Jodi Essex a girl who stays true to herself

Interview conducted on December 27, 2019

by Dan Locke

You know the feeling of refusing to do something you feel like you’re supposed to do? It is from this place of resistance the song, “Irreverent,” came to be. After years of casually ignoring God’s prompting to write faith-based music, Christian-rock artist Jodi Essex is ready to answer it boldly with her breakout single, “Irreverent,” set to release January 24, 2020.

A fearless declaration, this song invites listeners not to rebel against God’s calling, but rather to live for Christ in an authentic way that is unapologetic to the world. 

”Irreverent is the spirit in which this album was written and put out there for all to hear,” Jodi says. “It’s reveling in a rebel spirit, being fearless, courageous and bold enough to die to yourself every day, furthering the purposes of God.” 

Jodi Essex
Jodi Essex

Dan Locke: You are an actress/producer, filmmaker, a licensed pilot, an athlete, a model, and a singer. How did you get interested in music? 

Jodi Essex: It looks like a girl with many passions! But singing was always what I was most impassioned about and I started serenading patient volunteers at around 4 years old, ha! I’d grab a candlestick in the living room and jump up on the fireplace hearth and belt out tunes I was currently listening to with my parents.

Why did you decide to use Essex as your career name? As I understand your band had the name, Essex? 

I’ve always had a hyphenated name and early on, I had talent agents that were telling me, “You need to choose one name and the one you choose needs to be the one that no one stumbles over!” So, “Essex” it was! And yes, at one point I started a band and simply used my last name for simplicity.

Your ethnic background is half Irish and half Filipino. How has this diversity led to different opportunities?

In the talent sector, my type is referred to as “ethnically ambiguous.” It’s allowed me to be cast in the role of different ethnicities in both commercials and print ads.

Being Filipino have you had the chance to go to the Philippines? And how was your visit there? 

Ah not yet! Can you believe it?!?! When I was a youth, my father wouldn’t allow it due to all the turmoil going on over there but I’d love to go now. I definitely plan on getting there and would love to tour there!

Let start with your career as an actress. Your first role was uncredited roles in Dr. Dolittle 2 as a Frisbee Thrower and in The Princess Diaries as a model. Can you tell me how you got those roles? 

My first episodic role was actually in Candid Camera. I played various roles in setting up the unsuspecting bystanders of the prank. As for the other roles you mentioned, it was just your typical audition process. I was fortunate enough to work with the amazing Gary Marshall and his Bottom of The Ninth Productions company on those two!

How was it to work with Eddie Murphy? 

I actually didn’t have any scene time with Eddie Murphy but he’s such a talent to watch!

If you could pick a role that would be perfect for you, which movie role would it be? 

A role that would be perfect for me would definitely have to be something where I could do some of my own stunts; really action-oriented, moments of high speed or adrenaline-charged scenes. I like characters with many layers and depth. I also appreciate extremely complex storylines that cause people to really think as well. I love psych-thrillers, crazy plot twists, and films you can’t stop going over in your mind after you’ve watched it.

Do you have any more plans to do any acting in the coming future? 

I hope so! I’m always open to looking at projects to be involved in.

What type of plane do you fly? 

I’m licensed to fly any single-engine and up to a six-seater. It depends on the day and the scenery. One day, I’d like to work on a small jet rating. But that takes time!

Why did you walk away from music? 

I had just been chasing my tail in that circle for a long time and I was really discouraged. I had lost some really good opportunities, some due to decisions I made and some due to decisions made for me. There were also just those times when I questioned the path I was on and the people I was working with. The entertainment industry is extremely difficult, unforgiving, and can wear you down. You need a really tough skin to work in it and you need major resilience to survive it. I finally had just reached a point where I needed a respite from that part of the industry. It was what I had always loved most, therefore the most difficult and disappointing when things weren’t working out as I had hoped.

How was it to work at Abbey Road Studios? Did you have the feeling that the Beatles actually worked within those walls?

Like everyone would expect, it truly is amazing to work within those walls. I remember the first morning that I was scheduled to be there. I happened to be in London the week of the World Cup and also during the Trooping The Colour ceremonial events. People were everywhere and Westminster was ablaze in colorful flags and festive decorations! It was a beautiful sight! I proceeded to climb into a little hackney my bellman had flagged down and proceeded to the studio. I was ridden with butterflies and incredible energy! I literally couldn’t wait to bust through those doors and take it all in. I kept wondering how I was going to feel when I walked into Studio 2 where The Beatles recorded most of their music. In a few short minutes, I arrived at the studio and of course, there was the usual crowd writing on the adjacent wall outside the entrance to the studio. It looked like that wall had been painted over so many times, only to have it completely covered in graffiti again within days. I stepped out onto the sidewalk and looked over my shoulder at the famous crosswalk. Yes. That crosswalk. I got chills and kept staring. I turned back around and began walking towards the glass door entrance. I did receive a tour of the entire facility but Studio 2?!?! Wow. The same staircase. The same parquet flooring. The Steinway! All kept original despite some of the improvements made to the other areas of the facility. It was magical and yeah…I knew and felt that The Beatles were still in that very room…creating.

How did you find religion in your life? 

I was actually born into it by my parents. I can’t remember when I wasn’t in church as a child and youth. We were all somehow involved in our church, whether it be the worship team, youth group, or some sort of leadership/elder role. It wasn’t until the age of 12, where my faith journey was first clearly defined for me and I started to understand and explore what it all meant. Not just what I was being taught by people in my life and church, but starting to think for myself and ask the discerning questions.

You are now a faith-based singer. How did you find a studio which you know you could work with? 

I knew early on I wanted to surround myself with like-minded spiritual creatives for this project. I simply went to task and began researching and looking for a faith-based studio and producer to work with. The very first prospect of interest I came upon was a podcast online featuring Sean Hill in an interview – the owner of Uphill Studios. I did a little information gathering, made the contact, and then flew out to Atlanta to meet Sean and see the studio.

How long did it take you to write your new cd and how long to record it? 

I had walked into the studio with a few song ideas, including lyrics and a couple of short melodies. That was back on a Monday in January 2019. By Friday we had written the entire album, just five days! After that, we then took one week to track each instrument, two weeks for lead vocals, and one week for background vocals. About 7-8 weeks to knock it all out before it was mixed.

With music, the way it is now. How did you stay true to yourself? 

Absolutely 100%. This time around that was where my focus remained centered. 100% Rock-n-Roll, 100% authentic, 100% me. 100% Christ-centered!

Tell me about your new single, “Irreverent,” set to release January 24, 2020? 

It’s a guitar-driven rock tune, with a rebellious attitude vibe about being unapologetic to the world when it comes to being your true authentic self. However, the second part to that is perfectly stated in a recent press release, saying “this song invites listeners not to rebel against God’s calling, but rather to live for Christ in an authentic way that is unapologetic to the world.” It definitely has a crusading, anthemic feel to it and gives way to an uninhibited solo rock out session! 

Over the years have your beliefs become stronger?

Of course! The rough and tumble of life teaches us many things. Like I’ve recently stated in another interview, you need the lows to appreciate all the highs. Hopefully, we identify and heed the lessons we learn from going through adversity in life. There is a song on my album called, “Fighter,” and in the chorus I sing, “I’m stronger because I’ve been weak-” Same principle here. Of course, learning to lean in on your faith and trust God does wonders all day long!

You have a new company called JEssex Holding, LLC. Tell me about it? 

This is my LLC umbrella entity that incorporates any business endeavors I’m involved in. 

Why did you pick Chicago to be based out of? 

It’s where my husband is from and where I met him. I’ve lived in a few different states and out of the country. I’ve always loved the diversity that comes from living in different places. Chicago for me, is a dream city since I’m a foodie!

How do you stay healthy all these years? 

I work out 6 days a week, strive for good sleeping habits, and eat clean & healthy. I’ve also ventured into using as many organic and natural products at home as I can.

Do you still play golf? What is your score? 

When I have time, I try to! I try to at least hit the range to practice or play 9 holes. I haven’t played a full 18 in awhile. Unlike CA where I’m from, Chicago doesn’t have 365 days of nice golfing weather. Can’t venture to say what I’d shoot if I played a full round right now, ha!

Do you have any word/words to define yourself? And why? 

Fearless. Passionate. Bold. Energizing. Adventurous. I feel those are a few words to describe me best; what I’m about, how I live my life, and what I strive to be every day, in everything I do. 

Any plans to do any shows this next year? 

Yes! Working on a tour schedule shortly. Stay tuned!

Tell me about some of your charity missions?

I have a soft spot for LLS (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) being a cancer survivor; CAF (Challenged Athletes Foundation), I discovered when I first got into endurance sports. I did some fundraising for CAF, as I was so inspired by the abilities of these amazing humans who had physical disabilities of all types, yet competed on the field in a variety of endurance sports. SUCH an encouraging organization. Last, GLN (Global Leadership Network), the Global Leadership Summit is a world-renowned faith-based event that GLN produces, where leaders and their teams gather to share leadership strategies, wisdom, and motivation in every possible sector out there. The speakers are phenomenal and you leave the summit feeling beyond inspired and ready to save the world! 

How do you see yourself in 3 years? 

Doing what I’m doing! Making an impact & inspiring other to live their best authentic lives, navigating a broader reach and continuing God’s mission here, on our beautiful Earth!

Anything you like to say in closing? 

Thank you very much for the engaging questions and the opportunity to do this interview!

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