We have a new one today with our Spotlight – Jordyn Pollard. We catch up with this talented young artist to chat about music and growing up in a small town. She was recently named Stingray Music Trending Track Artist for her new single Back To Us which is available now!
You are from a smaller community, from Lloydminster in Saskatchewan. Can you tell us a bit what it was like growing up there?
I loved growing up in a small town! Everyone knew each other and my classmates were my family! So many community members, teachers and neighbours have made an impact on me.
Something neat about you I read is about your influences growing up. The Lizzie McGuire films as well as contemporary country musicians?
Yes!! I used to love Hilary Duff and have watched all of her movies religiously! But my all time favourite was “Up!” By Shania. My mom and dad say I had the best moves! Not so much anymore…
What made you pursue music instead of going after roles in musicals after doing Grease?
I love musical theatre and I would definitely love to perform in a play again! I don’t think it’s where my true passion lies. It’s always been my dream to write, record and perform my music in arenas and music festivals! The feeling I get when onstage with a band is unlike any other, and hearing other people relate to and sing along to your music is unlike any other!
Congrats on your latest of many achievements! You were recently announced as one of “Stingray Music’s Trending Artist”. What was that like?
Thank you so much! I honestly don’t think it has really sunken in yet! I have always dreamed of being on the radio and there have been so many messages and videos people have sent to me of them hearing “Back To Us” at their local stations across Canada!
Your big single “Back to Us” was massively popular this year. Tell us a bit about writing it. What does it mean to you?
“Back To Us” is a song that was pitched to my producer, manager and I while we were trying to choose songs for my first EP. At the time of recording, I was finishing up my high school career and getting ready to “adult”! I really found that “Back To Us” showcased the kind of nostalgia that looking back on my time in school gave me. I feel like we are all looking back on simpler times right now and wish we could go back to the old us!
Something refreshing about you is that you have had a slower but very natural growth as an artist. What do you consider your “big break” moment?
Becoming Stingray’s Trending Track would be what I consider the most humbling accomplishment I think. I can’t wrap my mind around the fact that people hear my song on the radio across the country! I get messages from family and friends as well as listeners and fans across Canada everyday! This can’t be real.
You are heavily involved with various social causes (Big Brothers Big Sisters, autism awareness), as well as being a vocal anti-bullying advocate. What made you decide to give back to the community as much as you have?
I believe a community should work together and help one another out. As someone who has a social media platform and the passion to speak about things that matter to me most, I feel like it’s the least I can do.
As a young female in the industry, do you face not being taken seriously? What are some struggles that you face? How do you get through them?
I don’t think that I have truly felt any personal scrutiny as a young female artist yet, but my career has just begun! I think that radio is slowly changing and many female artists like MacKenzie Porter and Tenille Townes are killing it on the charts right now. I’ll see what comes my way when it comes. If it happens, I’ll write a song about it!!
What are some words of advice you would like to give to other young women starting out? It can be either something told you that you love, or something you wish someone had told you)
My great friend, Wes Inaba, has always told me that we are all on our own paths to success. This has really resonated with me as I think the intimidation and idea of competition is associated with the music industry. In reality, we’re all doing our own things and have our own style. We grow at different paces and in different ways! This is important to remember, and it is what I would say to anyone who wants to chase their dreams!
With 2020 being a bit of a bust, do you have any big plans for 2021 yet?
I am really hoping to work on new music this upcoming year! Music is everything to me and consistently making music and working to get better is what I want to pursue as a long-time career. I want to work and play (it’s both for me)! I really hope that the world can find its way back to normalcy so I could play some shows and see all my people. I’m looking forward to the day where covid is more contained.
Heading into the snow and cold that we Canadians love so much, what are some of your favorite holiday memories?
I have so many amazing memories with friends and family around the holidays. One of my favourite things to do around this time of year is go to a store in town that has a cafe inside. It’s always decorated so beautifully with Christmas decorations and lights; it gets me in such a festive mood! We also had a family Christmas dinner with ugly Christmas sweaters one year… some sweaters were too small and hard to erase from my memory!! I love the holidays for the fact that I get to spend time with the ones I love, (while eating really delicious food)
I think you might be our only SPOTLIGHT artist who lives with their parents. What was it like leaving school to move back in with them?
I have never not lived with my parents! Recently I moved out. I am really close with my mom and dad, so I have no complaints! Plus, my mom is a great cook. They decided to get renovations during quarantine, so I got the heck out before then!
Following that, what are some of the ways you have been staying sane in quarantine?
I have been writing a lot of music. I have a lot to say and it’s been great getting it out in that way! To get my mind off of the stressors in the world I have also been watching lots of new tv shows. The Marvelous Mrs Maisel is a new favourite, it’s so funny!
With so many small /independent businesses suffering due to quarantine, what are some local places you want to give a shout to, and hype up?
Hey Sugar Bakeshop has THE BEST cupcakes! Tasty Ks is the best donair, sandwich and soup restaurant. It’s a hotspot at lunch time so bring a mask and be prepared to wait outside! (Their service is great though so it will go fast!) The Hive is a beautiful fashion boutique with so many great women’s fashion pieces! It’s newly redecorated and so so nice!
What would you like to say to your fans and readers?
I would like to say, that you for reading this far! And also, thank you for all of your support throughout my musical journey. I am so grateful for all of the love and listens! Please do follow me on all my social platforms!
This Spotlight – Jordyn Pollard is in the books. Big thanks to Jordyn for taking the time to chat with us.
Check out the Good on Me EP now!
Keep up with everything Jordyn right here
If you think you would like your own Spotlight let us know