Imagine Sinead Oconnor trapped in a 19th workhouse with only Trent Reznor for company.
Jordan has been nominated for New Zealand Music Awards, recieved several Arts Council grants, scholarships and comissions, and released five CDs (two albums under the moniker "Dr Kevorkian & the Suicide Machine").
Jordan now lives in London and Hamburg, where she performs regularly both live, and online.
International Reviews:
"simply stunning. A thoroughly unique work of art from start to finish. Whether by hook or crook, you MUST own this album. RATING - 5 / 5" Channel 4 (UK)
"I'd be loath to categorize music this original. PJ Harvey springs to mind, but the style is 100% Jordan's. Her vocals are astounding"
The Mix (UK)
"one of the best dark ambient pieces of music ever to have come out of New Zealand... a thoroughly emotional and moving piece of sound art which deserves wide exposure.” – FIEND Magazine (Australia)
"one of the most impressive musician/ songwriter/ composers of the last 10 years" Nocturnal Hall (Germany)
"Husky and thoughtful female vocals ride over a wide-ranging alternative spectrum of sound, from rock and acoustic guitars, to mellow and haunting synths. That said, this sound is distinct, with Jordan's vocals being able to reach any scale, no matter what the music around her may be doing, making for a varied listening experience. This is what the scene needs – more bands willing to give something new a go, and Dr Kevorkian seem to be amongst those leading the way"
Hard Wired (UK)
"A jewel of industrial folk...(Reyne's) fascinatingly powerful voice...and reliance on substance over gloss make „How the Dead Live“ an impressive album. Disturbingly beautiful. A must have - not just for lovers of dark and industrial folk, but for everyone." Unser Luebeck (Germany)
Local Reviews:
"A groundbreaking album - Probably the most eerily beautiful and disturbing album you will hear from a New Zealand artist this year”. New Zealand Musician
"..the most innovative, emotive and experimental music ever to come out of New Zealand" Salient (Victoria University)
"The Ironman is a concept album, a study in science, technology and humanity. Stunning poetry.. evocative and moving" Real Groove
"[the Loneliest of Creatures] is one of the most ethereal and hauntingly beautiful albums to be released this year. Jordan Reyne is a truly experimental musician, willing to overthrow any preconceived notions of "how music should be" in order to expand her art" Chaff (Massey University Student Press)
"Where others sit and strum, Reyne uses the entire studio to build somber yet evocative sound pictures... She succeeds in turning her bleakest visions into something musically seductive"
The Listener (NZ)
"This album will tear you apart - and it may be the best thing you buy all year" Rip It Up (NZ)
Guest Appearances, Commissions and Collaborations:
Jordan from Dr Kev has guested on tracks by
Breaks Co-Op Lyrics, vocals and melody for the track "Transistor" - released 1997 by Deepgrooves and Festival Records.
FEARvLOATHINC Lyrics, vocals and melody for the track "Maker" "Newex" "Waiter" & "Alien Radio Station"- due out soon!
James K Baxter. Jordan was invited to write music and melody to Baxter's poem "High Country Weather" for the Baxter album (featuring music by many NZ artists and poems by James K Baxter) that was released in 2001.
Gydja vocal samples for use by gothic underground artist Gydja.
David Eggleton. Jordan put music to David Eggleton's poem "PC" released in 2001 on Yellow-Eye records.
Victoria University Jordan (as Dr Kev) is currently working on a commissioned piece for Victoria Universities Theatre and Film department.
Notable Live Miscellany:
Music and Technology Tour ('98): Reyne undertook a Creative New Zealand and Fender sponsored tour of Secondary Schools in 1998. The 42 date tour was one of the biggest of its kind. It took 5 months to complete.
Big Day Out: Reyne played at 2 Big Day Outs and twice at the Mountain Rock Festivals.
Reyne also played support for White Zombie back in the days of Bloodflower. "[their] live performances are nothing short of amazing both aurally and visually" - Chaff: Massey University Student Magazine
You can hear Jordan's music on:
Shortland Street - mainly in the cafe scenes.
2 NZ short films: one entitled "Blessed"
The bNet stations
National Radio & Concert FM
Access Radio and Pirate
You can also hear her as guest artist on:
Strawpeople
FEARvLOATHINC
Breaks Co-Op
Gydja
N.U.T.E.
Passenger
Jordan Reyne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Passed LA international and tired air hostesses
I had nothing with me
We find our truths in all the lonely places
In the ruins we leave in our attempts at greatness
The lyrics of Jordan Reyne's song "Passenger" narrate a story of a person who is chasing the sun for over 30 hours, passing the Los Angeles International airport and tired air hostesses. This individual has nothing with them and seems to be searching for something. The first verse is describing someone who is feeling directionless, unsure of what they are looking for.
The second verse suggests that the person is trying to find meaning in their life through their attempts at greatness. They are leaving ruins behind them and perhaps looking for something redeeming or fulfilling in their endeavors. The final line, "You will fade to grey cos I want you to," is a reference to the idea that the individual is trying to shed their old self in pursuit of something new, even if it means leaving parts of themselves behind.
Overall, the song Passenger's message is about the search for meaning in life and feeling lost along the way. The idea of chasing the sun is a metaphor for chasing something elusive or unattainable, and the lyrics suggest that the journey may be more important than the destination.
Line by Line Meaning
I chased the sun for over 30 hours
I traveled for a long time, pursuing the sun as it moves across the sky and trying to catch up to it.
Passed LA international and tired air hostesses
I flew past Los Angeles International Airport, seeing exhausted flight attendants who have probably been working for a long time.
I had nothing with me
I didn't bring anything with me on this journey.
We find our truths in all the lonely places
In the isolated and solitary places of life, we often discover our true selves and what is really important to us.
In the ruins we leave in our attempts at greatness
When we strive for greatness, we may leave behind destruction or chaos in our wake.
You will fade to grey cos I want you to
I am causing you to become dull and colorless because that is what I desire or intend to happen.
Contributed by Caden C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.