Jordan McGraw is many things. A songwriter, a rockstar, and an enthusiastic family man. 

Before sitting down to chat with Jordan, I have to admit to my light social media stalk of his accounts. At first glance, I was a little nervous. This guy was definitely too cool for us to have anything in common to talk about. Film photos of massive stadiums, backstage pictures with the Jonas Brothers, recording studios, and promos for new song releases… I was intimidated. While the call loaded I tried to play off my nerves and put a big smile on my face, I could do this.

With a casual and genuine demeanor, Jordan put all my fears to rest with an easy smile and a calm “Hey, how are you?”. This is not the aloof and mysterious rock star too cool to talk to a normal person like me. This is a normal guy, a kind, genuine person with a focus on family. Jordan McGraw, in no uncertain terms, is a nobleman.

We dove right in, getting into his incredible tour opening for the Jonas Brothers, his fear of singing, how quarantine has changed his perspective, and being a new dad. 

“I started playing guitar first,” Jordan begins, “I refused to sing. I don’t know why. I think I was secretly a little shy about it. But I moved to L.A. when I was 15 and I moved in the middle of summer. It’s not nearly as emo as it sounds, but I had no friends,” he laughs, “ just because I actually didn’t know anybody yet. So, I made my parents take me to Guitar Center.”

Heartwarmingly, the guitar purchased that very day is the same one Jordan is using on stage this tour, an unexpectedly nostalgic detail that makes his performances all the more special. “It’s kind of full circle,” he smiles, “but I bought the Tom DeLonge/Blink-182 Strat and sat in my room and learned every Blink song that I could.”

Read the full interview in the winter issue on newsstands 1/31

Words by Emma Ungaro