Feature: Oliver Jordan Decodes ‘Depression Starter Pack’

How did you come up with the theme?

Initially, I wanted to call the EP ‘Suicide Starter Pack.’ Based on a song title I had. I always start with the title when I write a song. It's much easier for me that way. Then I found that name too depressing, so I changed it to ‘Depression Starter Pack.’ Which is much more uplifting! Ha!

Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for 'Depression Starter Pack?'

You'd have to ask my psychiatrist, I can't remember. I was heavily medicated and in a straightjacket. Dr. Prinzhorn is the name of my psychiatrist. I wrote a song about him - it's on my album ‘Songs in the Key of Crazy.’ In his spare time, he dabbles in administering lobotomies to little school kids. I should report him to the medical board. His track record is disastrous...

Can you talk about any standout tracks on the EP, and what makes them special to you?

”Secret 13” is about a girl I knew back in the day. She's dead now. I wrote that song in like twenty minutes from scratch. Well, I had the title. That's it.

”Philosopher” starts with the line, "In the winter of 1812..." That's the year Schopenhauer visited residents in the psychiatric wing of Berlin Charité hospital.

Can you tell us more about you as an artist?

I see myself as a songwriter, not as a musician. I write the songs in my head and mind, then transpose that idea to instruments. My songs are dark and bleak. You won't find a happy song in my catalog.

How has your music evolved since you started as a singer-songwriter? What have been some key milestones in your artistic journey?

When a song is finished, it's always a milestone. Thank you and good night. Elvis has left the building.