About this episodeJordan Ward discusses his transition from professional dancer to musician, emphasizing that the journey is mor…AI summary
Jordan Ward discusses his transition from professional dancer to musician, emphasizing that the journey is more important than the destination and that success requires continuous evolution. He highlights the rich cultural and musical heritage of Saint Louis, sharing insights on dog care, local food culture, and the importance of discipline in both creative and personal life.
Key takeaways 5
The concept of 'North Star' as a guiding principle for creativity: Focus on being the best at what you do rather than chasing specific numerical placements or destinations, as the journey itself is the primary reward.
Saint Louis is a fertile ground for music due to its history in the Great Migration, blending influences from Chicago, Detroit, and Memphis, producing artists like Chuck Berry, Tina Turner, and SZA.
Professional dancers must maintain high levels of physical conditioning and punctuality because 'time is money' in the industry; this work ethic translates directly to successful music careers.
Dog behavior is rooted in pack mentality and demeanor; staying calm and not showing fear or excessive excitement helps establish stability with large dogs.
Music creation should balance personal expression with listener connection; involving others in the studio provides immediate feedback on whether lines or vibes resonate.
Notable quotes 4AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“There is no destination. It's like, man. We only, so, yeah. I'm glad to still have a journey in front of me. Like, damn, I never wanna reach it. I never wanna reach the thing.”
▶ 5:02Jordan Ward explaining his philosophy on career and life, preferring the ongoing process over final achievements.
“Saint Louis is... six hours south of Chicago, and six hours north of Memphis. So I feel like... Memphis and Saint Louis are so similar. Whenever I describe Saint Louis, I'm like, 'You blend Detroit, Chicago, and Memphis, and that's what Saint Louis is.'”
Describing the unique cultural and musical blend that defines Saint Louis.
“If you come in, and people can feel, like, you know, like, you stable, like, you're not gonna flip out, freak out... If you come in, like, with a... if you anxious and all that... they can smell it.”
▶ 14:40Advice on how to interact with large dogs by maintaining a stable demeanor rather than showing fear or over-excitement.
“I just want to be the best, man. Not necessarily to be better than anyone... but I just want to... all those artists that I just named from St. Louis... are the best at what they do.”
▶ 35:19Ward's approach to his music career, inspired by the excellence of artists he worked with as a dancer.
Chapters & Sections (50)▼
0:00Cultural Significance of Memes and Secret Messageschapter3
0:00Cultural Significance of Memes and Secret Messages
1:32Benefits of Authentic Conversations in Interviews
3:12The Importance of Journey Over Destination
5:07The Importance of Life's Journey Over Destinationchapter2
5:07The Importance of Life's Journey Over Destination
6:53Childhood Origins and Upbringing in Chicago
9:26Chicago Food Culture and Local Favoriteschapter4
9:26Chicago Food Culture and Local Favorites
10:52Street Food Vendors and No-Contact Service
12:01Dogs and Their Unique Personalities Discussed
13:22Dealing with Aggressive Dogs Effectively
14:57Dog Care and Sitter Optionschapter2
14:57Dog Care and Sitter Options Discussion
16:23Saint Louis Music Scene and Cultural Significance
19:09Saint Louis Music Scene and Cultural Significancechapter2
19:09Saint Louis Music Scene and Cultural Significance
20:52Regional Music Influences and Cultural Similarities
23:22The Evolution of Slang and Language Usagechapter3
23:22The Evolution of Slang and Language Usage
25:43The Challenges of Deciphering Online Slang and Abbreviations
27:01Becoming a Professional Dancer in the Industry
28:58Janet Jackson's Influence on Dancers and Choreographychapter3
28:58Childhood Passion for Dance and Performance
30:18Choreography Inspiration and Favorite Dance Experiences
31:49Childhood Influences on Becoming a Dancer
33:26Choreography Inspiration from Dance Rehearsalschapter3
33:26Choreographing for High-Profile Performances and Artists
35:24The Importance of Maintaining Artistic Excellence
36:46Transitioning from One Artistic Pursuit to Another
39:18Transitioning from Dance to Music Productionchapter3
39:18Transitioning from Dance to Music Production
42:02Importance of Having a Side Hustle
43:26DoorDash and Music Career Juxtaposition
46:09Defining Quitting and Setting a Good Examplechapter3
46:09Defining Quitting and Next Moves in Life
48:06Muscle Coordination in Singing and Performance
49:30Vocal Training and Singing Techniques
51:12Childhood Memories of Church and Misbehaviorchapter3
51:12Childhood Memories of Church and Misbehavior
53:05Strategies for Leaving Church Services Early
54:48Artist's Inspiration and Family Legacy
56:55Creating Timeless Music and Its Significancechapter2
56:55Timeless Music Creation and Artistic Evolution
58:42Collaboration and Energy in Music Creation
1:01:25Importance of Discipline in Personal Lifechapter4
1:01:25Importance of Discipline in Personal Life
1:03:47Discussing the Pros of Having a Dog
1:05:12Importance of Remembering Names in the Industry
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