Toronto’s Jordan Astra plays first show of 2024 at the Axis Club
Musician Jordan Astra has a live show at the Axis Club, one of Toronto’s staple venues, tonight to kick off 2024. At the 600-capacity venue, Jordan will share the stage with collaborators Jayde and Preston Pablo for their first show of the year. Astra is excited to get back on stage with a focus on visiting Montréal, Vancouver, and parts of the U.S., Europe, and Australia.
Jordan Astra recently released Man From East, a 7-track EP that is both interpersonal and inviting, filled with songs of his journey from Australia back to Toronto following years overseas.
First off care to introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m Jordan Astra, an artist and producer based in Toronto. I grew up in Mississauga and then spent most of my 20s living in Melbourne, Australia. After about 9 years I moved to Toronto and have been here working on new music and being inspired by the city for the past 2 years.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
Man From East is an ode to my dad who made the move from Indonesia to start a career in Food & Hospitality in Canada. His story of being an outsider and enjoying life as an adventure has always inspired me. One of the biggest things that stuck with me before my dad passed was that he asked me to write him a song called ‘MAN FROM EAST’, I figured I’d do him one better and dedicate a project to him. This EP is really about showing off my range and style as an artist and producer. I’ve been very proud of this whole release.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
I love mumbling gibberish and finding melodies that I think sound like verses, pre-choruses, and hooks. To me, it feels like my brain knows what it wants to say, but hasn’t found the words for it, yet. Once I lay down the melodies, I usually listen back to the gibberish and find common ground between what I think the gibberish is saying and what I want to say on a record. The process to me feels like unwinding a knotted cable or finishing a puzzle.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
My first show for the year is opening up for Preston Pablo at the Axis Club (FKA Mod Club) on February 8th – can’t wait. This year is going to be the year of shows. One thing I love about Toronto is that as a city, there are so many opportunities for you to check out events and be a part of a community, so rather than attending events, I want to host and organize events that celebrate dance and house music. There will be shows for sure this year. Outside of Toronto, I want to hit up Montreal, Paris, and London to name a few.
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
2019 was an incredible year, winning the ‘Showcase Tour’ which was a $50K USD grand prize, and a 20-City Tour. That definitely made me realize there is a real career in this. As an independent artist and producer, every project I’ve put out (ASTRO, Hourglass, Man From East’ has been an incredible accomplishment because I am growing and becoming better with each project.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
Check out Lou Val, The Ironsides, and Yarah, then hit me up @jordan.astra with what you think!