At the tender age of twenty, Houston native Jordan Davis is already establishing himself as a truly talented artist in the music industry. From run in’s with Chance the Rapper, performances with Foley, bassist to the legendary Miles Davis and an upcoming SXSW (South by Southwest) performance in Austin, Texas; Jordan is leaving his mark one accomplishment at a time. The Political Science major, goes by the stage name Jack Vance and is a member of West Oak, a collective group of talented artists. His vibrant personality and raw talent make him a rising eagle that everyone should keep an eye on.
When did you first notice your passion for music?
In July 2015, I talked to Evan about doing shows and how I wasn’t really going to worry about it. The day after I booked two shows in one day. I thought about it and I was like “Man, I’ve been preparing for this moment my entire life”. It really hit me that day, like this is really what I’m supposed to be doing.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?
I met Foley, the lead bassist for Miles Davis a couple weeks ago and I got to perform with him. That was really one of my moments. I told him the next time I see you, we’re going to be on stage together and it happened. It was amazing and one of the best feelings I’ve ever had.
What message do you want people to get from your music?
I want people to know that I’m human and I have scars and flaws. I’m not perfect, but my flaws are what make me, me; your flaws make you, you. So, whatever is wrong with you is probably some of the best qualities about you.
What influence did growing up in Houston have on your music?
Growing up in Houston everything is slow, the slang and everything else. It definitely had an effect on me. The crazy thing about it is, it effects my beats, but it doesn’t affect the way I rap. When I make my beats, all my beats sound like I’m from Houston, but when I rap it sounds like I’m from New York or something. It’s kind of crazy how that works out.
Tell me about your collective group, West Oak. How does being a part of a collective help you as an artist?
At this point we’re still trying to gel. Right now we all just mentally support each other. We have Jared with his hats, Evan going around talking and telling everyone about us. Blake constantly pushing me to be a better artist. Bri with her art and Jonique with her fashion and yelling at me every day. It hasn’t got to the business aspect that all of us want it to, but as friends and family I think we’ve grown pretty well
What’s your favorite project?
I like the project I’m doing right now- Steelo Soul .The project is Steelo Soul, but I wanted to break it up and explain it better because people have the attention span of five year old kids. I broke it up and I’m just explaining different thoughts at different times in the motions of my life. It’s not a cohesive thing, its different moments and how I felt about them. I definitely like Nineteen because it was me at my most vulnerable state with my rawest emotions. I get a chance to say everything I never got to say to anybody. Every song was a shot in some way or form. Whether it was subliminal or not, it was me just coming at everybody that has ever done me wrong and everything that has ever hurt me. It’s probably going to be my most favorite, no matter the quality.
How do you balance college life and music?
It’s hard, I don’t want to be in school half the time. I’m just here to network to be honest and once the opportunity arises I’m gone.
How do you feel about your upcoming performance at SXSW?
To be honest it hasn’t hit me yet. It hasn’t really resonated that I’m performing at SXSW. I’m still a little scared and nervous. I mean it’s a festival and it’s big. Everything is happening so fast. All this is happening within a year’s time. Just last year I was a spectator and now I’m on the stage.
Check out www.jackraps.com for all things Jack Vance and follow @JackVance_ on Twitter for updates on his upcoming SXSW performance.