Diffuser Spotlight: Jordan Fairless Brings New Sound To Woodstock With Big Deep

Diffuser sat down with artist and creator Jordan Fairless to discuss his latest project, Big Deep, an “indie rock…” band “…with expansive groove and addictive melody,” who lives deep in the groove of creativity.  Based in historic Woodstock, New York, he and the band are en route to a new album and upcoming tour announcements.   Check out the full interview below.

Jordan Fairless, a bassist, songwriter, and co-founder of the jamband Spafford, where he toured for more than a decade, is now the founder of his new project, Big Deep.   With Spafford, Fairless blended technical innovation with soulful songwriting to help shape the jam scene and wrote and performed their most-streamed song on Spotify, “Leave the Light On.”   After a few years off the road, Jordan and guitarist/composer Luke Schwartz, known for his work with the Glenn Branca Ensemble and with Thomas Newman, Rick Cox, and Jon Hassell, catalyzed Big Deep at a coffee shop in Woodstock, a moment that would lead them to where they are today on the cusp of an album release and an imminent tour.

Luke Schwartz, having been immersed in the New York City music scene, has deep roots in experimental guitar work and art-rock.  He brings a diverse background, having worked with a well-known Hollywood film scorer and various multi-instrumentalists, and having recorded with members of Sonic Youth, Swans, and Dinosaur Jr.

The four-piece band's genesis lies in the intersection of two veterans of the road and studio, Fairless and Schwartz.  With Big Deep, Fairless and Schwartz have synthesized their vast experience into a sound that prioritizes pocket-heavy movement and melodic earnestness.

The sound is described as “indie rock with expansive groove and addictive melody; '90s alternative grit wrapped in southern soul with a honky-tonk sway over soaring synths and an unstoppable drum groove.” Big Deep is an appropriate name for this project, which lives “in the pocket” with deep grooves and explorative improvisation to make your body move and put a smile on your face.