As Cotillon, L.A. based singer-songwriter Jordan Corso makes intricate, textured rock music that will sweep you up, entagle you in its grip, and lay you gently back down again. His self-titled debut LP (out on Burger Records), which was produced by Chet "JR" White of Girls and is streaming in full over at SPIN, is "intended to illustrate the difficulty of maintaining relationships in LA," according to his press release. (Based on the LP's cover, a blurry image of Corso's girlfriend hiding behind a bouquet, it looks like he's making it work.) It began as a bedroom project and evolved into a series of files sent over the internet to his collaborators, which all culminated in live sessions at L.A.'s East West Studio 3. The result is an artful debut from a promising musician who we want to know more about. That's why we asked him a bunch of intrusive questions, which he handled like a champ. Check them out below.
How would you describe your aesthetic?
Have you ever been doing drugs at 3am and told someone you just met your life story, knowing you probably will never see them again?
How did your career get started?
Adderall.
Where do you hope to be professionally in 5 years?
Still inspired.
What’s your next project?
Recording my second album titled terroir. It's a new collection of songs inspired by my experiences of living in San Francisco.
What are you most proud of so far in terms of your career?
I'm so proud to be in the position to release an album where I worked with such an incredible producer, and wonderful musicians without having to compromise in anyway. To be able to release it on Burger is a dream come true. I'm stoked.
What famous person dead or living do most wish you could have as a roommate?
Mario Batali would probably be an amazing roommate, he's a super sweet dude and insane chef. I'm super into this iconoclasts episode he did with Michael Stipe where they let one another into each other's worlds.
What is your favorite driving music?
I like to pretend i'm on the autobahn.
Whose career would you most like to emulate?
Marco Pierre White. Sex, Pain, madness, and everything else it takes to be great.
If you had to live in a past time, what do you think would be the most fun era and why?
‘74. Vietnam was over and everyone was still blissfully unaware that vices were harmful. I like to have fun but sometimes can be a hypochondriac.
What activities do most enjoy doing alone?
Record shopping. I'm usually in a record store for way longer than anyone else with me wants to me to be. I was just in Amoeba in Los Angeles for a long time trying to buy a record for my girlfriend for X-mas and I finally decided on Alex Chilton’s Electricity by Candle Light. Lemme read you the bio: "On the night of February 13, 1997 Alex Chilton and his band were getting ready to play their second set of the night at the Knitting Factory in New York City when the lights went out. What happened was this album, a spontaneous off the cuff performance. This is Alex thinking on his feet, in the moment, bouncing songs and ideas off the folks that stuck around for a real one-of-a-kind exchange. This is as close and personal as it gets. Much of the material will be new to even hard core fans, there's Johnny Cash to the Beach Boys.” I've also been into eating breakfast alone. i'm getting really into yolk.
How do you wind down before bed?
A box of lemonheads and his tropical friends.
When are you most relaxed?
Getting out of the city on the weekends is relaxing, just got back from this beautiful town Inverness, ca.
What kind of person were you in high school?
I wore loafers with no socks at a prep school where we wore a suit and tie, I got most likely to be a musician, I was always in trouble with my parents. I smoked pot.
Can you tell me a quality about yourself that you are genuinely proud of?
I feel like I get really lucky sometimes. A lot of crazy lucky things have to happen to break out of the local music scene.
Do you have any phobias?
I really hate using public restrooms. I also get pee anxiety. If there isn't a bathroom nearby, then I have to pee, even if I just went.
What’s a serious side of you that people are unlikely to know about? Either in terms of interests, hobbies, or personality?
I really like animals, I want to do something to help protect them. I have a dog that I love an extreme amount. I get really paranoid when I walk him and wrap the leash twice around my hand.
What are some new hobbies you would like to take on?
I am interested in designing clothes and furniture. I've been into design for a long time and really want to find a way into that world.
What are some of your favorite Internet “memes” of all time?
The Seahawks are cool, but their fans in SF are super basic.
How do you hope to grow as a creative person?
I feel really strong right now creatively, my ideas are flowing, and the new songs are shining and hooky. I am really excited to start recording again and see if I can make a stronger record the second time around.
If there was a phrase that you think best sums up your approach to life what might it be?
Gotta go with Dylan here: "What is money? A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do. " - Bob Dylan
