Today we’d like to introduce you to Jody.
Hi Jody, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
To be honest, everything that I am doing now started as a hobby. At the age of ten, I wrote my first rap and r&b song while living in southside Jamaica Queens. Then I started writing scripts and plays after my family moved to Georgia at about the age of twelve. My gifts continued to be a hobby until about early 2016 where I started to dabble in film. I was presented with the opportunity to create a 2/7 part short film for an HBO film festival. Although we didn’t make it past the second round, the experience of the process inspired me to create a production company. Late 2016 I started recording for my first album Temporary Forevers. Everything froze February 2017 when I found my mother’s lifeless body in our home. Which then prompted my partner and I at the time to name the production company Winnie’s Production in honor of my mother’s life. Not only was I trying to heal from the trauma and grief but I was faced with many challenges prior to releasing the project. It took me about two years post-recording to actually release Temporary Forevers. After releasing Temporary Forevers in 2019, I then decided to do a follow-up project in 2020 titled 30 Days inspired by my struggle with homelessness after my mother’s death. Both albums are available for streaming on all platforms. I started therapy 2019 and gained new perspective about my path and experiences which inspired me to create my podcast titled For The Worthy released February 2021. Although my efforts have been productive with all that I have faced- in my opinion, there was still something missing to see this thing through. After years of dissatisfaction at my warehouse job, I took the initiative to go back to school to learn the industry so that I can be more efficient in my efforts as an independent artist and filmmaker.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. “All my life I had to fight” should be my slogan. Losing my mother has been my biggest struggle. To add to that, she was an illegal immigrant so after her death I was literally left with nothing but our things and bad credit which triggered an intense homeless phase. I dropped out of college, slept in my car, and bounced around for some time until I started to gain a bit more security in my personal life and finances. I created all of those projects mentioned previously in the midst of the storm I just described. It was intense to say the least but my gifts are what kept me going. My shortcomings created inspiration, innovation, and drive.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an independent artist and filmmaker. I guess you could say I specialize in writing- It’s where all of my other talents such as song and script writing derive from. It seems that I am more known in my efforts of being an independent artist than I am a filmmaker. After parting ways with my film colleagues, I felt it would be easier to focus on creating music. You need a solid team and lots of money for filmmaking so the music is what I’ve been really pushing. I am honestly most proud of me finding the courage to release projects. In a world where popularity rules over talent, it’s hard to not fear being looked over and not wanting to release content because of that fear. But I am happy that I set that mindset to the side. My hustle, drive and unique sound set me apart from others. Not only am I extremely ambitious but I’ve never heard anyone like me. My sound is raw, soulful, sexy and inspiring all in one. It embodies my experiences and I love it.
What are your plans for the future?
So many big changes. As I mentioned before, I went back to school, but this time, instead of taking on something practical, I chose to take on studies that are in alignment with my passions. I am currently enrolled at SAE institute where I’ll be learning more about the entertainment business and be able to gain the knowledge necessary to really be fruitful as an independent artist. My struggle with homelessness is coming to an end and I am mostly looking forward to graduating. It’s something my mother has always wanted for me so it’s going to feel rather nostalgic to finally get there. There are definitely more plans but I’d like for you guys to stay tuned so I can’t give it all away.
Contact Info:
- Email: Thelinesunwritten@gmail.com
- Instagram: @linesunwritten
Image Credits
Saudia Raye
