Meet Jordan Holtz | Musician & Administrative Professional

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jordan Holtz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jordan, what’s your definition for success?
I think success is pretty subjective and I’ve definitely struggled in creating my own definition of what it is. It took a long time to move past the idea that success is having a lucrative career and an absolute purpose for existence. I’ve come to realize for myself, success is finding balance and a good perspective on life. It’s figuring out how to pay the bills while still doing the things that I love and make me happy, like playing music. I found the meaning of success when I was able to move past the superficial definitions of it. For myself, finding who I was and figuring out what I needed to do to be happy and healthy, while also being a good human being to the people around me was where I found meaning. Success looks different for everyone, and I think that’s really the important thing to remember.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My music was something I fell into kind of unintentionally at first. I learned how to play bass in Rick Rude and I’m not sure I would have ever gotten into the band world without that. I have always sang and loved music; my family has always been very musical, but I was a very anxious and depressed kid and had trouble putting myself out there musically or giving music validity in my head. There is a lot of vulnerability in it, which can be tough. Rick Rude gave me a platform to feel comfortable singing for others. I figured out that I could not only write songs, but people connected with them. A lot of my music is a way for me to work through things, and I want for it to create something that feels relatable for others. I wanted to create bass driven emotional music that drew a reaction, that struck a chord. Music that is beautiful, but also a little unsettling and gritty. I have listened to so much different music throughout my life that has supported me, and that’s what I wanted to do for others. Even if it’s one person out there somewhere that listens and says “oh dang I’ve been through this, I’m not alone and this is a great song.” then I’m happy.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Seacoast, NH is a good spot because you are near the ocean and the mountains, and Maine is right around the corner too. First off, this trip should happen in the first week of June as that is IMO the best time of the year here. I am not a huge fan of a rigid schedule, so we’d probably spend most days either at a beach in Maine, at a swim spot, or just walking around somewhere. Most of my swim spots are best when not crowded, so I cannot disclose locations (sorry), but a nice place to swim that is well known is White Lake, it’s pretty gorgeous. Dover NH is a good place to walk around, and we would definitely go to Chapel and Main for food a couple of times that week; it’s my spot. We would go to Kittery Foreside in ME for food too, they have some great spots including Black Birch, Anju Noodle Bar and Festina Lente. We could hike Mount Blue Job, or Mount Major if you are looking for a bigger hike and crazier views. Lastly, we would go see some shows. Flight Coffee in Dover has great coffee and sick shows on most weekends. WSCA radio station in Portsmouth has really good DJ’s and radio shows, but they also do live shows throughout the week dependent on their schedule. Auspicious Brew is a kombucha place in Dover that also hosts shows and has a really great stage and vibe. So ya: nature, food and shows.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First big shoutout to my band mates Ben Troy and Ryan Harrison. When I was a new bass player and musician, they invited me to play music with them and made me feel comfortable and accepted. At the time they were both seasoned musicians, they didn’t have to give me that space to learn and grow but they did with open arms, and it was so important for me. They helped me learn how to be in a band and how to collaborate and write songs together and tour, etc. It’s a world I dreamed of as a kid and they really helped to make that a reality for me. I want to also shout out to my mom Monique Bloise and my Aunt Christine Greene for always singing. They really taught me the dynamics of harmonizing and singing in a group.
Lastly, I want to shout out to the local creatives in seacoast NH who inspire each other to create, especially Sam Paolini and Cassie Brazeau, who have been creative role models to me for the past 10 years. They both created their own art platforms and have really stood up for themselves and what they believe in. They represent themselves in such a way that it always motivates me to want to do the same.

Website: https://prettypurgatory.bandcamp.com/album/not-close-for-comfort

Instagram: @training_brah @rickrudeensemble

Image Credits
Personal photo by: Victoria Swearingen

Other photos: Karina Fontaine, Adam Gerhold, Jason Unterreiner, Tyler Mills, Darcie Blake, Mike Quigley, Ben Troy