The Great Escape interviews - Jordi Alkema

Brighton native Jordi Alkema unleashes his unique brand of gothic folk-rock with nothing more than his voice and a battered acoustic guitar. This solo project allows his strength as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist to shine. Playfully described as ‘the tallest man with the saddest songs’, his lyrics are packed full of fierce imagery. The passion in Jordi’s music has been a defining feature of recent gigs in the UK and US. There’s a powerful intimacy in Jordi; an artist who draws the audience into his private space and plays like they’re the only ones there.

Just before this talented performer heads to The Great Escape, we grabbed him for 12 burning questions...

Welcome to The Great Escape 2025! How does it feel to be part of a festival known for launching new talent?

I’ve had just about enough time for the suffocating imposter syndrome to vanish so I’m feeling really excited and not at all nervous.  

For people discovering you for the first time here in Brighton, how would you describe your sound in three words?

Lyrical, melodic and intimate. It never gets easier doing this. I wish we had better compound adjectives like in German or something.

What’s the journey been like getting to this point — playing a showcase in front of new fans, press, and industry folk?

I get to mosey around the country playing gigs with my friends and record songs I’ve written. There is a lot sofa surfing, struggle and hustle. However, I have to remind myself an MI6 agent in a black suit didn’t find me and say ‘the nation needs you to be a musician, the world is in peril’. I chose to do this! (Is it just me or would that make an amazing screenplay?)

Do you approach a showcase festival like this differently from a typical gig or headline show?

If you overthink it and put the show on a pedestal you’ll end up trying too hard and it will be really obvious. You will come across as totally inauthentic which does you a massive disservice and is not what an audience is there for. So you have to approach it as you approach every show: less is more, be yourself and try to enjoy the performance.

The Great Escape is packed with new sounds and fresh faces — Will you have a chance to discover any other artists at TGE, or any that you want to see?

Absolutely! The other acts that are on the lineup with me at the Three Wise Cats on Saturday night are so varied and dynamic, I’m planning on being there all evening checking them out. Also, Brighton is walkable and there are a million venues participating in TGE so I imagine I’ll get a couple of walking beers in me and see where I end up.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given as an emerging artist in today’s music scene?

Be relentless and don’t be a dick. Remind yourself that simply creating the art and putting yourself out there is what makes you a success. You aren’t going to get better if you’re sitting on a hundred songs you aren’t releasing because the mix isn’t ‘quite right’. It’s never going to be right. You’re never going to be satisfied. But you will be closer to satisfaction each time you publish your work because it locks that art away and forces you to reflect on it. That’s how you grow. I’ll probably be 80 when I finally figure out how to write the perfect song. I have no intention of stopping until I get there so if it doesn’t happen by then I suppose I’ll just have to live forever.

Brighton has a buzzing creative vibe — have you explored the city before or been inspired by it in any way?

Brighton is my hometown! I played my first gig here, recorded my first single here, formed my first band here. Brighton has inspired and influenced almost everything I have ever made. This funny little seaside town has my heart.

What’s one thing about your live performance that people might not expect until they see you on stage?

I think there’s an intensity in my live show that sort of comes out of nowhere. Most of the time it’s just me and my ancient acoustic guitar on stage and I have had to come up with a few creative ways to retain your attention and keep you entertained.

If someone only had time to listen to one of your songs after the festival, which one should it be — and why?

You gotta listen to ‘Hey Sunshine’. For one, it’s my latest single and I need your streams if I am to ever eat again. Also, I think it’s relatable. We all know a ‘Sunshine’ - someone incredible in our lives who just never follows through with anything.

How important are festivals like this for breaking through in the music industry today?

It’s an opportunity you probably won’t get elsewhere. I feel very lucky that I am being given a platform (or stage…) to show people what I’m all about. Right now I’m focused on giving the best performance I possibly can, that’s ultimately the whole point of playing live right? I’m going to try not to think about consequence or significance or breaking out until after my closing number. So they’re incredibly important, I think/hope. Ask me again in 6 months and hopefully I will have a more definitive answer.

What’s next for you after The Great Escape — any releases, tours, or surprises on the horizon?

I don’t want to give too much away but I’ve been in the studio a lot this year and let’s just say I ain’t making salsa in there. I’m always playing shows around Brighton and I’m always looking to hop on a train with my guitar and head somewhere new to play. Side-note, if you are a double bass player please get in touch. I need you.

Finally — complete the sentence: “The Great Escape is the perfect place to…”

Remind yourself that people will always want to see live music and experience live acts.

Jordi Alkema plays Brighton’s Three Wise Cats on Sat 17 May (8:30 pm), as part of The Great Escape 2025

www.linktr.ee/jordialkema  

www.greatescapefestival.com

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