Jordan Frye is no stranger to finding inspiration in the unconventional. Raised in the coastal town of Ventura, California, his early years were steeped in the free-spirited culture of surfing and skateboarding, paired with a steady soundtrack of ’90s indie rock legends like Oasis and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Frye began writing songs at just 10 years old, driven by the creative pulse of his environment and the musical influence of his father, a drummer from the ’70s. His gift for melody and storytelling carried him into a successful career as a songwriter with Capitol CMG/UMG, where he honed his craft writing and producing for other artists before stepping confidently into the spotlight as a solo act.
Now, with his new single “Wildflower” making waves on the Hot AC Chart, Spotify’s New Music Friday, and SiriusXM’s Life with John Mayer, Frye is emerging as a powerful new voice in pop with indie roots. His debut album Beautiful Wasteland established him as a magnetic presence, blending catchy hooks with emotional resonance—earning him over 50 sync placements on platforms like Netflix, MTV, and Amazon. Behind the momentum is a grounded artist whose music reflects his life’s complexities: a devoted husband, father, and caregiver writing each song with a sense of urgency and purpose. In the interview ahead, Frye opens up about the personal and creative forces driving his music, the journey from behind-the-scenes, and what’s next as his sound continues to break through.
Growing up in Ventura, California, surrounded by surfing and skateboarding culture, how did these experiences influence your musical style?
I think those experiences translated into having a more free-spirited sound for me. In the 90s I was listening to Oasis, Cake, and the Chili Peppers - I was fascinated by bands, anything leaning a little left of center. Skateboarding and surfing are similar. It’s less about fitting in, and more about individual expression. You can just jump in at any time and start experimenting. I suppose the music I grew up listening to was always calling to me, “You can do this. Jump in. There’s a full creative world waiting for you. It doesn’t need to sound like anything else but you.”
With your father being a drummer from the '70s, how did his musical background shape your passion for songwriting and performing?
My dad was integral in exposing me to a life of music. There was always music being played around the house. I remember the first time the Dave Matthews Band came on the radio, and he immediately pulled the car over and turned up the speakers as loud as he could. I was baptized. I knew from a super early age that I wanted to do exactly that. I wanted to have that explosive lasting effect on others emotionally.
You began writing original songs at the age of 10. Can you recall what inspired your first composition and what it was about?
My first songs were actually written for my church. From the beginning, I was always trying to write choruses that others could learn and sing back easily. I suppose that same mindset opened up an entire world for me as a professional songwriter. Whether I’m writing for myself or producing another artist, I still ask myself the same questions: “Is it memorable? Is it singable? Is it catchy?”
Having written and produced for artists like Welshly Arms and Zach Williams, how have these collaborations impacted your own music?
Spending my career writing and producing songs for other artists has given me an incredible amount of self-confidence in the craft. I’m a competent singer. I’m a competent musician. I’ve had the privilege of performing and playing all over the world. But songwriting is without a doubt my greatest strength. Taking that strength and writing for myself has been an absolute thrill. I have full confidence in the songs, and believe that’s the magic that’s really allowing doors to open right now as an artist.
Transitioning from producing for others to focusing on your solo career, what challenges and rewards have you encountered along the way?
The biggest challenges I face focusing on a solo career are actually the most beautiful gifts in my life; being a partner to a wife of 15 years, being a father of a 2 and 5 year old, and being a caretaker to my mother who has Alzheimer’s disease. I don’t view these as setbacks, but I’d be lying if I said they weren’t mountains to climb. I climb them everyday. They are my first priority and demand nearly all my time. And yet, I believe there is something happening in my life right now - something extremely special that I can't explain, where the music I’m making is breaking through the noise and people are hearing it. I never thought this of all years would be the year I’d be on the top 40 for weeks in a row. These responsibilities are a constant reminder that I have to write each song like it’s my last. No fillers. All or nothing.
Your songwriting is often compared to storytellers like Tom Petty and James Taylor. How have these artists influenced your approach to music?
My dad took me to see James live. That concert had a huge impact on me. I wanted to do what he did. To tell stories in a timeless way. I would go home and watch his live DVD’s over and over again. Petty also rode that perfect line of story-telling but in a pop package. By the time you get to the chorus it’s with you forever. I feel like I’m listening to the same muse, trying to follow the same path.
When crafting a new song, do you start with lyrics, melody, or a concept? Could you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
It’s all melodic gibberish at first. My phone is full of tens of thousands of voice notes from the park, walking, driving, the bathroom, riding my bike - some kind of melodic lightning bolt strikes and you need to catch it like a firefly before it fades out. My wife can attest there’s been probably too many nights when I can’t sleep cause I need to go catch the firefly in my head. It's a stream of consciousness for me. After that comes the form, the theme, the words. That part is more mathematical and engineering the correct words around the sound - always trying to find a concept or title that’s timeless, but done in an original way.
Your single "Wildflower" has been climbing the Hot AC Radio charts. What inspired this track, and how does it reflect your current artistic direction?
“Wildflower” has been an absolute rocket-ship ride. It’s the exact kind of music I want to be making right now, and the fact that it’s translating into mainstream radio is just laughable. I’m smiling just thinking about it. Sometimes life just gives you gifts you don’t expect. Now I’m trying everyday to not only enjoy the ride, but also keep up with the new speed at which things are flying.
As you continue to evolve as an artist, what new directions or projects are you excited to explore in the near future?
I have big dreams of being on big stages. It’s even hard for me to go to shows because I’m so close to it all. I’d love to open for Snow Patrol, Mumford and Sons, or another one of my favorite bands. I’d really love to work with Kygo someday. I feel like what I do could pair really well with his sound. Honestly - anything beyond this point just feels like a gift. I’m just so happy to be doing what I love.