Hi! My name is Jordi, and I play drums and make music. I grew up in Monrovia and have lived here most of my life. I eat, sleep, and breathe music. I currently am a student at USC for music industry.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your origin story. Share a little about your childhood and your family.
My parents grew up here and went to Monrovia schools, so they have been involved in the community for an extensive time. I went to Mayflower Elementary, Clifton Middle School, and Monrovia High School. I also grew up playing sports inside and outside of school.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I mostly play drums. More specifically, I do session work in studios, work-for-hire gigs (like live shows and touring), and songwriting. I am a recording artist under the label Dangerbird Records, which currently features my solo project “Jordi.” I actually started being in rock bands in seventh grade thanks to my middle school band director, Mr. Ghooler. He put the band together, and we would practice at lunch and play the school dances. What I love most about what I do is my power of influence on younger kids, especially young girls. It’s very encouraging when I hear that I inspire someone, and that is the most rewarding feeling to know that I have that impact.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Some of my favorite restaurants in Monrovia are the Diplomat, Sena, Basin 141, Mikomi, Sushi Nakata, and Cup of Cha.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? Tell us about your favorite memory or experience living in Monrovia.
I’ve lived in Monrovia my entire life. I feel very fortunate being able to grow up here and experience the strong sense of community that exists in this city. My favorite memory has to be the Christmas parade when I was in middle school. I feel like that was one of the first memorable moments where I felt like I was a part of a giant family, and loved being able to contribute to something so great with my peers.
Q: None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person you’ve met here in our community who helped you get to where you are or inspired you?
Ah yes, definitely! I can’t thank my grandma, mom, and dad enough for the support that they have shown me. They are my biggest fans. Mr. Ghooler is a huge reason as to why I do what I do. He introduced me to being in bands, and without him, I definitely would not be the person I am today. Also, my high school band director, Mr. M – I learned a lot in those four years. Mr. Dols has also made a huge impact on my character and is just an amazing person. I also have a lot of gratitude towards my teachers along the way throughout all of school.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Japan. I have always wanted to go! My grandma is from Korea, but her mom grew up in Osaka, Japan. I just think it’d be a cool experience.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies of all time? Do you have a favorite TV show or shows?
Definitely either “Almost Famous” or “Monsters Inc.” for favorite movies. As for TV shows, I love The Simpsons and Futurama.
Q: What advice would you give to people? Do you have a Life Lesson quote?
Make the most of every moment. If you have a dream, go for it. Hold your friends and loved ones close.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I want to go to or play Coachella.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what music to listen to?
The Strokes
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Kattywompus – Dollmakers
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would have lunch with George Harrison from the Beatles because I love the Beatles, and it would be fun to pick his brain about music. We’d meet at the Diplomat.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
My favorite thing about Monrovia is how it is so tight-knit and has such a strong sense of community.
Q: Sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you’ve ever made?
Yikes. One time, I had a jazz band gig for Monrovia Days, and I was a freshman. I forgot my drumsticks and didn’t realize it until right before we started playing. I was so freaked out, but I for sure will never make that mistake again.
Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am part Korean.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Costa Rica!
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
So far, I would say getting to tour! I am going on tour again this Spring, but on a larger scale across North America!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Grano’s Italian food.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mom Stephanie. She’s the hardest worker I know.
Q: If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be?
Definitely a benefit concert. That’s my favorite thing about music – the power to unify people into one place for the purpose of having a common love of live music. It could be a fundraising concert for literally any cause. I would make it for underprivileged communities in Los Angeles.
Q: Finally, what three character traits come to mind when you think of your success in life?
Grit, grace, and heart.
