Originally from our neighbors to the North, Canada, Jordan Kasedy started her career working in the entertainment and music industry through festival marketing, event production, and content production for various festivals and events such as Osheaga, Ile Soniq, Escapade, Ever After, Grand Prix Formula 1, Piknic Électronik, as well as private events for Ciroc, XO [a record label], and Ogilvy Holt Renfrew. From there, she was granted a special 01 Visa to work here in the United States, where she has continued to work harder, smarter and bring forth new business opportunities in the areas of Electronic Dance Music, Hip Hop and Pop.
A fan herself of the lower east side of New York, Jordan has worked with many musicians that have headlined festivals here in town including Electric Zoo, Borderland Music Festival and Governor’s Ball.
The Levity Ball sat down for an exclusive interview to learn more about Jordan, her work here in New York and across the United States and what’s next for the go-to content producer to the stars!
Tell us how you got started in festival marketing, event production, and content production for events?
I came into the event and content production industry while still in school studying for my degree. I came across the instagram profile of a woman who was currently the head of marketing for a staple luxury department store in Montreal Canada called Ogilvy (a division of Holt Renfrew). I was immediately drawn to her as she wasn’t much older than I was at the time but was an absolute girl boss. I reached out to her and asked if there was any possibility of me taking her for coffee to pick her brain on how she got to where she was at her age. Not expecting a reply but hopeful I sent the dm. Long story short, our meeting when incredible and she even offered me a position on her team. From there I began my journey with Ogilvy’s running fashion shows, high end events, and coordinating content and photoshoots for brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co and many many more. This only strengthened my interest in pursuing a full time career after college in events, content production and music. Along my journey I had the incredible opportunity of meeting so many other likeminded creatives in the industry. After almost two years I left started working with Drysdale group in the music and events scene running major festivals, events, and VIP activations. I worked with Drysdale group for almost 5 years and was then presented with the opportunity to move to Los Angeles to further my career in music, events, and content production.
What do you feel makes you stand out?
I feel as though my most unique characteristic is being willing to try new things and step outside of my comfort zone. The industry is so saturated and there is no shortage of people following the same campaigns and paths as others. I love to do the impossible, if the technology doesn’t exist I will find a coder that can create it. I never let the fear of the unknown scare me from doing what I love!
Who are some of your clients / what types of people do you work with?
Upon moving to the US, I worked with Prodigy artists and spearheaded all content, marketing, and events for their entire roster. Artists included; BĒKON, BLACK AM, BLVK JVCK, CRANKDAT, DEORRO, EFFIN, GRAVEDGR, HABSTRAKT, JOYRYDE, KOMPANY, MOORE KISMET, NGHTMRE, NIIKO X SWAE, NITEPUNK, ROME IN SILVER, SEAN TURK, SLANDER, THE DONUTS, WHIPPED CREAM. While at Prodigy, I lead the campaign for NGHTMRE & SLANDER for their Alchemy Tour alongside Seven Lions and The Glitch Mob, created custom festival event activations with insomniac for the entire roster, and oversaw all marketing initiatives for brand partnerships (North America & Asia), merchandise, and artist branding across all channels.
After a year with Prodigy, I was then offered the opportunity to be the director of digital marketing and content for Create Music Group. While at Create Music Group, I handled all music distribution, content production and event production, sync opportunities, and strategy for the electronic division and aided across Hip Hop. I worked mainly across Gareth Emery ‘THE LASERS’ album and stream tour, GRAVEDGR’s Cinco Mode activation, and 6IXNI9E’s ‘Gooba’ release. In addition to direct artist involvement, I was also in charge of distribution for record labels including Insomniac Records, Disciple Records, and Kannibalen.
Shortly after the pandemic hit, I left Create Music Group and began to work In digital content production for Crowd Control Digital as lead on campaigns for Kappa Canada, Circus Records, Jacob Sartorius, Travis Barker’s ‘Barker Wellness’ brand, Funk Flex, ZOMBOY, and Jessie Reyez.
After working for them for a year, I started to realize my passion was truly through working directly with artists and started towards a new journey in content production and marketing in Artist Management with Full Stop Management – Irving Azoff Entertainment. Full Stop Management represents some of the world’s most influential artists like John Mayer, James Blake, Gwen Stefani, Roddy Ricch, Orville Peck, Anderson .Paak and many more.
What motivated you to go into this line of work?
My parents were the main motivation behind working in the entertainment industry. My father Jeff Nystrom is an incredible music producer and was in a successful rock band called “FIST”. My mother Vie Nystrom works in the film and TV industry and has worked across numerous well known films such as 300, Secret Window, Aviator, Moonfall, and Sum Of All Fears. I’ve known my entire life that working in the music and entertainment industry was what I was truly most passionate about.
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
In five years from now I see myself continuing to work directly with artists across their campaigns. I see myself in an executive position and growing within the company by utilizing the skills I’ll gain. I hope to be managing a team of motivated creators who I can mentor and give the same opportunities to that I have been given!
What work have you done in New York specifically?
Many of my artists have headlined and played Electric Zoo, Borderland Music Festival, and Governor’s ball! I have also had artists events at Marquee and 1OAK on multiple occasions.
And finally, where are some of your favorite places to hang out or visit when in New York?
Personally I am a huge fan of the lower east side of New York. I love venturing through local dive bars and blended in with the locals. A few of my favorite spots are “Ludlow Coffee Supply” for some of the best coffee I have truly ever had. I also love visiting museums, one of my favorites in New York in the museum of contemporary art.
