With M@GIC W*RDS, Toronto-based rock outfit Jordan Venn and the Slizneys pay tribute to the golden era of 90s alternative rock, crafting an album that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. At the heart of the record is the dynamic and lyrically profound focus track “♡WWI>SPQR♡,” a high-energy, grunge-infused exploration of mortality and the weight of history.
Inspired by the viral discussion of how often men think about the Roman Empire, “♡WWI>SPQR♡” flips the script—Jordan Venn realized he thinks about World War I even more. The song captures the inescapable human tendency to reflect on the past, drawing connections between historical moments and personal mortality.
Driven by shifting dynamics—from clean, melodic passages to gritty, full-throttle rock—”♡WWI>SPQR♡” balances weighty themes with the sheer fun of rock ‘n’ roll.
What can you share with readers about your new project?It’s a love letter to the early 90s rock scene. Specifically the summer of 94.
How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the
past?
Well, it’s a bit of a departure from the previous Slizneys records. The last records were 6 piece bands with a lot of synth and interweaving parts. We whittled this one down to a trio. Just bass, drums, and guitar/voice. It’s a lot heavier rock focused. Wanted to try to really have it sound grungy to encapsulate the homage.
What about this single makes you most proud?
A lot of friends have told me this one really speaks to them and gets in their heads. I just really like the way it turned out. It’s pretty heavy at the end. I always like a song that builds.
Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?
Like all my projects, it’s pretty much whim based. I usually start with a concept and write to that. I’m never really trying to accomplish anything from a commercial perspective and didn’t know if people would like this record. Happily, they seem to. Got the idea for ♡WWI>SPQR♡ from that meme that was going around about how much boyfriends are thinking about Ancient Rome. It was definitely true for me but even more than that I was thinking about WWI (big shout out to Hardcore History!). For ♡WWI>SPQR♡ I really wanted to paint tableaus. You know, like I wanted to have the listener picture specific scenes with the lyrics. One of my close friends is an ancient coin nut and he sends me coin listings he’s thinking about bidding on. That inspired me to open the song with a scene where someone in Roman Egypt has been killed and robbed of their Greek coinage and then contrast that with a penny, which is still fairly modern, in a trench that’s fallen out of someone’s pocket. Maybe it’s their lucky penny. Maybe their luck has run out. There’s a certain type, who will get the references that don’t get a lot of songs written for their interests. Haha.
What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?
Well it’s not the money. Haha. I mean pretty much all of my records have some kind of critique of our society which is inspired by my real life anxieties. I always want to make music that I want to hear. Stuff that isn’t quite what other people are doing. In Jurassic Park, John Hammond says, “creation is an act of sheer will.” I think that’s really true. There’s something about song writing that is just an act of will. You start with a certain set of tools and you fashion something that didn’t exist before. It’s really satisfying. I’d also like to add to this that if you can make dinosaurs, then of fucking course you make dinosaurs. Jurassic Park got that wrong. Haha.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
Alfred Russel Wallace was a naturalist who nearly scooped Darwin on Natural Selection. He sent Darwin letters about it and Darwin nearly shit himself. They ended up presenting the theory together and ARW was just really excited to be included. David Quammen (GOAT science journalist) calls him the GOAT field biologist. He seems like he’d have a bunch of rad stories and I think he’d be fun to do a multimedia project with. Him or Radiohead.
What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?
Well early 90s alternative rock was probably the most formative music scene for me. I really love the Seattle Sound. Pearl Jam probably takes my top spot there. I really love 90s Can-Rock. I love The Hip. The last song on the record is about how sad I felt when Gord died. I like all kinds of stuff. Lately been listening to a lot of Gojira. Last song I listened to was Advanced Mind Control by Children
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
@jordopia on instagram.
I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?
Thanks for having me on. I hope everyone listens to and enjoys the record/track.
