Meet Jordan Beard” Sanders | Artist Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jordan “Beard” Sanders and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jordan “Beard”, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
My favorite quote is by Garry Biddy of Head of A&R at Guin during a conversation when I first met him back in February of this year. “I don’t trust anyone who wins too much. Show me your loses” At first this quote can seem kind of odd but when one thinks on it your realize that the path of success comes with a lot of mistakes along the way; Every lose is a lesson. A person that loses has a wealth of knowledge on what route, our path you shouldn’t take. They have the bumps and bruises to prove it. As someone who over thinks it was reassuring to hear from someone I look up to say its ok to not know everything, to mess up. Make a choice and learn from the results.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Well I currently wear many hats. My journey started as a playlist curator. I quickly gained an audience and the attention of a few R&B, and multi-genre music platforms based on my ear, and ability to discover up and coming stars. I went from just curating my own playlist to curating/co-curating for a lot of fans favorite Music platforms. My ear, curation talents and ability to find up and coming acts landed me an opportunity to work with a Platform as a community manager.

As a Community Manager I was able to build connections with a lot of the artist I’ve been early supporters of. I then started connecting with like minded individuals in the R&B Music space from fellow Curators, Music Lovers, Producers, to Label Execs. I’m at the point in my career where I can communicate with A&Rs at Labels to put them on to artist they should have on their radar. Its nice to know my ear is that respected. I believe my ear and lack of ear fatigue separates me from others. When ever I show people my annual Spotify wrap up they are surprised to find out I listen to over 3,000 different artist every year.

I continue my work as a Music Blogger for my blog The bARd (thebard.blog) where I highlight up and coming, and some of my favorite stars in music. It was challenging launching a website for my blog as I had to learn different roles. One being a website builder which was the most difficult. Learning how to navigate and operate the site builder to build the best looking sight I could. Two becoming a graphics designer to design a logo for the brand, and other graphics I needed for the website and promotional social media post.

Lastly I have started my excursion into the world of Artist Management, which I would say has been my toughest challenge yet. I’ve learned a lot from my start of management and continue to learn as I grow in this role. Having unofficially managed a few artist to officially managing my current artist I learned a valuable lesson in CONTRACTS! At first not knowing any better I was managing artist with no paperwork. I found that that leads to open ended and changing expectations. At times me overstepping boundaries of a manager into other territories such as impromptu investor, and with no legally binding this leads to disaster and a lot of “taking it on the chin”. It’s very important to have an Management Agreement contract with an artist you plan on managing. Another lesson I learned is to interview an artist before choosing to work with them. Artist Management is a tough, yet personal job so you must be sure you both are a good match for each other. I am fortunate to be currently managing the Pop-Rnb Star Sarina (@sarinadesir) from the DMV. I have learned from previous experience to be a better manager. As of recently I am also working with raising Rnb Star Sidney Gilliam in more of an A&R role. I am excited to see what the future holds in this role as well.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well being from Philadelphia the first thing we have to do is get you a cheesesteak, but lets avoid the tourist traps. The best cheesesteaks would be a local pizzeria or Papi store (corner store). I know it sounds crazy but trust me. The sketchier the neighborhood looks the better the cheesesteak. One of my personal favorite spots for cheesesteaks would be Civera’s Deli right by Upper Darby High School, or if your feeling adventurous get yourself a Salmon Cheesesteak from Lagos Island Pizza & Grille also in Upper Darby. If catching a show at World Cafe Live try their famous Duck Cheesesteak. Some spots I haven’t personally tried yet but has the stamp of approval by locals: Dalessandro’s, Larry’s Steaks by Saint Josephs University, Ishkabibbles for their chicken cheesesteaks. Another Philly staple food is Water Ice or you might know it as Italian ice. A great debate over which is the correct term but here in Philly its Water Ice. Hailing from West Philly the best water ice is King’s Water Ice, which is right across the street from the same high school Will Smith attended. I have a hidden gem of a restaurant I frequent in Old City section of the City called Forsythia. A modern French Restaurant whose menu is constantly changing. They have a warm and knowledgeable staff. Happy Hour starts at 5pm. My favorite items on the menu is the beignets, and Smash Burgers. If you are a fan of Sushi or sashimi you have to stop by Morimoto, the Iron Chefs restaurant. They have the freshest Sashimi I ever had. Favorite entrée of mine has to be the chicken Katsu Curry. The ambiance is great for a date. You also have to go to the Reading Terminal. I can’t really say where to go just visit the terminal and try a little of everything it has to offer. From BBQ meats, to artisanal Breads, to creamy ice cream. Being a lover of music I have to recommend catching a show at City Winery inside what’s now called the Fashion District. One of the few venues you can sit at a table and enjoy some wine or strong cocktails. Their wings are amazing as well. I’ve seen Tone Stith perform during his tour last year along side Lily Massie, Pxrry, and Jon Vinyl. I’ve also had the privilege of seeing Musiq Soulchild, and Kevin Ross perform at this venue as well.

However since visiting Atlanta it has become my second home. Local Artist friends of mine put me on to a few good food spots to try. I really enjoyed the Food at Rock Steady I’m still missing that Crawfish dip. I was told its a lounge at night.. I haven’t experienced a night there yet but when I return to ATL I will definitely stop by. Judging by a collogues IG story it definitely looks like a good time. I also would recommend Café Intermezzi. Shout out my Singer Songwriter homie Dera for putting me on. Their hot chocolate is worth every bit of the hype. Also order yourself a slice of the White Chocolate Amaretto Cheesecake it was divine.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely want to give a shout out to Gary Biddy Head of A&R at Guin, and Brandon “Hopp” Brown VP of A&R at Interscope. I’ve connected with both of them via social media through out my journey they always been supportive and like mentors to me. I was able to meet them both in February where they shared a wealth of knowledge with me. I also want to shoutout my friend Leo aka Knowvibes on social media who saw the potential in me that ultimately guided my pursuit in the music industry and start curating playlist. Sometimes it takes the foresight of another to see your own light.

Website: thebard.blog

Instagram: @rn_beard

Twitter: @rn_beard

Other: Tik Tok: @Rnbeard Blog’s Twitter: @bardblog_ Blog’s Instagram: thebardblog

Image Credits
Joannika Augustin