Liam and Layne Jordan, 14-year-old twins from Wyoming, are on a mission to make their mark in the music world. They grew up in the Bighorn Basin, a quiet and isolated part of Wyoming, but that hasn’t stopped them from chasing their big dreams of becoming successful musicians. Despite living in a place where cellphone service is almost non-existent and the nearest Walmart is three hours away, the Jordan twins are making their voices heard, both online and in front of growing live audiences.
Inspired by Nature and History
The twins’ home, located in Medicine Lodge Canyon, is rich in natural beauty and history. The canyon is surrounded by massive cliffs and wide sagebrush plains, and it’s home to ancient petroglyphs—rock carvings left by Native Americans thousands of years ago. For Liam and Layne, this place isn’t just their home, it’s a source of inspiration for their music.
“I’m super thankful to be able to have all these wide-open spaces,” says Liam. “Being outside and having room to think really helps us when it comes to songwriting.”
Their father, Brooks Jordan, is the superintendent of the Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site, and the family has lived there for as long as the twins can remember. The twins love the outdoors, whether it’s skiing in winter or hiking and fishing in summer. Their secluded lifestyle means they’ve always had plenty of time to think and create, and their music reflects the beauty and stillness of the Wyoming landscape.
A Family Tradition of Music
Music has always been a part of the twins’ lives, thanks to their dad. Brooks would often come home during lunch and play his guitar for them when they were toddlers. Even though he eventually stopped playing, the love for music remained in the family. At age 10, the twins found their dad’s guitar and began teaching themselves how to play. By the time they turned 11, their grandmother gifted them their own guitars, and their musical journey began.
“At first, we were into hard rock music, but over time, we started liking the Grateful Dead and folk music,” says Layne. Their unique sound blends rock with country influences, and their songs reflect both their growing experiences and their connection to the land around them.
From Imaginary Friends to Original Songs
The twins’ first song was written when they were 11 years old, just before their first live performance at a local music festival in Ten Sleep, Wyoming. They were told they needed at least one original song to perform, so they created “Wooga Wooga,” a fun track about their imaginary friends. Though they admit it’s not their best work, it was their first step into songwriting.
Since then, their music has grown more complex. Liam and Layne often write songs together, with Layne focusing on lyrics and melody, while Liam creates guitar riffs and solos. Their latest song, “Don’t Slow Down,” has become a fan favorite, earning over 5,000 downloads on YouTube and becoming a regular part of their live performances.
“I like the message of ‘Don’t Slow Down.’ It’s about enjoying life in the moment, not worrying about the past or future,” says Layne. He came up with the lyrics while sitting outside with Liam, looking at the road near their home. The song’s cover art shows a dirt road right behind their house, capturing the essence of the remote, peaceful lifestyle they live.
Performing Across Wyoming
Since their first performance in Ten Sleep, the twins have played nearly 50 live shows, including weddings, street dances, and conventions. They’ve even performed in front of 1,200 people at a Future Farmers of America (FFA) convention. Their music is gaining attention, and their online audience continues to grow. The twins’ YouTube videos have racked up nearly 25,000 views in just the past year.
“We’ve learned a lot by performing live. It helps us connect with the crowd, and they seem to really enjoy our songs,” says Liam. Their performances mix original tracks like “Don’t Slow Down” with popular cover songs, and they’ve gotten comfortable engaging the audience to make each show memorable.
Looking to the Future
With their first album already available online, the Jordan twins are hard at work on their second one. They’ve got five new songs in the works and are considering recording a cover as well. They’re excited about their future and the opportunities that lie ahead, especially as they continue to play gigs across Wyoming.
Even with their busy music schedule, Liam and Layne still enjoy the quiet moments in nature that inspire them. Whether it’s playing music by the creek or reflecting on the beauty of their home, they know their music will always be deeply connected to the land they grew up in.
(Source : cowboystatedaily.com)
