Today, Jordan continues to pursue his passion for the music business–and helping artists advance their careers–at CAA.

“As an agent, I see myself as an integral part of an artist's career and growth,” says Jordan. “As long as I feel like they’re communicating something meaningful, I'm interested.”

Read on for more from Jordan on his experience, which music business trends he’s following, and why he’s always striving to give back.

Kogod: Ultimately, what inspires you to pursue this type of work?

Jordan: I love stories; for me, they’re the common thread that connects all mediums in the entertainment industry—music, TV, and film. I also believe music is one of the most universal ways to communicate. As long as I feel an artist is communicating to somebody, then I'm interested. This is where I get passionate.

Tell us more about your work with Second District Records. What about this experience sticks with you the most?

I ran the artists and repertoire (A&R) department for Second District, which is responsible for talent scouting and the creative development of recording artists. I essentially spent all my time outside class working to bring in local artists. We were given a budget and access to the campus studio. You have to have a real passion to dedicate time from your schedule, sit in the studio, and strategize how to promote artists. I see my time with Second District Records as a collective experience that really drew from our group’s shared passion.

In what ways has your experience in the BAE program helped shape your career?

A lot of my success early on was a direct result of what I learned in the classroom. Because Professor Simson has such extensive experience in music publishing and copyright law, I could speak to these topics at a higher level than many of my peers. It’s a testament to Simson’s ability to translate material effectively so students can easily understand and apply it.

What’s your method for working with clients? Any advice you’d give to an aspiring agent?

The most important thing you can do is listen to what your clients are saying and feeling. You have to understand their needs and what they're looking for. Always try to understand why something is so important to them.

Everything I do in this industry is based on relationships.

What is one of the biggest trends in the music industry you’re following right now?

I see a growing appetite for music from all over the world. This is due in large part to technology, which eliminates many of the barriers emerging artists once faced. Today, you don’t have to be in Los Angeles or New York to record music—you can literally be anywhere in the world. There’s a booming market right now for Latin American music, and a lot is coming out of Puerto Rico, Columbia, West Africa, and South Africa. It’s like the blinders are off, and we're looking everywhere now.

How is this trend (the globalization of music) influencing or driving your work–and the entertainment industry as a whole?

From a diversity perspective, we’re in a moment where people are the most accepting they’ve ever been. We have the opportunity to champion voices that haven't yet been heard. We can help prop up communities and solidify their position in the entertainment industry. That’s why it’s also important to cultivate a wide array of executives with different business backgrounds. This brings a cultural and personal understanding of different markets.

At Kogod, we believe that business is a force for meaningful change. What does this mean to you and your ongoing work as an agent?

The word that comes to mind is “responsibility.”

I’ve been to some shows where I left feeling like, “Wow, I was part of something much bigger than me.” Having an experience where you feel like you’re part of a much larger collective experience—but at the same time, are the only person in the room––can be very powerful.

How would you describe your vision as an emerging leader in the music industry?

It’s important to me to make sure the next generation of executives reflects what we want the future of music to look like. A lot of people helped me get to where I am today, so paying it forward is always something in the back of my mind. Kogod’s BAE program is where I cut my teeth and learned so much. I want to continue my vested interest and presence in the program; if there's a way to increase students’ exposure to the field so they’re even better armed to navigate this space, I want to do that.

Learn more about Kogod’s Business and Entertainment program here.