The Making of “I See You”: A Musical Conversation Between Carl and Jordan Brister

Carl & Jordan: Being recognized for creating music from the heart encourages us to keep making music from that pure place. When we started out, our only goal was to create something beautiful with a story that people around the world could see themselves in. This recognition helps us continue creating from that same honest and heartfelt place.

Carl: It’s funny you should ask, because we both realized that music was our calling around the same age. When I was a teenager, I would race home after school to play the piano and write songs on an old used green piano that my dad got from an elderly couple.

I knew then that this was what I was meant to do. Now, I see Jordan doing the same. As soon as he gets home, he goes straight to the piano — ironically, the one I received from an elderly person who donated it to me.

Carl & Jordan: One day, while working out at the gym, I was feeling really down. It was a cold January day, and an older man noticed I wasn’t myself. He looked at me and said, “Remember, it will be spring again.” Those words hit me immediately. I began writing a song right there in the gym, and I finished the lyrics to what became my single “Will Be Spring Again.” The man was from the South, so I decided to shape it as a country song.

When I got home, I shared the idea with Jordan, and we wrote the music together. That moment — that simple encouragement from a stranger — is what inspired “Will Be Spring Again.”

Carl: I tend to drive everyone crazy when I do my vocal warm-ups in the car before a performance or recording session. Other than that, I don’t have anything too quirky.

Carl & Jordan: We both love to experiment, and that’s what makes our writing sessions so exciting. Jordan is the music-theory guy — he loves making sure the chords and melodies are solid and make sense. Carl is more of a “go with the gut” writer — if it feels right, then we know we’re on the right track, rules or no rules. Together, we balance each other out, and we’re always trying something new.

Carl & Jordan: We want people to feel like the song was made just for them — so they can see their own story reflected in the words and the music.

Carl: I was a math teacher in public schools for 10 years while pursuing my music career. It was rewarding to help kids learn, but after a while I realized I was encouraging them to chase their dreams while not fully chasing my own. Eventually, I made the decision to pursue music full-time — no safety net, just faith. And that decision completely changed the direction of my life and career.

Jordan: My dad’s first song for Justin and me was called “Daddy’s Angel,” and it was so emotional and powerful. The music was simple, but the way it moved me to tears gave me the spark to do the same through music — to tell a story and touch people’s hearts the way that song touched mine.

Carl & Jordan: I See You has been a turning point for both of us. We went into the writing process with no agenda other than creating something beautiful together. We didn’t worry about airplay, genre, chart positions — none of it. We simply focused on making music from an honest, pure place.

For us, it’s been one of the most fulfilling musical experiences of our lives, especially seeing how deeply people connect with the song. It has become our blueprint for artistic peace, and it has had a profound impact on both of us.

Carl & Jordan: "I See You" is a heartfelt song that captures the magic of meeting someone special and the moments that make a relationship truly unforgettable.

Jordan: Being able to record this song in the studio was a huge moment for me. I had to make executive decisions on a lot of things, and I couldn’t be afraid of making mistakes while playing the piano. Having everyone there supporting me throughout the day really helped me push through and grow from the experience.

Carl & Jordan: We have something in store but keeping it close for now! Stay tuned!

Carl: For me, it would be Quincy Jones as a producer — I mean, he produced Thriller, Off the Wall, and We Are the World. There are so many incredible singers past and present I’d love to collaborate with that it’s hard to choose just one. Cynthia Erivo, Adele, Ed Sheeran, and Lalah Hathaway would definitely be on my current list.

Jordan: My favorite composers so far are Tchaikovsky, Mahler, and Chopin, and I would absolutely love the chance to collaborate with any of them. I also dreams of performing in the Tower of Power horn section someday, especially since I play saxophone and love the energy of their sound.

Carl & Jordan: We would say that music awards are a great way for more people to discover and connect with your music. Do your research and make sure the awards platform is legitimate — and then go for it! You can’t win if you’re not in it.