'Quick' success took lot of work

Photo: Dean Chalkley

Jordan Max

OLDHAM-born and raised soul-singing sensation Jordan Max appears to be on a steady rise towards mega-stardom.

His hugely popular debut EP - Only One Is King - was only released 12 months ago, but already he has been pinpointed as a future big name by BBC Introducing, who in turn helped secure the former Failsworth School pupil a massively prestigious gig at last year's Glastonbury Festival.

That helped his profile no end, but his sweet soul voice is already coming to the attention of the masses and today he will complete a six-date UK tour supporting the amazing streetwise soul darling Jorja Smith.

The only way is up it would seem for Jordan, but where did it all start for the confident and clearly focused young man who only took up singing six years ago?

The former Curzon Ashton FC and Oldham town team footballer said: "Initially I was inspired by my friend who simply made a beat, then a group of us friends decided we'd get some software so we could start making some music.

"Back then, we were making basslines, dubstep and stuff, until one time I was in a front room watching Sky Movies, and the film 'Ray' came on (the 2004 Oscar-winning biopic all about legendary soul musician Ray Charles).

"That film just gave me a burning desire to learn the piano, but even at that point I couldn't sing.

"I kept on learning, then I was introduced to Sam Cooke, and that's when I really realised I could maybe sing that tone.

"It's just progressed and progressed from there."

Some may feel Jordan has suddenly been thrust into the limelight, but he has put in the graft.

"I wouldn't say it's been a whirlwind - we did plan for all this stuff," he said.

"Maybe it looks like overnight success, but we worked so hard getting the EP together, then, knowing what we felt about the music, we just felt we needed to do justice to that work we'd put in.

"It may look like it's just blown up, but we have been wanting to make sure everything was right.

"I've had nothing but support and love from BBC Introducing since, and they put me on to Glastonbury.

"That was my first gig, and it was amazing. I actually worked on security there about five years previously, but I never imagined I'd be back there on the stage.

"For our first gig with me as a front-man, it couldn't have gone any better."

Recording-wise, Jordan recently released his single Out Of Luck to huge acclaim, and there are more recordings planned.

He added: "We've got another track - Closer - coming out as a single, then the plan is to release a second EP.

"Hopefully, around June or July-time that'll see another four tracks out there.

"All the stuff is already in the can. That's what we're building up for now, and then from there, we'll start working towards the first album.

"That will definitely be released next year, chiefly because I wanted to release Out Of Luck and Closer first.

"We might even release a couple more singles before the year is out."

My interview with Jordan was conducted at the Team Greaves Gym on Bourne Street, Hollinwood, only hours before a warm-up gig therey.

Asked why he played at such an unusual venue, Jordan said: "I've known Marvin (gym owner Greaves) a long time, but because it's my home town I felt it was quite a historic thing we did.

"No-one's ever done a gig in a boxing gym, but Marvin was happy to do it so we could get the support of the community.

"It wasn't just for my benefit - we wanted people to know the gym exists - but it also helped my confidence because we came to my home town.

"It was a win-win situation."

It certainly was, as his fans lapped up a heart-warming set from a guy who is most definitely going places.