Supplied photo.
It’s been a long journey of music for Winnipeg native Jodi King. Now living in Nashville, King and her husband recently signed with Word/Warner Entertainment.
Her music has been a long time in the making.
It started with piano lessons, school choirs, and leading worship at her church.
“Faith has always been a part of my family,” King said. “I met Jesus along the way, and I try and follow Him, which influences what I write and how I see the world.”
While still very young, King started a band with her sister. Together they put on shows at family gatherings. Later, while participating in her high school’s musical, King was introduced to some local music people by her drama teacher.
“That lead to singing radio jingles and backup vocals for other people,” she said. She began touring with other bands, and wrote her own songs on the road. King also met her husband, Chris, on the road.
“His old band was touring with the artist I was singing for,” she said. “We met touring, so it’s our normal. We love it.”
The couple moved from Winnipeg to Nashville in 2010 to pursue their musical career.
“It was time to make connections and relationships in the States,” said King. “I also needed to live somewhere closer to big cities so that touring wouldn’t be such a stress.”
To stay healthy even while touring, she always brings her running shoes.
“Sometimes it’s the only way to see the city you’re in – to hit the pavement and go for a run!”
The stress of touring isn’t the only one King deals with. The business and hard work of music was – and still is – a challenge.
“I wish I could just write and perform,” she said, “but there was a lot I had to dive into on the music business side to make this thing work! Nobody cares about your music as much as you do!”
For people hoping and dreaming about getting into the arts, King had some advice.
“Be who you are,” she said. “Make sure what you value comes out in your music. It’s as important as a good hook! Be ready to work harder then you ever have! Be realistic about the kind of music you write. Let that influence where you go with it.”
King and her husband visited their hometown in July when Manitoba Music asked King to play at The Forks for Canada Day.
While their travels are far from over, King and her husband are on a new leg of their journey as they take their next steps with Word/Warner Entertainment.
Quick facts about Jodi King
- Musical inspirations: Sheryl Crow, The Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Amy Grant, Shania Twain
- Loves vintage shopping! Style inspirations: My mom, Stevie Nicks, 70’s rock and roll.
- “My favourite drink is a Guava gin & tonic when I’m on my porch in the summer. But a good cup of tea cannot be beat!”
