Today we’d like to introduce you to Codi Dillon.
Hi Codi , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been obsessed with music for as long as I can remember. From writing songs as a kid, to learning piano by ear at age 13 and writing my first songs. I fell in love with the idea of storytelling through sound. Music has always been my lifeline, and helped me to escape reality, and truly be myself unapologetically. I always felt different from others growing up being a queer artist, from a small town especially, was challenging. I began to release music in 2016, and over the years I’ve explored pop, dance, and electronic influences to find a sound that feels true to me – bold, emotional, and unapologetically queer. There was moments I almost walked away from music, but every time I came close to doing so, my creativity pulled me back in. I’ve gotten to work and collaborate with some amazing producers, to performing at queer events, and building my visual world to shape who I am as an artist today. Now, I am in such an exciting chapter – as I am working on a new EP called “Chrome Heart,” which feels like the purest expression of my voice so far. To also just have wrapped up a project I collaborated with fellow creative and fashion designer Heidel Dube – in which we created a unique and inspired fashion collection to support the debut of my new single “Stunnah,” that came out August 29th. This project was in closing of the 16-week mentorship program we both were so lucky to be apart of with Creative Futures Collective x Soho House Nashville.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I don’t think artistry ever is. I’ve had to navigate creative burnout, moments of self-doubt, acceptance of self and identity, as well as figuring out how to grow my audience without the big industry machine behind me. There were times I thought about walking away from music, but with those challenges pushed me to get clearer on why I do what I do and why I create in the first place. With every setback, it has taught me patience, resilience, and how to trust my vison. I wouldn’t trade the struggles I’ve overcome, because they have shaped me into the artist I am today, and they’ve made this current era of my artistry so much more rewarding.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a queer pop recording artist blending dance, electronic, and dark pop influences into music that is bold, authentically true to myself, and represents the queer community. I create music that is about making people not only want to dance, but telling introspective stories of resilience, self-love, and owning your power. I’m known to pair high-energy beats with vivid, and high fashion visuals, making each release and performance feel in a world of its own. One of my proudest moments of my career thus far, has to be most recently performing my new single “Stunnah,” at the closing showcase for the Creative Futures Collective x Soho House Nashville mentorship program I was apart of. In collaboration with a local designer, we aimed to create a visual fashion show & performance, that merged music, choreography, and style into one experience. What sets me apart is my ability to merge club-ready production with deeply personal storytelling, as well as being unapologetically myself and a voice for the LGBTQIA+ community. Making a lane of my own that is unique at giving my audience music to dance to and a message to connect with.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that might surprise people is that I’ve been getting more and more encouragement from friends and others around me, to start producing my own music. I’ve always been deeply involved in writing and shaping my sound, but lately I’ve been exploring more of the production side to, and expanding my skills in production. Which could totally lead me into my DJ era. – which is an unexpected direction for me, but one that I’m excited to grow into creatively and explore.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/codidillon
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codi.dillon/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CodiDillonMusic/
- Twitter: https://x.com/thecodidillon
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqkMjp65aVcoeDZF8xj5McA
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/codidillon
