As the music industry excitedly awaits the release of Jordan D. Mitchell’s most recent album, Blue Heart Menace, the versatile musician and Stockton native, whose work spans hip-hop, R&B, mariachi, and more, talked about the meaning, inspiration, and influence of his highly anticipated endeavor in a recent interview. Releasing Sep 1st, 2024, his new album offers a distinctive fusion of mariachi, soul, salsa, and West Coast hip-hop with a distinctively Stockton flavor.
HELLO JORDAN D. MITCHELL, WELCOME TO BLACKBIRDNEWS! WHAT INSPIRED THE CREATION OF BLUE HEART MENACE?
The inspiration behind Blue Heart Menace stems from my upbringing in Stockton, California. The album captures the intricacies of living in a place influenced by a strong feeling of community, gang culture, and the Bay Area hyphy movement. In addition to presenting a novel interpretation of party songs, I wanted to produce something that captures the essence and energy of my hometown. The aim was to combine several musical styles, such as mariachi, salsa, and hip-hop, to represent my varied interests and demonstrate that life can still be celebrated despite hardship.
YOUR ALBUM WEIGHS ON ISSUES OF PERSONAL DIFFICULTIES AND GANG VIOLENCE. HOW DID YOU BALANCE THESE TOPICS WITH THE ALBUM’S CELEBRATORY TONE?
I think, for me was expressing my life and where I am and where I was at ya feel me. Like, I’m not trying to make a sad ass or serious ass album but I am trying to make an honest album. It’s fun, it’s gangsta and its unique. It also Stockton, like very much Southwest Stockton. Alot of my producers are from the south side. I went to highschool people on this album.
CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE INFLUENCES BEHIND THE SOUND OF BLUE HEART MENACE?
Shit, where do I start? Like a grew up on E-40, DBThaGeneral, Snoop but also hella RnB from Mary J to Brandy. But also hella latino music, like cumbia, bomba and mariachi. So for me it was like a mix of Bay Area and Latin American music. Hell, I even got filipino influences with Mr. Suave Shooter
WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU WANT THIS ALBUM’S LISTENERS TO TAKE AWAY?
Well 1st, free my cousin Keese. 2nd, When people listen to Blue Heart Menace, I want them to feel strong and independent. The record is about prospering, surviving, and remaining loyal to who you are. My record label, “On The Dead Homies,” has the motto, “In death, there is a community.” This is because we donate 75% of the money we make from items to families who have lost a loved one to gang violence. It’s about making something good out of our struggles and giving back. I hope the music’s message of resiliency and camaraderie resonates with listeners.
HOW DOES BLUE HEART MENACE DIFFER FROM YOUR PREVIOUS WORK?
My last album, ‘I’ll Apologize Later’, was fucking depressing. Like it focused on my tuoil but not my shine ya feel me. 4 years have passed since then, I’ve grown. Blue Heart Menace has a more direct approach. It’s about living in the now and appreciating life as it happens.
CAN YOU SHED SOME LIGHT ON YOUR FUTURE PLANS?
My main goals are to keep fusing various musical genres and incorporating elements of my native culture into contemporary music. Additionally, I’m pretty passionate about the work that On The Dead Homies and I are doing. I wish to support other musicians from the Central Valley and Bay Area by helping them tell their stories and experiences via music. The intention is to provide a platform to influence areas impacted by gang violence rather than just providing entertainment.
HOW CAN YOUR FOLLOWERS AND LISTENERS KEEP UP WITH ALL YOUR AWESOME WORK?
You can follow me on social media for updates and access to special Blue Heart Menace stuff. Once the album debuts, you can listen to it on Spotify and Apple Music.
My Instagram handle is @itsjordanbreh. If you want to learn more about my experiences and initiatives, my website solo.to/jordandmitchell, has merch and song info.
Stream Jordan D. Mitchell’s songs at:
Spotify: Jordan D. Mitchell
Apple Music: Jordan D. Mitchell
