South African-born electronic artist Jordan Arts has been steadily carving out a name for himself on the global stage, blending the instincts of a producer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist into an immersive electronic sound that feels both expansive and deeply personal. Now based in London, his rise has been marked by a series of major milestones, from opening for electronic heavyweights including Black Coffee, ARTBAT, Nora En Pure, Armin van Buuren, and Martin Garrix, to taking his performances across Europe, India, the Americas, and Brazil’s Rio Carnival.
With support from industry names such as David Guetta and Above & Beyond, and a growing reputation for captivating live shows, Jordan continues to build momentum as one of South Africa’s most exciting electronic exports. We caught up with him to talk about his journey, creative process, and the experiences shaping his evolving sound.
How would you describe your musical style and the genres or subcultures that most influence your sound?
I’ve been influenced by multiple genres over the years, largely through travelling to different countries and experiencing a wide range of musical styles. I adapt my sound depending on where I’m playing. In South Africa, I tend to play Afro House and Melodic House, while in Europe I lean towards a higher energy melodic techno sound. I enjoy being genre-fluid, as it gives me the creative freedom to explore different influences and evolve as an artist.
Music Creation: Describe the primary setting or environment where your music is conceived. Is it a chaotic, overstimulating studio, a minimalist digital space, a rehearsal room, or a more isolated location?
I make music wherever I am. While I have a dedicated studio in Cape Town that I use when I’m home, when I’m on the road all I need is a bed, a laptop, and a pair of headphones. I believe the creative process can happen anywhere. Sometimes I’ll be hiking up a mountain and suddenly feel inspired to write lyrics. For me, it’s important to create whenever inspiration strikes, no matter where I am.
When you create, what leads the way – a feeling, a story, or the sound itself?
I think the music that has connected with people the most has come from personal experiences I’ve gone through. There’s usually a deeper emotional connection when the inspiration is genuine and comes from a real place. That said, sometimes when I set out with the intention of creating a track specifically for the dancefloor, it translates really well in that environment and resonates strongly with the crowd.
What’s in your toolkit? Share the gear, gadgets, or software you can’t create without.
My Neumann TLM 103 microphone goes everywhere with me. It allows me to record high quality vocals wherever I am. I run it through an RME UCX audio interface, which is one of the best interfaces I’ve ever used in terms of reliability and sound quality.
Another piece of equipment I love is the Akai APC40. I use it for my live sets, and it’s like having Ableton at your fingertips. It gives me a hands-on way to control my performance and makes the live experience feel much more dynamic.
Are there any unexpected or dream collaborations hidden in your work?
I have done collaborations with some really big artists like Gordo, Vanco and Tinlicker that are still in the works and waiting for a release date.
Any side projects you’re working on?
I started a production company that creates audio show moments for some of the biggest festivals in South Africa. It’s a great way to apply my production knowledge in a different context and expand what I do beyond just music.
Who’s an emerging artist you think deserves more recognition right now?
An artist/friend I’ve been working with, Zee Essential, has some amazing new music that he is creating, and I feel that when it is released it will really make a strong impact.
What role does ‘rebellion’ or ‘counterculture’ play in your music? Are you aiming to challenge commercial norms, sonic structures, or societal expectations?
I definitely don’t fit into the usual mould of a DJ or live performer. I’ve had promoters ask where I fit within the industry, and to be honest, I like being different and not fitting into a specific label sound or following trends that other artists do. I believe a long-lasting career is created by building your own sound and community, and the people who believe in you will naturally help create opportunities.
Who is one non-musical artist (e.g., fashion designer, visual artist, film director) whose work feels sonically synonymous with your sound?
I’ve had people tell me my sound and live act remind them of RÜFÜS DU SOL, Jan Blomqvist, and Monolink, and all of these artists are huge inspirations of mine.
What aspects of your artistry feel most important to you, for example your sound, visuals, storytelling, or live performance style?
I think the live performance style has really set me apart from other artists, and I want to continue to build on that. I also want to create timeless music that lives beyond the dance floor, something that can connect with people for years after it has been released.
The Future: What is the most exciting and the most terrifying technological development impacting the music industry right now (e.g., AI composition, NFTs, digital distribution models)?
I think the volume of AI music taking over streaming platforms is quite daunting. I’ve had multiple artists send me AI generated vocals and ask me to recreate them with my own voice, which I feel takes away from the human and storytelling aspect of writing. I feel it’s more important than ever to create unique styles of music now than it has ever been before.
How would you describe the live music environments you feel most connected to? For example, are you drawn more to the energy of massive festival stages, the intimacy of underground warehouse parties or DIY venues, or a mix of both?
A sunset set at a big festival has to be at the top of my list. I enjoy taking crowds on a journey in a club setting because there’s less pressure than a large live performance, but the reaction you get from a massive crowd is a feeling I can’t even describe.
Famous last words?
Live fully, love deeply, and be kind.
Listen to Jordan Arts’ mix on PLAYY. Music:
