idea the first time. I think I was so young… but I know that God’s hand must be on my life, I guess,” she says with gratitude.

Her faith has been a grounding force in her career, but the journey hasn’t been without struggle. She recalls grappling with self-doubt in her early 20s, facing the daunting challenge of making it in the industry. “It was a point where things were not working. Nothing was happening… And so you feel like, ‘Okay, what else am I supposed to do?’” she shares, candidly opening up about the darker times in her musical journey. But through perseverance, support, and belief in her talent, she was able to push forward.

And her hard work has paid off. From getting her start singing in church to now crafting alternative pop songs infused with R&B and rock elements, Jordan has built an impressive resume. “I don’t expect people to help me,” she says. “Maybe my younger self may have thrown you for a loop. But you were wrong about me.” She’s worked on Disney projects, contributed to TV soundtracks, and even lent her vocals to songs for major artists like Chloe x Halle and Zendaya. Her biggest songwriting accomplishment? Writing for Joyful Noise, Disney’s first-ever gospel musical. “That was really my background for a while,” Jordan explains.

As she continues to make waves in the music industry, Jordan remains focused on one thing: authenticity. She sees a shift in the music industry and appreciates how artists today have more freedom to be themselves. “I think it’s an exciting time now because a lot of those red tapes are disappearing, and it’s allowing for different artists to creatively express themselves.”

Jordan’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and faith. From a 13-year-old singing on the Madison Square Garden stage to a Grammy-winning songwriter and a rising alternative pop artist, her journey is one of self-discovery and determination.

The Peach Jam podcast from GPB features songs and stories from a variety of the incredibly talented and diverse bands and artists who call the Peach State home.

Recorded live in our GPB studios, you get a front row seat for the intimate musical performances and free-flowing conversation from a truly eclectic variety of Georgia musicians. You can find more at GPB.org/PeachJamPodcast — and please download and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.