Biography
Hailed by New Zealand's National Radio as the pioneer of a new sound, Jordans music has been variously described as "celtic industrial", "folk noir" and "Antipodean Steampunk" yet defies any cut and dried description. Jordan combines pioneer-era industrial found sound, with folktronic loops and etherial vocal melodies to tell the extraordinary tales of ordinary people in a time where life was being turned upside down by the invenstion of new machines.
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
" 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. " 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.
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