Kirkland pop star trying to change the world 99 cents at a time

Call Jordan Riley an idealist or dreamer, but the popular Kirkland-based pop singer-songwriter is convinced he can change the world 99 cents at a time.

Riley has just released a new single and stirring video called “Do You See What I See”, a powerful ballad focusing on the plight of starving kids around the world. It cost a pretty penny to produce. But rather than pocket the proceeds, they’re all going to three different charities including Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission just in time for the holidays.

The song is a big departure from his usual power pop. Cynics could say it’s sappy or sentimental. But Riley says he honestly believes it can actually make a difference.

“It’s really a call to action for us to get involved in our communities. I really saw the fact that this could do some good for people,” Riley says.

It’s already getting a strong reaction. The video has been viewed over 56,000 times and the link has been retweeted by a number of notables including Seahawks Golden Tate and Doug Baldwin and former Seinfeld star Jason Alexander (George Costanza). He’s gotten emails from all over the world including Iran and Uganda.

Now, Riley hopes people will pay the measly 99 cents to download it on iTunes or Amazon.

“I think it’s a song that really could touch people’s lives and really get going,” he says. “Can you imagine what kind of good that could do in people’s lives? I just get excited thinking about it.”

Riley made his name in Christian rock, but he insists the last thing he wants to do is beat people over the head with a Bible.

“I really actually try to be an artist who writes and sings about life. We all struggle through things, we all go through things and I try to write about that because I want my music to be relatable. I want people to say ‘Wow this guy understands what I’ve been through.'”