Jordan Davis is a Berkeley High School alum, as well as a professional hip-hop and R&B drummer of 10 years. Davis has performed around the Bay Area hundreds of times at venues, concerts, and can be observed while strolling through town, on the streets and parks of downtown Berkeley.
Davis’ passion for drumming was sparked when he was just three years old, listening to the grooves and beats that rang throughout church. He began by simply playing with pots and pans in his grandparents’ kitchen. He became more serious about music when he started playing at the place that initially inspired him, his church, and eventually played for the BHS Jazz band. Following his graduation, he continued to pursue music, ultimately taking his talents to the streets and parks of his hometown.
According to Davis, he was drawn to drumming, as opposed to other instruments, because when playing the drums there is much more room for one’s own ideas and imagination compared with other instruments. Davis said drumming allows for him to truly express himself and his style more than any other art.
“People are always very versatile and different. (Drumming is) unique, because you can kind of create your own style of it too,” Davis said.
Davis has been able to hone in on this versatility through street music for a variety of reasons. He was always a very creative and artistic individual, and so although he loves performing in all settings, he most enjoys street music because he is free to improvise and play to how he feels, fueling his creative process. He is also able to play based on his audience’s immediate desires, which he greatly enjoys.
“When you’re playing at different venues and stuff … you can only set up so much stuff. But out here, I feel free so I can set up all my gear, seven cymbal stands, a five piece kit ... I just feel real free when I get to come out here,” Davis said.
Although performing publicly allows for Davis to express himself creatively to the fullest in ways that he cannot at some shows, there is another aspect of street music that musicians grapple with; street music can be a challenging endeavor as negative feedback is inevitable.
“I get picked on a lot for playing out here at UC Berkeley, like people … might harass me, or whatever the case may be,” Davis said.
Nevertheless, Davis does not allow any negative feedback to deter him from truly expressing himself and giving the community the enjoyment of listening to his unique beats. Though there are moments of difficulty, his love for music prevails.
“I just keep on going because I love doing it … It’s just a joyful spirit for me to come out here and do what I do. I really enjoy it. I love playing the drums, and I love watching other people play,” Davis said.
Although negative feedback is a challenge for street musicians, according to Davis, the diversity of opinions and perspectives on street musicians’ music has somewhat of a silver lining.
“You get to see a lot of different emotions behind people, just for me coming out here, playing the drums,” Davis said. Because everyone can express whatever opinion they may have on his music, he has built immense faith in himself and his musical abilities, opening up many opportunities.
Street music has also had a profound impact on Davis’ community. Many of his best friendships have been forged through street music and he has been able to meet many inspirations through playing in public, as well as being able to inspire others. Davis plans to continue inspiring others through street music for the rest of his career in the hopes that he can instill the love he has for drums in other aspiring musicians.