10 Questions With Jordan Mackampa on His Striking Sophomore Album “WELCOME HOME, KID!” [Q&A]
Photo: Aidan Harmitt-Williams
If your tastes run to classic storytelling over a mellifluous voice, if you favor captivating melodies and catapulting choruses over superfluous song structuring, then Jordan Mackampa’s sophomore record is your salve and solution. The British singer is blessed with a wonderfully warm voice that harmonizes across all of WELCOME HOME, KID!, a magician's bag of genres and vocal voila's, a record that has enough crossover sounds to encourage even the most resolute R&B cynics to come over for the vibes. Per our usual insatiable curiosity we reached out across the pond to learn more about soul food, what's next for this rising star, and more.
Ones To Watch: Who is ‘Jordan Mackampa’ aka Mr Coca Butter?
Jordan Mackampa: It’s me but in my final form like Cell from DBZ — at my most confident and sexy, which is always but he makes an appearance occasionally when I’m truly in my element.
What is WELCOME HOME, KID! all about?
It’s Black boy joy told in 13 songs.
You have a classic, every-era vibe, how’d you settle on your sound?
My sound is so intrinsically me that I couldn’t imagine trying to pinpoint it properly, it just works.
Any collaborations or features? Who produced the album?
No collabs or features but once it’s out and I see how the people react to it, I’ll maybe think about a deluxe version — this album was produced by The Orphanage (Zaire Koalo and Trevor Brown) Blake Straus & a little bit of prod by yours truly!
How do you feel your sound has evolved or changed since your first album Foreigner?
It’s gotten so much more “head poppy”, I’m really flexing my musical muscles in making sure the groove/vibe is more present than I ever have.
What's in store for your future sound? Are you always looking to change or further dial in your sound?
For now, I’m focusing on improving where I’m at, and seeing where it goes for now.
Besides this excellent album, what else should we be on the lookout for?
TourdanMackampa is hitting the road again after a very long time and these will be some of the best shows I’ll ever play to date. I highly recommend coming to witness what’s gonna go down!
What's inspiring you right now outside of music?
The resilience of the Palestinian people. I don’t think else needs to be said there.
Food best suited to enjoying your work?
Soul Food. Served with a very strong punch.
Who are your Ones To Watch?
Sam Dotia, Tahn Solo, Jensen McRae, Venna, Odeal, Dijon, Kemi Ade, Yazmin Lacey.
