There is a magic in every beginning. And there is much wisdom in this belief, as Jordan Paul explains: “Romance to me is more than just being in love with a partner. It’s the mystery of what could happen between two lovers, and how fun and exciting it is to share new experiences with each other.” This sense of discovery and excitement is at the heart of his new single, “Dance With You.” The Kaua‘i-based artist and producer has crafted a song that beautifully captures the spark of new romance while paying homage to the soulful sounds of Motown classics.
“Dance With You” is a smooth, uplifting track that blends horns, piano, and synths to create an atmosphere of pure love and joy. Its irresistible chorus wraps the listener in a warm, nostalgic hug, making it easy to imagine the bliss of dancing with someone special. As Jordan explains, the song is about the way the world seems to fade away when you’re with the right person—a feeling he knows well from his own relationship. It’s one of the most beautiful emotions in the world—so intoxicating and captivating that it becomes almost addictive.
Growing up on the westside of Kaua‘i, Jordan’s upbringing was steeped in the rich cultural heritage of Hawai‘i. His music reflects this, blending influences from Motown to Hawaiian Reggae. In our interview, Jordan shares his thoughts on the inspiration behind his music, the importance of staying true to his roots, and the courage it took to release his first single.
photography by Megan Anderson
Hey Jordan, I am just listening to your new song “Dance With You,” it’s really this kind of song that you put on and immediately feel something soothing and positive. You said that your main focus was to “encapsulate the spark of a new romance, while sonically paying homage to Motown classics.” Is it about a personal romance you wrote about?
I wrote this song for everyone who has experienced a feeling like this. A feeling where the loud noises of the world fades out and its just the two of us taking on the world. Of course it was a piece of cake writing this as I experience this on the daily with my long time partner, Erin. She also doesn’t know that I’m proposing to her the day after this song comes out, so shhhh its our little secret.
And how did your love for Motown classics come about? And what exactly is it that you like so much about the style?
Funny enough, I didn’t fall in love with Motown until about five years ago. I knew the classics and the countless songs that were remade and covered by other artists, but it never really stuck to me. As I’ve gotten older, I got a little jaded with the songs I was listening to, and once I really took a deep dive into older music like Motown there was no going back. There something about the soul, emotion, and story telling that really hits me where it hurts (in a good way).
“I always love to go for a long drive when I’m thinking about lyrics. I think I’ve done that for every one of my songs I’ve released so far.”
What does romance mean to you?
Romance to me is more than just being in love with a partner. In the beginning of a romance, like what “Dance With You” is about, it’s the mystery of what could happen between two lovers, and how fun and exciting it is to share new experiences with each other. Romance is also finding new ways to keep things exciting and fresh once you’ve been with someone for a long time.
What is your songwriting process like – do you write the lyrics first or work on the sound first, and do you have a place where you feel particularly inspired?
I love this question. I always work on the sound first. When I hear a song for the first time, I notice the beat first, then the melody, and lastly the lyrics. I create my songs in this order as well. Don’t get me wrong, the lyrics mean the most to me, but if I don’t have a solid foundation of the song, the story I am trying to tell won’t be heard.
I always love to go for a long drive when I’m thinking about lyrics. I think I’ve done that for every one of my songs I’ve released so far. As far as recording and producing goes, it’s always in my room and I’m always in my underwear.
In terms of instrumentation, your song features horns and piano – do you play these instruments yourself?
I can work my way around a piano but if you saw my technique you would be able to tell instantly that I am not a pianist. My brother Jaron is the trumpet player, I couldn’t get the trumpet to sound like anything other than a fart. The instruments you hear on the song are samples from Splice.
“As beautiful as Hawai’i is, the local people here are what makes Hawai’i so special.”
You come from Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i – I somehow have this image that life there is particularly relaxed and special. Is that just a cliché, or how would you describe life there?
I’m very blessed to have been born and raised in the most beautiful place in the world. No clichés here, Hawai’i is very relaxed and is VERY special to me. However, as beautiful as Hawai’i is, the local people here are what makes Hawai’i so special.
A lot of visitors who pay attention quickly realize how rich our history and culture is. The people of Hawai’i are extremely proud and our sense of community and ancestral relationships built me into the person I am today.
Could you imagine living somewhere else?
Yes and no. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit many parts of the world throughout my life, and spending an extended amount of time living in London in 2022 was amazing. I would be open to living just about anywhere, but one thing is for sure, I want to settle down in my home state of Hawai’i.
How did you get into music?
Music was a part of my life at a young age, in many different forms. Japanese Taiko drumming, Marching band, Hula shows, and Karaoke with my cousins. When I was 20 years old I had my first restaurant job I started doing live music there after being inspired by a fellow musician. That was the spark, now here I am ten years later, a full time musician!
With which famous personality would you like to dance?
Although a dance with Zendaya or Ana De Armas would be fun, I think I would have to go with a dance battle with Bruno Mars. Obviously I would come out of that victorious.
What is the bravest thing you have done so far in your life?
I would say releasing my first single Elsewhere, in 2021. I had the song finished and ready to be released for almost a year before I actually put it out. There was something about sharing songs that is so personal to me, I could never find the courage to take the step forward. But life is short and we shouldn’t be taking things too seriously sometimes so I pulled the trigger on it, and I’m glad I did!
Thanks so much for your time!
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