In celebration of his upcoming single, “Like Me Or Follow Me,” New York City-born pianist and viral TikTok creator Jordan Siwek — known online as @pianojordan—sits down with us to discuss the inspiration behind the track, how his background in jazz and blues shapes his sound, and the powerful role social media plays in his music and message. With over 700,000 followers tuning in to his piano karaoke sessions, Jordan Siwek opens up about vulnerability, connection, and the emotional core of his new release.
How did your classical piano background influence the musical structure of your new song “Like Me (and Follow Me)”?
Thanks for that great question! I actually studied jazz piano more than classical, and I love blues piano, so there are a lot of blues piano licks that use the D minor blues scale. The structure of the song is also influenced by classic pop songs. It’s kind of a ”jam song” that repeats the same chords a lot, except for the bridge, where it gets into chords that are way out of the key. But yes, basically, my studies in music theory also helped me create the structure.
How does this track differ from your previous work, both musically and lyrically?
This song is different than anything else I’ve ever written because it starts with a refrain that repeats right off the bat, “Like me and follow me.” It’s kind of like a chorus but not quite. Also, this song has a more lighthearted tone in the lyrics than my previous releases, and I love how this song always makes people smile. In addition, I have a great piano solo in this song, which is a staple of my live performances, but I didn’t have many solos on my first album.
Do you think the song might challenge how people think about their own social media habits?
I think this song can make people a little more self-aware, see the humor in their habits, and maybe have a greater understanding of the actual purpose of social media, which, in my opinion, is connection. I think the biggest thing that I want people to take away from the song is that we all want to be liked, valued, appreciated, and respected, and that’s okay. We’re all in this together.
Can you walk us through the recording process—where was it produced, and who did you collaborate with?
I’ve been holding on to this song for a while, waiting for the right producer, and I’m so glad I found him! I recorded the song at Jim McGorman’s studio in L.A. Jim McGorman currently plays keys for Goo Goo Dolls in their live shows and has produced or worked with such artists as Weezer, Michelle Branch, Avril Lavigne, New Radicals, and Cher. He plays organ and guitar, and Jon Button, who currently plays bass live with The Who, played bass on the track! How cool is that?
You’re known for expressive piano melodies—how did you use the piano to convey the song’s message?
I always think of the piano as my tool for expression in every way, as a vessel for the melody and lyric. The fast soloing that I play on this track conveys the song’s message of desperately seeking attention and validation after previously experiencing rejection. I feel like for me, the piano is how I express myself best, and this song is a perfect example of that.
Is there a specific lyric in this song that feels especially meaningful to you?
Yes! I think the bridge is especially meaningful for me. “I just want a real connection, but all I see is my own reflection, and I can’t take any more rejection!” A lot of my posting on social media and live streaming is basically looking at myself play, but at the same time, I’m trying to connect with the world. And sometimes I do, like when I get viral videos on TikTok.
And the rejection line hits something deep for me. In school, I was very socially awkward, and my stutter got in the way of me expressing myself, but playing piano and singing brought me out of that, and I’m much more confident and social now. But that sting of being laughed at for my stutter and feeling inadequate socially still haunts me and fuels my desire to be extra great in my music.
Looking back at Sun Inside You, how do you feel you’ve grown creatively and personally since that debut?
I still play most of the songs from that album, and they still feel relevant to me and the world around me. I would say I’ve changed since then in some personal ways, such as getting married and getting big on TikTok. But I really view my music as timeless.
Winning the Global Music Award and LA Music Critic Award early on — how did that shape your confidence as an artist?
That was definitely an appreciated boost, and those awards made me more confident that I was doing the right thing with my life.
You’ve performed with incredible artists like Joss Stone — what did you learn from sharing the stage with her?
Joss Stone was extremely nice and humble and focused on the joy of music, which was so great to experience!
Follow PianoJordan on TikTok and Instagram to stay tuned for more from his inspiring musical journey.
