Angelina Jordan: A Voice of Her Generation
Los Angeles-based American and Norwegian singer Angelina Jordan emerges as a voice of her generation. With her soulful voice that belies her age she effortlessly navigates through a diverse range of musical genres captivating listeners across demographics.
Beyond her vocal prowess, Angelina utilizes her platform to address pressing social issues, embodying a spirit of compassion that resonates with contemporary youth. Angelina's journey from a young talent show winner to an internationally acclaimed artist serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the power of perseverance and authenticity in achieving one's dreams.
From Paris, we spoke to the rising star about her ability to transcend boundaries of age and culture and her unwavering commitment to both music and social change.
Angelina Jordan wears Dolce & Gabbana with jewelry from V Muse.
Photographer: HABIB DARGHAM
Fashion Editor & Stylist: VICTOR CONCEPTO
Hair Stylist: ALEXANDER VON TRENTINI
Makeup Artist: ANNE ARNOLD
Location: SHANGRI-LA HOTEL PARIS
Acknowledgment: OPHÉLIE RENOUARD, LE BAL DES DÉBUTANTES
AM: How did you start off your career?
AJ: My whole journey started when I was seven years-old. I've been performing on the biggest stages for Quincy Jones and had concerts in Korea in front of 40,000 spectators. I met so many legendary people along the way. I released my EP called Old Enough and I am working on my first album too. It's all super exciting.
AM: Growing up who were some of your favorite musicians?
AJ: I’ve listened to everything from Whitney Houston to Elvis Presley, Billie Holiday, Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, Adele, Amy Winehouse and Etta James. These artists have inspired me to write my own songs and to bring back that timeless sound into the music that I put out.
AM: Having a career debut at an early age, what helped you remain grounded?
AJ: What kept me grounded is having my supportive family behind my back. If it wasn’t for them, I would not have been able to do anything I dreamed of ever since I was a little girl. I think it’s important that when you’re climbing those stairs and establishing your path to have someone from your family, your friends, your coach or whoever believes in you and has your best interest. Having people that support you from when you weren’t up there until now is important. I think that having a dream is one thing, but the hard work is essential. It obviously does not happen all at once it takes a lot of effort and courage. Not giving up is something that I have always had at the back of my head.
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| Head accessory, earrings and bracelet, V Muse. Dress, Dolce & Gabbana. |
AM: As a young artist many girls look up to you, what is your take on today’s world?
AJ:
I’ve been truly blessed with the gift that I can be a voice for my
generation as a woman in my industry. I feel like there’s so much
pressure with social media and the society that we are living in right
now. It’s very important to have awareness about mental health and to
take care of each other. The least thing that we can do is to spread
love and that you are enough for who you are and that you don’t need
society’s stamp of approval. None of that matters when you’re being
yourself and you are happy with yourself. I am really lucky to be able
to share all those feelings into music and it’s incredible that many
people out there relate to the music I create.
AM: How important is songwriting to you? And how is your creative process like?
AJ:
It is my way of putting all my sentiments into a song. I have my
journal that I write every day and it's just based on all my
experiences, or even on other people's stories that I really get
inspired to write about. For my creativity flow, I love to surround
myself with people, especially my family. Also, songs come together once
I am in the studio during sleepless nights. I'll jam into the piano and
then the lyrics come.
AM: Last year you participated in the
prestigious Le Bal event in Paris which attracted a lot of media
interest, how did you join the cast of the debutantes?
AJ: Le
Bal’s founder Ophélie Renouard scouted me on YouTube after hearing my
songs. She wanted to bring together a fresh and modern cast. We looked
at the background and history of Le Bal and it was an honor for me to be
part of it.
AM: And speaking of glamour, how would you define your own fashion style?
AJ:
Being an artist fashion is definitely the second most important thing,
along with the identity that I show to the public. I love fashion very
much; I can do five different outfit changes in a day. But I love
creating my own stuff as well. My grandmother is a big painter and she
inspires me a lot when it comes to designing art and my own looks.
AM: What’s next for you?
AJ:
This May I will be celebrating my 10-year anniversary and I just
released a video about my journey. I am also preparing several concerts
in the United States, London and worldwide. I’ve recently had two sold
out shows in Las Vegas, at the same hall where Elvis Presley had his
residency. I got to perform in front of my fans from all around the
world from Brazil Australia, Norway Germany, France. It was incredible.