Exclusive Interview with Musician Jordi Whitworth

You may recognize Jordi Whitworth from the popular British band Overload. They were a fan favorite and finalists on the UK talent competition X-Factor in 2014. Since his X-Factor days, Jordi has gone off to become a solo artist and is looking forward to releasing his debut single Mambo to his fans.
Raised in Canvey Island, Essex, United Kingdom, Jordi has also pursued a career in acting and has appeared on Holby City, East Enders, and Law and Order. With acting and singing under his belt, Jordi was able to talk with me about his new sound, his experience on the X-Factor, and what other passions he wishes to pursue in his career.
When did you realize that singing was a passion that you wanted to pursue?
Well, I never was a singer from a young age! I never even dreamt of singing but once I was brought into the music industry and had a taste of performing on stage it was something I never wanted to let go of.
What was your experience being on the X-Factor like? Did the experience teach you anything about yourself as a performer?
Being on the X-Factor for me was an all around great experience having — being told by Cheryl Cole that I was a ‘Stud Muffin’ was a personal highlight. But it was nice to see how it all worked. It taught me not take everything so seriously and to have fun with the pressure you’re under because at the end of the day this is a career path you should be enjoying.
Since you were part of the group Overload, did you feel any pressure at the time to live up to the hype that usually comes with being in a boy band?
Not at all! I think because we had built up our own hype organically it didn’t really matter what we did because the fans were genuinely there because they liked us, and not to just follow the clan — we had a lovely little family as I put it. (laughs).
Do you feel a new sense of responsibility now that it’s just you and your music?
I actually don’t feel as much pressure because before when I was in the band I had to depend on four other boys for my career to succeed — which at times I didn’t feel comfortable with. But now being solo makes it a lot easier as everything is my decision.
What does your debut single, Mambo say about you as a solo artist?
I think when Mambo is released people are going to be intrigued with the new sound. I’m so excited to hear the response.
What can fans expect from your music going forward?
I’m influenced by a lot of the big names in the industry so I want to create my own sound. For example, I want to bring in strings and bows combined with the sound of the artists that I am influenced by to create a new sound that the fans can enjoy.
What is the message that you want to give out through your music?
That you don’t have to fulfill your dreams so early on, you can start any age as long as you put your mind to it and believe it will happen. Be yourself, don’t pressure yourself into any situations you are unsure of…
Where would be a dream venue to perform at?
I think my dream venue would be at the MGM. It would just be the best day of my life.
Who have been your musical inspirations to motivate you to find your sound?
I grew up listening to a lot of Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and many more. More recently, I have been influenced by The Weeknd, I love all of the diverse songs on each of these artist albums, which is the goal I want to achieve.
What advice would you give aspiring performers who want to audition for a talent competition or who want to get started in the music industry?
The only advice I can say is to be yourself, don’t pressure yourself into any situations you are unsure of because you have to live with your career for the rest of your life. And make sure this is a happy experience, not a chore.
Besides singing, are there other talents or passions that you want to pursue in your career?
I would love to have a positive singing career then go into acting. I think that would be a dream come true.
Finally, we at TNWU all have something nerdy/geeky about us. What is something nerdy or geeky about you?
Oh god erm… I guess I can move my hair without touching it, which makes it look like I’m wearing a wig… (laughs).
Find Jordi on Social Media:
Twitter: @JordiWhitworth
Instagram: JordiWhitworth
Website: jordiwhitworthmusic.com