Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Stoute.
Hi Jordan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I find purpose in advocating for the indie scene because it’s full of hard-working, humble, and real people trying to make a dream happen. They are people who want bigger for themselves, to break out of the typical 9-5 matrix.
It’s brave, and because that world is so full of dreamers, there are snakes lurking around every corner, ready to take advantage. I’ve had it happen to me. I’ve seen it happen to others. I’ve learned exactly how not to run a business first-hand through previous work experience. Safe places in the industry are few and far between for independent artists, and I take great pride in choosing to make that my niche.
As a woman in the music industry, I also have a strong passion for supporting women in music. As a songwriter, recording artist, and performer myself, I know first-hand what it’s like to be the one singing for a free beer while no one listens, and I have experienced various instances of misogyny through the years. I love advocating for fair compensation and opportunity for all of my artists. I especially love it when I’m underestimated. It’s a superpower.
I want Jayebird Bookings to be known as an ally and advocate for every artist from every walk of life, especially those who are marginalized or stereotyped within the industry. If an artist keeps hitting walls while trying to pitch themselves, I aim to break through barriers to advocate for them, providing them with new opportunities that can further their career.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have learned that when walking down the wrong path for myself, I can always detach.
Within two years of time, I lost my grandmother, uncovered betrayal from a long-term mentor, lived through an unthinkable betrayal from a person very close to me personally, experienced job loss, financial strain, and constant no’s from any potential job or music opportunity I was coming across. For the most part, 2023 sucked, and Jayebird Bookings saved me.
I eventually got tired of knocking on doors just for them to be shut in my face, so I built my damn door!
I was pretty much at an all-time low when I decided to start Jayebird Bookings. I thought, “What do I have to lose? I’m already starting from ground zero.” They say rock bottom is the best place to start over! 8 Months later, I am making more than I was in my previous position. I’m not where I want to be, but I took the risk, and it’s working.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Jayebird Bookings?
I created Jayebird Bookings to pave a path for independent artists who need something in between being completely DIY and signing to a larger agency. Something without a long-term, exclusive contract. This leaves them in the driver’s seat of deciding who is on their team and exactly how long/how much they want to invest in additional support.
There are so many full-time musicians or musicians just starting who need someone on their team advocating for them, but they can’t seem to get the attention of agents who are only working with big names. If they’re not making a substantial amount on their own, no agent will work for 10% of very little to nothing when a big name over there is raking in the big bucks.
That’s where I come in; I’m a building block– a stepping stone for musicians to help them break into new markets and eventually evolve into something more sustainable for long-term success.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I don’t know if I can choose just one favorite memory, but there was a time when no one close to me had passed, and my family was whole.
Every memory from when that was the case is special to me. A few standout moments include Fourth of July at the Lakehouse, summer burgers by the pool, fishing in the pond, a family vacation to Kauai full of beauty and adventure, and Christmases with everyone under the same roof by candlelight.
My childhood was beautiful, full of love, and I miss how light it felt being a kid surrounded by that. I guess my favorite memory is every memory I had when everyone I loved was asleep under the same roof. Everything was as it should have been in those moments. If I had known they wouldn’t last forever, I would have stayed awake just to hold on to the feeling a little longer.
Contact Info:
- Website: jayebirdbookings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayebirdbookings/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Jayebird-Bookings/61550753735015/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jayebirdbookings
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jayemadisonband
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JayeMadisonBand
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/jayemadisonband
Image Credits
Libby Danforth
