ROCHELLE JORDAN: Sade, Star Gazing, and Success

MUSIC

Nov 21

Rochelle Jordan has always made music with emotional clarity, and Through The Wall feels like the purest expression of that instinct. The British-Canadian singer, songwriter and producer returns with a seventeen-track body of work that captures her full range – the softness, the grit, the movement, the honesty. Co-created with longtime collaborator KLSH and a stacked lineup of dance and R&B innovators, the album expands Jordan’s world while staying rooted in the textures that shaped her: UK garage echoing through bedroom walls, 90s R&B silhouettes, gospel warmth, and the pulse of underground club culture.

But what stands out most is how grounded she is. Jordan’s answers bring us into the everyday things that shape her – nature, her family, childhood comfort shows, the resilience built from personal wins and losses. Through The Wall arrives as a celebration of what she’s already broken through to get here. In this conversation, Rochelle speaks with refreshing candour about inspiration, power, collaboration, and the small heavenly joys that keep her connected.

Outside of your art form, where do you draw inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from nature. Being at the lakes, beaches, somewhere in the trees, long scenic drives.

Where do you think your personal power comes from?
I think it comes from my life experiences. Every single struggle to the wins I've had is what drives the resilience I have which is my personal power.

What’s your favourite “third space”?
The forest.

Is there something you learned or believed early in your career that you’ve since outgrown or disproved?
Yes, I’ve learned that it’s never too late.

Within your immediate circle — friends, family, chosen family — who inspires you the most, and why?
Both of my parents. They’ve been through some super challenging things in life and stuck everything out together. They’re also naturally very fearless people who have always been willing to take risks for the betterment of their future. That’s very inspiring and I respect that so much.

What’s something you return to again and again — a book, a place, a habit, a memory?
I return to the shows “The office” or “Girlfriends”.

When do you feel most yourself?
When I'm with my family.

What’s the best advice you’ve ignored?
Don’t be too modest.

How has your understanding of success changed over time?
I understand now that success is not linear and that failure is an integral part of success.

What’s a recent moment that surprised you?
“Through the wall” going viral on twitter the day it was released.

How much of a role do other artists play in inspiring your work?
Artists who I grew up listening to play and have always played a huge roll in my sound. Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Whitney Huston, Missy Elliot, Gwen Stephani, Aamerie, Fred Hammond, Cece Peniston, Beyonce, Kelis… the list really goes on and on. From the unique creativity, authenticity down to the execution, the bar was set high. They’ve made me want to top whatever my last was, and they’ve all contributed to me being very comfortable in who I am as an artist.

How instrumental is collaboration for you?
Collaboration is extremely instrumental and necessary to my growth and imagination. It’s sharpening steel with steel and it’s also fun to create with creatives I truly respect.

Is there a specific vibe, genre or instrument that moves you?
Yes, Bells and Glockenspiels are moving me right now.

What is the one thing you hope people take away from your music ?
I guess I just want people to feel happy and inspired, truly. Simply put, I hope people feel joy in themselves to the point of singing at the top of their lungs and dancing around their homes by themselves, or among others at the club.

What is your favourite song to cover? (or sing at karaoke?)
“Rock the boat” by Aaliyah.

What is your most prized possession?
My voice.