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Photos: Moe Horta

In a world that is driven by social media feeds and algorithms, Jordan Benjamin (better known as his musical persona, grandson), isn’t afraid to go against the grain and boldly stand up for his beliefs on topics such as racism, inequality, and mental health. 

Known for his strong lyricism and unpredictable performances, the dynamic singer/songwriter has proved he can keep up with just about anybody as he has toured with artists such as alt-rock icons The Smashing Pumpkins, pop-punk queen Avril Lavigne, and nu-metal trailblazers Deftones. With multiple back-to-back tours under his belt, a late night talk show appearance and even a feature on the soundtrack for the blockbuster film The Suicide Squad, the grandson train shows no sign of slowing down any day soon.  

Recently, The Noise was able to catch up with Jordan while he was out on the road opening for none other than heavy hitters Bring Me The Horizon which also featured support from hardcore staples Knocked Loose and emerging star siiickbrain. To see what the outgoing noise maker had to say about performing in front of a brand new fanbase, growing up in a digital world as well as what the future holds for grandson, be sure to read below.

How does it feel to be on such a mixed bill with bands like Bring Me The Horizon & Knocked Loose and what have been some memorable moments on this tour so far?

grandson: Doing a tour with such a diverse lineup made me think of some of the 1960s OG rock and roll days with American bandshells, where you’d have every subgenre of rock under the same roof, artists like Cream and Jefferson Airplane and Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, or the late 80s and 90s where you had The Beastie Boys opening for Madonna and Wu-Tang Clan opening for Rage Against The Machine. I think the variety is great for music fans, even if some people might be alienated by one side of the spectrum or the other. 

You’ve always been vocal about topics such as mental health, climate change, politics, etc. and that shows through your lyrics. What makes you take such a direct approach towards discussing these topics and how do you hope to inspire future generations?

I’m gonna be an old washed irrelevant septuagenarian someday and all I’ll have is my little songs and my plaques and my integrity. When I stand in front of an arena and talk my shit, I’m sending a message that it’s okay to have strong opinions and to be heard. I already know it makes a difference because people tell me it does; I’ve already inspired and made change one person at a time, and even if I never win a Grammy or something I’ll stay pushing that progressive agenda and making that space for people. 

You've collaborated with artists such as Mike Shinoda, Travis Barker, Steve Aoki, and more. What was it like to work with music icons of that caliber and who are some other artists you’d like to work with in the future?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned working with so many icons it’s that nobody trips and falls into their success at that scale. Artists like that did it and then did it again and again because they stayed curious, they were ambitious, and were able to invent new goals and motivations when old ones were reached. They have generally been eager to work with younger artists who have more of a finger on the pulse of what’s cool and what isn’t and they don’t sit around and talk about “back in my day”. Those people suck. 

I’d love to work with the great performers of my generation- artists like Denzel Curry, JPEGMAFIA, yungblud, Idles, JID, Turnstile, who would match the energy of a grandson set. 

Previously, you’ve mentioned that you grew up in a digital world in terms of listening to single tracks vs albums and downloaded MP3s as opposed to buying records or CDs - can you explain how that has influenced your creative approach and songwriting? 

I think we are the first generation for who the term "alternative" really just means “anything beyond just what is force-fed to us through the radio and movie trailers.” Back in the day, a full and eclectic music collection was really a luxury item -- a house with more than 100 songs in it was a flex! When you only have 20 bucks to spend on which album you’re gonna wear out, it’s a deeper question at the record store of what your identity is. I and my generation were the first ones with a table at the all-you-can-eat buffet. And for kids these days it’s even crazier. 

You started releasing music under the name grandson in 2016 and introduced a new character named X on your debut album in 2020. Can you explain the difference between grandson and X and how the character has grown since being introduced?

When I first came out I was 22, I was fucking angry and passionate and had a super clear sense of justice and right from wrong. But in the 4 years since then you had Qanon, you had Covid, you had one shooting after another, you had the optimism and hope of the Bernie Sanders campaign crash down- and I wanted a creative outlet for this creeping pessimism that I was dealing with. 

With nearly two years passing since the release of your debut album, fans are anxiously awaiting the next chapter of grandson. What can fans expect on your new album and what is next for grandson?

In the months after my album came out we all got vaccinated and I played 100 shows in 20 countries. It was such a whirlwind and in the down time I've really reflected on what’s next for me as an artist. I’ve spent so long being a narrator or commentator on the world around me, and indulging in this world building for my fans, I’ve begun to feel like my biggest fans barely know me. I grew up listening to Mac Miller and J Cole and Kanye, artists who were so autobiographical and personal with their music, and I think with this next album I’m finding a much more personal place to build on the core values of grandson from. It’s MY story you’ll hear these themes from- how have the addiction and mental health issues affected me and my family? But it’s still gonna be high energy, it’s still fun, as fucked up as that is to say. 

In the past you've mentioned, “Rock and roll will constantly be re-contextualized.” What do you hope the future of rock and roll will look like in 10 years?

I HOPE that the future of rock and roll will be bad ass smart teenagers who understand their responsibility to their fans and their generation and who know how to tell a compelling and honest story through their music and through the microchip implanted in our anuses that we will all be watching their videos from, courtesy of Meta’s dominant content streaming platform. 

For fans that might be hearing your message for the first time ever on this tour, what is one thing you hope they take away after seeing you live for the first time?

I hope people go, “Wow, that guy really didn’t give a fuck. Maybe I can give less of a fuck too.” Also, “my feet hurt and I’m bleeding from the ears, I can’t wait for his second album and 2023 headline tour.”