Why was your first album called Jordan’s Sister?

I was the classic little sister. My big sister had long legs, a beautiful face, tanned skin – she was popular and athletic. I had a roly-poly body, white Irish skin that turned red as a tomato in direct sunlight and let’s just say my brace-face was less than attractive! When I finally “blossomed” I still fought with the feelings of insecurity that had originated as a young teenager. I titled my record Jordan’s Sister because each song delved into the feelings of being overlooked or unimportant. I desired to be known for so much more than just being “Jordan’s Sister”. But the ironic twist is – no matter how successful I become I will always be Jordan’s Sister.

How is your latest album Grown different from your first album?

Grown was written from necessity. No longer having a label, a management company or a booking agent prodding or pushing me, I was faced with a big decision – do I continue? When I “delved into my self for a deep answer”, as Rainer Maria Rilke writes in Letters to a Young Poet, I arrived at “a strong and simple – I must”. I must continue to write – not for the kudos, fanfare or outside recognition. I must write because it is inside of me. The first record was written from a place of innocence and novelty. Everyone was my cheerleader, everyone believed in me. Grown was written when no one cared to listen, which has made it a very personal record for me. That is the primary difference in my opinion.

Who are your influences?

As I made reference in the above question, I was powerfully affected by the poet Rilke. In reading the small collection of letters to a younger poet he scribed in the early 1900s, I was reduced to tears many times. I have read it and re-read it, highlighted and underlined it until it is almost unrecognisable, and have given it as a gift innumerable times. It is a heady read, but I recommend it to all aspiring artists.

What message do you want to put across to people who get to listen to it?

We have experiences in life that leave us feeling alone. Disappointments, rejections and a plethora of other shameful emotions will rush over each of us at some point in life. And then no one talks about those experiences for fear that they are abnormal. They fear that in the sharing of these emotions or feelings it will disqualify them from friendship with others, that others will look at them like freaks. In this record I have dared to share my candid feelings, emotions and experiences in the hopes that someone else will feel a little less alone through listening.

Do you get time to go to church or spend time with God in your busy schedule?

I do attend a church regularly but, more importantly, I have an infrastructure of friends who I am in constant dialogue with. They challenge my thinking about God, they stretch my ideas and ideals to places I never imagined. As for time with God – I can’t remember who said it – I have never prayed for a whole hour and I have never gone for a whole hour without praying.

What were your plans and ambitions when you were younger?

World domination. Is it any wonder God didn’t let my dreams come true? To be honest, I wanted to sell millions and millions of records and have tremendous influence in many forums. Now, I want to sell millions and millions of records and have tremendous influence in many forums – but this time around I won’t resent God for not allowing it to happen. At the core of my being, I truly want what He wants for my life.

When and how did you start writing songs?

I was about 10 years old when I started writing songs. I didn’t play an instrument then, so I would just make up melodies in my head. Or sometimes I’d use other people’s songs and re-write my own words; artists like Whitney Houston and Amy Grant were among my favourites. Once I had learned two chords on the guitar, I was writing decently, and when I had learned three chords, I was writing hits! It was the most natural progression I’ve ever experienced – like putting a fish in water or a bird flying through the clear blue sky.

What advice would you give to people who wish to follow in your footsteps?

I always say, go find out if there is anything else in this entire world that you want to do with your life. If there isn’t, then decide you will be content singing to your stuffed animals lined up on your bed – in other words, do not live your life waiting for someone to recognise you. This business is too shallow and fleeting. It will chew you up and spit you out if you don’t have your feet grounded in passion. If you let it own you – it will.

What’s your most inspirational moment?

What isn’t an inspirational moment? To me, every moment contains inspiration. But I suppose the greatest yet was when my fiancé proposed. It inspired me that love is real and it is worth living for. Most of TV and film media portrays love as something that comes and goes. I am inspired at the thought of sharing the rest of my life with someone.

What do you do to relax?

I’m pretty much always relaxed. I don’t think anyone, including myself, would describe me as a stressed-out person. But for fun I like to watch movies, get coffee with friends and read books.