"The devil may burn it all, but we will rise out of the flames, we’re runaways, we’re runaways”
With a yearning voice of triumph, Essex UK born singer-songwriter Jordan Hemingway boldly embraces dark corners, while shining a light for the rest of us. Honing his craft for over a decade, Hemingway has an extensive catalogue of captivating songs. There is something universally timeless when Jordan sings and his "magnetic energy” is reminiscent to David Gray and even “The Boss” himself. On his latest single “Runaways”, Hemingway collaborates with Eric Sanderson (Augustines, Pela) and Harbor Community Sessions with a song that slowly burns into a cinematic anthem of reflection and moving forward.
Runaways has this sense of "overcoming obstacles” and you were able to give us a sense of hope all be it with lived in ache. Was that your intentions when you wrote this?
"The honest explanation is that I picked up the guitar on that particular day and that first line just came out of me “Left our troubles first thing in the morning, saw the glimmering lake from the bridge” I imagined escaping, going on an adventure - I daydream about that often, leaving everything that doesn’t matter behind, (even more so at this present moment in time!) and I think that may come across in a few of my other songs. It seemed to have a real sense of hope and overcoming adversity, but it’s also me checking myself “the tide it won’t change if you don’t make a name for yourself” Basically saying you’ve got some fucking hard work to put in if you want to get where you want to be sonny jim! So to answer your question, I didn’t have any big intentions, I don’t think I ever really do, I just find myself inside the story/moment and just keep going with it”.
The overall collaboration and production is beautiful. How did you connect with Eric Sanderson and Harbor Community Sessions?
"Eric is awesome to work with, he’s a very inspiring, positive, chilled guy, and something of a creative genius - in my opinion. After working with him on my EP Little Lights in 2019, it was a no brainier when he asked me if he could produce Runaways for his new label. We started a communication across FaceTime and email etc, I sent him my rough demo of the track and we went back and forth on building the track from there. Eric made a bold move at the start of the process - by chopping out the first chorus! I wasn’t expecting that, I wouldn’t have thought to do it, but it works a treat I think, to build the suspense for the pay off when the chorus kicks in. Eric’s not afraid to get stuck into a track and chop out any fat, he’s all about the song, and that’s all that matters me”.
Artists are really struggling to stay in the “game”. How are you navigating through this and staying motivated?
“This is a tough one, as you know, being a songwriter you tend to draw from experience, a lot of that experience of life is happening to you in the present - so you pull from what’s going on around you. But we’re currently in a position where we’re all in the same boat - to an extent. And I for one don’t want to write about the pandemic itself, or any political situation. I want to write about where my imagination takes me, the fragility, the darkness and beauty of the human condition, from my experiences and those I observe. I want my songs to feel as personal to someone else as they do to me. I think that’s where that stems from. That thought that I could possibly move someone to feel a certain way is al the motivation I need. I believe in myself, In my songs, it’s the only thing I’m good at to be quite honest. I’m going to keep pushing myself and explore what I’m capable of.
"In terms of staying in the game financially, well that’s out the window isn’t it! I’m lucky to have found some other means of employment while this situation carries on, and on.. My heart goes out to those thousands, maybe millions of musicians without work right now. All those venues and staff out of work. Hopefully we will turn the corner very soon. And we’ll even be able to play shows again! One thing I know for certain is that the lack of funds won’t stop us making great art. That’s what we’re on this planet to do eh - We won’t stop".
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- Dennis King, BMN Contributor