Get to Know Jordan Messerole: Made in the Midwest

Music has always been about storytelling for singer-songwriter Jordan Messerole. Blending Americana and folk-rock, his songs capture the people and places that shape life in the Midwest — each one a vignette of emotion, humor, and heart. Ahead of his Made in the Midwest performance on November 4 at the Temple Theater, Jordan shared more about his journey, influences, and what inspires his music.

The Inspiration Behind the Music

“I’ve been a songwriter for nearly twenty years and have been playing out for almost fifteen,” Jordan says. “Early on I was moved by songwriters like Jim Croce and Tom T. Hall. I learned to play guitar when I was in my early 20s and, since I was self-taught, I wasn’t very good. Instead of learning other people’s songs, I just made up songs with what I could on the guitar — and after writing my first one, I was hooked.”

As his passion grew, so did his influences. “I was introduced to people like John Prine and Bob Dylan, and the more I worked as a songwriter, the more I got invested in other greats like Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, and James McMurtry.”

For years, Jordan performed part-time while working full-time elsewhere. That all changed when he and his wife welcomed their son, Theo. “Most musicians worry that having a child will ruin their career, but for me, it gave me the opportunity to take on a full-time role as a performing songwriter. Staying home with my son during the day and playing shows at night has been the best balance I could ask for.”

Defining His Sound

When it comes to describing his music, Jordan keeps it simple: “In a live format, it’s acoustic guitar–driven Americana folk-rock.”

He admits that phrase doesn’t always paint the full picture — but it fits. “Most of my songs are short stories accompanied by acoustic guitar, sometimes harmonica, and my voice. There’s a combination of fingerpicking and strumming, so each song can vary between something more folk-aligned and something a little heavier.”

The Influence of the Midwest

Much of Jordan’s songwriting is shaped by the people he meets on the road. “The vast majority of my song ideas come from the myriad people I come across while touring,” he explains. “While I’ve performed in half the country, the bulk of my shows have been in the upper Midwest. The people in this part of the country are why I write and where I draw my inspiration.”

He adds, “If I lived in a different part of the country, my music would likely sound different — if I were even working as a songwriter at all.”

What Made in the Midwest Means to Him

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this series,” Jordan says. “It highlights some of the best music this part of the country has to offer.”

For an independent artist, opportunities like this one are invaluable. “My social media following is relatively small, so if it weren’t for a series highlighting local and regional artists, I might never have the opportunity to play in a beautiful room like the Temple of the Performing Arts.”

The Power of an Intimate Venue

“If I had my druthers, I’d want every show I do to follow this sort of format,” he says. “Having a seated audience and the opportunity to tell the stories behind my songs makes for a much stronger bond with the listener.”

That connection also helps balance the emotional range of his work. “Many of my songs are relatively heavy or sad, so being able to inject some humor through stories and stage banter makes the process of absorbing these songs a lot more palatable.”

What He Hopes the Audience Takes Away

“I hope people can be moved by any part of the performance,” Jordan shares. “Obviously, I hope the songs themselves give them some sort of comfort — that they feel connected to the characters or events that unfold.”

He adds, “I hope that the combination of humor and heaviness offers a moment of distraction from the constant barrage of difficulties we have shoved down our throats every minute on the news and social media.”

Join Jordan Messerole for an unforgettable evening of storytelling and song at Made in the Midwest on November 4. Experience his heartfelt, humorous, and distinctly Midwestern sound live at the Temple Theater — and discover why his music continues to resonate with audiences across the heartland. 

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