Jodi-Ann Taylor

How did you get your start in music? Did you come from a musical family?

My grandparents on both sides were musical; my paternal grandmother played the piano and organ, and my maternal grandfather sang in the church choir. I have an uncle who produces music in Jamaica. I heard stories about my dad singing in a group in Jamaica when he was younger back in the days, and always heard my mom singing hymns and other music she loved as she cooked and did chores in our home. A lot of my family is also creative, so even though music may have not been their thing, they were artistic in other ways, such as doing carpentry, sewing/crocheting, etc. For example, my dad was also a jeweler for most of his life.

I got involved with music during my childhood. There’s this one video from when I was a kid where I’m singing and dancing my heart out in my special princess dress in our kitchen. I’m sure witnessing that often in my home motivated my parents  to immerse me in the arts. My mom signed me up to start piano lessons at around age 4, ultimately peaking my interest to try a variety of different arts such as dance, and acting. Around middle and high school I participated in musicals, choir, and worship in my church. Through these experiences I realized I had a deep love for music and the privilege of sharing it with others. 

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Who are your musical influences? How do they impact your music?

DOE Jones, Trulah, Hiatus Kaiyote, India Arie and Cleo Sol are just some of my current musical influences. Their musical style, expression, and meaning inspire me to create music that is soul-piercing, encouraging, and enjoyable. I love how DOE Jones, Trulah, & Cleo Sol shine the light of Christ through their songs, and incorporate many different styles like R&B, soul, and jazz into their music. In particular, I love how Hiatus Kaiyote manipulate the feel of their songs through intricate rhythms and harmonies. Every section is uniquely designed and could function as its own song. 

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What made you decide to pursue music?

There were many factors that led to me to it. Singing in church and in school musicals were things I loved doing, and I knew I wanted to continue somehow as I grew older.

Joining choir in high school and attending a choir festival at Stetson University opened that door of curiosity and confidence to pursue a career in music and the arts. The expertise and passion there was truly inspiring and what led me to commit to pursuing my degree. 

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What was one of your biggest obstacles in your music career? How did you overcome it?

One of the biggest obstacles I’ve had to face musically was overcoming the fear of releasing my original music. I feared judgement or dislike from people who didn’t resonate with my songwriting, my faith, and personal story. Confiding in my loved ones and receiving their compassionate encouragement helped motivate me to confront my fears and do what I thought was unthinkable at the time: share my music with the world. Facing and addressing my fears through journaling and prayer also helped me overcome! 

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How do you stay inspired to write music? Have you experienced writer’s block? If so, how were you able to overcome that as well? 

Rest. If I feel like I’m at a point where I’m stuck or haven’t written a song in a while, I try to take some time to rest and let my mind wander freely. This helps make room for creative ideas to develop and to feel less pressured to make something that isn’t authentic.

Collaborating with other musicians is also a nice way I’ve learned to overcome writer's block and gain insight on a new approach for my songs. There’s so much beauty in the process of collaboration.

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What is your writing process?

My writing process often begins with a melody that comes to mind. I’ll record and document it using the voice memos app on my phone. The same goes for lyrical ideas that I have, I open my notes app to write them down.

If I want to fully flesh out a song, I go to a different environment or space, often somewhere outside and quiet, where I can sit with what musical ideas I have and develop them some more. 

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In undergrad I studied Digital Arts, focusing on Audio Recording & Production & Electronic Music & Sound Design (along with music and entrepreneurship minors), so I use those skills to make basic demos of my songs and continue to build them that way or present them to my musical peers. 

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Collaboration is also a big part of my writing process, especially when it comes to creating a unique chord progression or exploring rhythmic ideas. Jarobi Watts has been one of the main people I collaborate with musically, and has helped arrange many of the songs on my new album! 

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What is the story behind “Moments”?

“Moments” was inspired by the installation photography work of an artist named Thomas Jackson that I learned about in my Advanced Digital Arts Studio class in undergrad. For our assignment, we were encouraged to create our own original digital art inspired by his work, and that’s when I started writing the song! 

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After observing and sitting with his work, I had a melody line come to mind which I quickly recorded so I wouldn’t lose it. I then wrote down phrases and ideas relating to the flowing of time, and how we can “dance” with each ebbing moment, inspired by how his art installation moved along with the wind. I sat with my initial ideas and developed them more, exploring my experience with time and how easy it is to feel like it’s something I’m at a battle with. I then thought about how much peace and joy it can bring to approach each moment with gratitude, and see each moment we get to take another breath as a gift.

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Once the song structure was more developed, I created a demo for my class assignment and presented it. When it came time for me to create my album for my senior project, I decided to re-record “Moments” and add more to its musical arrangement, which is the one you can now listen to on major streaming platforms! 

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Outside of music, you also create visual art. Can you tell me more about that?

While taking an AP art class in my senior year of high school I realized I had a love for creating visual art. It was new for me, but I quickly dove into exploring what I could do with different materials, and started primarily using paint to create portrait paintings for my class assignments and portfolio, and for family and friends. 

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The more I paint, the more I have the desire to improve and try new things, it’s such a freeing process. I have recently been exploring ways to intertwine the multiple art forms I work in as a multidisciplinary artist. My most recent project, “All Creation Sings,” is a multi- media art installation featuring paintings, photographs, and my musical album, exploring my personal story of how embracing the natural world around me, my faith, and the arts helped me overcome my challenges in life, and taught me beautiful lessons about the world, myself, and God. 

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My first solo exhibition titled: Imago Dei, featured portrait paintings and its purpose was to capture and share the beauty of humanity. Imago Dei translated from Latin to English is Image of God, meaning that humanity was made in the image and likeness of God. Every person, regardless of their skin color, culture, or appearance, has purpose and value. The exhibition celebrated and echoed the beauty and the uniqueness of humanity, and how people across many nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds reflect the Imago Dei.

Portraiture is one of the main styles I paint, although I’ve been hoping to experiment more with my artistic style.

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Being an independent musician comes with many setbacks as one would try to succeed in the industry. What do you do to keep your motivation?

Making the decision to be an independent artist and learn the ins and outs of producing and sharing my own music has not been an easy task. I’m learning to turn to my community and circle, the people who love me and support me, in my low points or when I have lost motivation. They have been a strong voice of encouragement in my life and invest in me and my passions. Experiencing something that special has been so motivating–knowing that I have people genuinely believing in me and my art. 

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Keeping up with other artists in my field and admiring their work also motivates me to appreciate how far I have come and how I’m part of a wonderful artist community. It also motivates me to continually educate myself, and find new ways of approaching my craft. 

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How do you think the entertainment industry can improve for women musicians to aid in flourishing their talent and career? 

I think the entertainment industry can improve for women musicians by acknowledging the impact of past and present shortcomings, and finding feasible ways to make change. Some ways that this change can happen is by continuing to make room for our voices, stories, and artistries to be shared, heard, and amplified. This may look like extending more performance opportunities to women, and promoting and uplifting women in the field.

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If you could give any advice to an aspiring musician, what would it be?

Embrace the process of creating, set goals for yourself, and strive to foster the connection you have with music. Let go of the idea that you always have to be producing or creating. There is something so special about resting. Take time to explore new music, artists, and genres, see what you like and don’t like, and allow yourself to be inspired. It can be easy to get caught up with the desire for fame or notoriety, however, music is so much more than that. Music can connect with people on a deep level, uplift people who are at a low point, help people see a new perspective, and so much more! Give yourself grace, and take some time to explore what impact you hope to make in your community and the world with your one-of-a-kind music and artistry.

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What project or music can we look forward to in the future? 

I have so many ideas and concepts waiting to be brought to life! I’m currently working on projects that combine my interest in music and visual art like my recent project, “All Creation Sings.” Field recording and bio-sonification were some things I featured in my new album, and I would love to explore how I can make more music with them. Additionally, I’m creating music that shares the message of the gospel and explores different styles like jazz, soul, and funk. I would love for you to connect with me  to see what comes next! 

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If you want to catch Jodi-Ann Taylor live, she has a performance coming up on January 3rd, hosted by Songstringer at Barley and Vine.