There’s something about this kid’s music that makes me want to give him a high five. I give Jordan Witzigreuter props for being more than just a one-man-band/wannabe who schemes to make it big using a keyboard and a computer. The electronica/pop movement is overpowering the scene in large numbers these days, but Jordan is taking the road less traveled. What I refer to as the “male version of Lights,” this 19-year-old solo pop sensation is on his way toward releasing an EP titled “Stays Four The Same,” which will be available for purchase on iTunes June 23.
Like every musician should, Jordan dabbles with multiple instruments including drums and keyboards. This upcoming popstar’s tunes are the result of his own creativity and love for music, with his fancy harmonious vocals to top it all off. With all of the synthesizers and vocoder effects crowding my earphones on a daily basis, I am relieved to hear something original come out of someone so unexpected. Catchy lyrics, hip-hop-influenced (yet not overdone) beats, and surprising melodies are not all that you can expect from this recent high school graduate from Fort Wayne, Ind. His original sound sold me on first listen, and that deserves some sort of reward. Seriously.
The opening track, “Stays Four The Same” immediately hooks me with a piano melody and then kicks into an upbeat electronic/pop rhythym. While the lyrics are a bit childish, it fits with his overall image. Jordan cites a few hip hop and electronic influences on his myspace bio, including Kanye West and Daft Punk, which can clearly be picked out of this track. The pitch and depth of his pop rock vocals fit in quite nicely to incorporate all elements that make The Ready Set marketable as hell to kids spanning quite a few genres.
Secondly, “Unender” starts off sounding like something Usher would have created in the 90s (not complaining). Being a keyboardist and synth extraordinaire, I can relate to the difficulty and complexity of this tune. When listening closely, you can catch multiple unique sound effects, beat variations, and different genre influences. Also, how refreshing is it for an electronic musician to not overuse vocal effects? The answer is, “very.”
This three-song EP rounds out with “Giants,” a super enticing and captivating song that could easily get stuck in your head for hours. Jordan spits lyrics left and right (am I allowed to say that?) in a way that will blow your mind. He obviously has more talent as a vocalist than most musicians in this genre, and proves it, especially at about 1:50 in this track. The keyboard strokes are too staccato for this song, but he somehow makes the cohesvie instruments flow harmoniously.
Play this EP for roughly ten and a half minutes of enjoyable tunes that are sure to make you move in one way or another. Although this seems like one of those “love it or hate it” situations, I recommend giving it a chance.
Also, look for The Ready Set on tour with Boys Like Girls and Never Shout Never this summer.
