Jourdan Frost’s ‘Can We Pretend’ Turns Heartache Into a Pop Fairytale
If there’s one thing we’ll never stop doing, it’s putting you on to great new music, especially when it’s made by artists who pour their soul (and a little sparkle) into every note. Today, we’re hitting play on Jourdan Frost’s brand-new single, Can We Pretend, out now via So Fierce Music. And trust us, you’re going to want this one on repeat.
At its heart, Can We Pretend is a pop ballad built for the dreamers—the ones who’ve ever looked at someone else’s love story and thought, what if that could be me? The song swells with warmth and melancholy, floating between glossy modern pop and the emotional pull of classic rock. It’s the kind of track that feels timeless from the first listen.
“Since last August, so many of my friends and family members entered new relationships, got engaged, or got married. I started writing from the perspective of being on the outside, wishing I had that. That’s how ‘Can We Pretend’ was born,” Frost explains.
The single’s charm lies in its duality: intimate yet cinematic, heartbroken yet hopeful. With vocals that shimmer and ache in equal measure, Frost builds a world where yearning feels beautiful. “It’s like a sad reminiscent of a fairytale love song,” Frost says. “It almost feels like you’re mourning the perfect relationship or wishing you had it.”
That emotional honesty runs deep in Frost’s work. The non-binary, androgynous Black artist has built a reputation for blending vulnerability with strength, crafting songs that reflect both their inner world and the universal emotions that tie us all together. “I couldn’t believe it was me singing when I heard the final cut,” Frost laughs. “It felt like I was transported into the story I was writing.”
That sense of transformation has always been part of who Frost is. They approach their craft with curiosity and courage, constantly evolving and defying expectations. As an artist, Frost describes themselves as creative, ambitious, and astute; as a performer, they embody fearlessness, charisma, and allure. “Performing is where I feel most alive,” Frost says, and in Can We Pretend, that passion burns bright.
Frost’s music often orbits themes of love, self-worth, and identity, the cornerstones of queer experience and expression. Even when the beat picks up, there’s always emotion underneath, pushing listeners to connect on a deeper level. “I love the energy that happens when a crowd dances together,” they say. “It’s a beautiful release.”
Surprisingly, Frost didn’t set out to be a singer. “Honestly, I had no rhythm at all,” they recall. “I thought I’d be an actor before anything. I mimicked people, animals, and family members. I loved performing, but I didn’t think my voice was special enough.” That changed during a high school pageant performance that revealed their natural talent and set the stage for nights performing in Jacksonville’s LGBT clubs. Once DJs and promoters realized Frost could really sing, their path was clear.
Their journey led to a 2024 signing with Velvet Code’s So Fierce Music, a label that’s helped them embrace vulnerability and authenticity. “Velvet has pushed me to be honest in my music. We’re discovering my sweet spot: a blend of 80s pop, disco, ballads, and up tempo EDM,” Frost shares.
The making of Can We Pretend wasn’t all smooth sailing. “It was past midnight, my voice wasn’t at its best, and I was ready to call it quits. Then the engineer brought me the hottest cup of tea I’ve ever had! It literally burned my mouth, but it worked. We finished around 4 a.m., and I had to be at work by 7 a.m. the next day. It was wild, but worth it.”
Musically, Frost’s sound bridges generations. A mix of Tina Turner, Madonna, Donna Summer, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Diana Ross, filtered through the lens of modern icons like Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Tate McRae, and The Weeknd. The result? A sound that feels classic and current all at once.
But above all, Can We Pretend is about connection. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt like love was always just out of reach, and still dared to believe in it anyway. “It’s a song for anyone who’s ever longed for love, even if it felt out of reach,” Frost says. “I hope people hear it and feel less alone in that longing.”
So go ahead, hit play, turn the volume up, and let yourself get lost in the dream.
Jourdan Frost’s Can We Pretend is streaming everywhere now. Follow us on X and Instagram for all queer stuff!
Featured Image: Image Courtesy of So Fierce Music. Photo by Will Darden.
