Jodi Essex
Interview conducted March 4, 2022
by Dan Locke
Jodi Essex’s rock ballad, “Unravel” (video out Feb. 24th) reveals a wondrous battle for willpower… in her words, “the process of ‘unraveling’ ourselves is a common struggle between what we’ll find as we dig into our deepest selves and putting down our sword.”
Tell me about your new single, “Unravel”?
I’ll start off with a hello! Appreciate the opportunity to be sharing new music with you again, so thank you!
“Unravel” is about peeling back our human layers; allowing God to see all that we are and letting Him in, seeking to be unraveled; being vulnerable in our transformative faith journey. The process of “unraveling” ourselves is a common struggle between what we’ll find as we dig into our deepest selves and put down our swords, so to speak, allowing God to change those findings – with a “no turning back” mentality. It’s a moment where we feel as humans, we are losing something when in reality, a Christ-centered life and salvation in Jesus offers so much more than we could ever imagine.
The song processes through our peaks and valleys, our darkest and brightest moments both; it’s the challenge of choosing heavenly things over worldly things. We rise and fall against the things promised to us and shown to us, while finding ourselves at a crossroads, both of a faithless heart and a loyal servant. HE is merciful. HE forgives. HE accepts. HE redeems.
Unravel implores God to cradle us, “lead us to safety(lyric)” and lovingly dwell in a humble and devoted surrender.
How was it working with Josiah Prince from Disciple?
It is always awesome working with Josiah! He is such a chill, cool rocker to collaborate with. Besides getting along great in terms of songwriting chemistry and in-studio work habits, he is insanely talented with great ears and always has the pulse going on with respect to what production any given song needs. He is a musician himself, which of course helps, but he is also an intellect which comes across in how he approaches his seat as “producer.” In other words, he is more multi-dimensional than your typical creative. He is definitely gifted! We are just now wrapping up most of our current project pieces and starting to wind down. It’s been an awesome journey from day one!
Why did you pick Phil Earnest to direct the music video for “Unravel?”
Phil actually was referred to me by my publicist, Whitney Asher of The Marketing Mixtape. They had worked together on other previous endeavors awhile back. So, as we were searching for the right director for this video, he came to mind, and she set up a meeting to discuss the project! Phil is a great guy to work with. He is very accommodating and easy to work with; very talented with a lot of really incredible ideas!
He loves 2D animation. Why didn’t he use anyone for the video?
That is news to me! Given that, I can’t answer your question in all honesty. It sounds like you know more about Phil Earnest than I do, haha!
You recorded the video in a place called The Basement which is a music show place, have you ever played there before?
No, I didn’t know that. I thought it was more of a place/backdrop to shoot videos and/or films. I guess, as I look back now, it could be a good live performance venue – as long as it is not in the DEAD OF SUMMER! Haha…it was registering about 105 degrees down in the actual basement as there is no air conditioning, but it has a really cool, moody and textural vibe!
Tell me about your new EP which comes out this May?
Actually, there will be another single coming out this May before the EP hits later on in June. It will be a 6-song collection and then I will be following that up with a couple more singles to wrap up our summer. I’m really excited for the entire selection of songs rolling out this year. Obviously, I’m a rock artist but I had to write at least one killer rock ballad (Unravel), and the rest are hard-hitting, guitar-driven tunes – some with anthemic feels, and some with really melodic hooks. Another thing I’m excited about this go around is a cover I did of a Journey song – not THE song that most would think but it is one of my all-time faves that was penned by Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry and Neal Schon. I’ll hint with…well, let’s just say it’s the ultimate “cruise” song…Oh yeah! I’m also getting ready to do a collaboration with fellow rocker Matt Moore, so I’m really jazzed about that! Super talented, kind and energetic guy! All in all, I feel good about the solid lineup of music that’s been created!
Any surprises on it you like to talk about?
Ooooh! I think I might have included that in the last question, ha! But you’re the only one I’ve shared the bits with, so shhhh…. 😉
Since our last interview we talked about you being Filipino and never gone to the Philippines. Have you had the chance to go visit it yet?
Right, that’s correct! But no, I have not ventured there but still plan on it one day! I am actually half Filipino and half-Irish. I hope to at least make it to Ireland this Fall.
Any plans to tour this summer?
I always have plans, Haha, but we will see what part of them comes to fruition. I’m planning on a live acoustic show on CCM Cafe, by CCM Magazine to celebrate the release of the EP and a couple of other shows and festivals I hope to play as well! It’s a small playing field with thousands of artists so we shall see. I feel like there is still some catch up going on due to COVID, meaning the artists who had to cancel shows and reschedule have first dibs on venues, so it’s quite a battlefield out there! But I will always hope!
How are you going to keep safe with the virus still in the news?
I plan to do all I can to personally stay healthy and work to keep my immune system strong, while continuing to practice good, basic habits when out in the public. I always want to be respectful of the virus, as it’s going to do what it’s going to do. But I will also remain aware and respectful of others’ health and social space/distancing as needed.
Anything you like to say in closing?
Thank you again for the opportunity to dish on all my new music! A HUGE thank you to you and anyone far and wide listening, watching, and downloading my songs. It means a lot! It will allow me to get out and tour. MAJOR gratitude from the bottom of my heart, truly. God bless and be well!
Oh. And ROCK ON!
