Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Codi Dillon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Codi , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.

I identify myself as a queer artist – for the music and creative work that I do is vastly inspired by the queer community and the art that is derived from it. I create music for not only my own self-expression but for the grander view of the LGBTQIA+ community, with their stories and the struggles we all commonly face. A community in which has conquered diversity and fought for freedom to be seen. However, the biggest and most common battle we share is the war of the mind. Amongst the unfairness and trails that are given to our community that come unwarranted, we have learned how to create beauty in chaos. The queer community is strong and resilient and is one of the biggest sources of creativity.

When growing up in rural East Tennessee, I always felt out of place and misunderstood. I knew that I was different at an early age, and knew that if I chose to embrace myself and my identity it would have it’s challenges, in which it did. One thing that I could count on is music, and being able to express myself without judgment on my terms, while leaning into my creative talent. Needless to say, that the music I create and the work that I do creatively is much bigger than myself. The songs I write tend to come from personal experiences as a queer person, but they aren’t just for me, and sometimes are a story that so many in this community can relate to and have experienced. I create with the intention to shine a light and be a voice with this beautiful community and it’s amazing art.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have been making music independently under my artist name, Codi Dillon, since my first official single release in 2016, titled “Playground.” I am known as a queer pop-recording artist that is based out of Nashville, TN. Since my first release in August 2016, I have gone on to have over 15+ single releases since. Followed with my first studio album titled “Collusion,” that was written and produced by myself, with co-producer and artist Westward Drifter. The album was released in the fall of 2020 and received 15,000+ streams on Spotify within its first week and featured in articles with BUZZ Music LA, Hollywood Digest, and in the debut issue of BLERR magazine. I’ve gone on to take part in not only serval magazine features but radio & Spotify playlists, festival shows, and even starring in a TV show titled “Sync It.” My mission as an artist is to create and inspire the new generation and honor queer art.

I started writing and singing at a very young age, and knew that it was more than just something I loved to do but that I was meant to do it. Music was a lifeline when I felt outcast and my outlet for when I felt misunderstood. I don’t think there has been a time in my life where music was not in it. To where music has become apart of me, it is part of my identity. I always had big dreams when growing up cause I knew I had something special and something to give to the world. I seek to inspire those who may feel displaced from society, who don’t feel like they have a place, or just need someone who understands them.

To describe my music is an infusion of the pop sound we all know and love, with the edge and grit of electronic dance music. However, I do not like to limit myself as an artist and what I can do with my talent. To simply categorize myself as a one genre type doesn’t feel fair to my artistry, for that I am inspired by and love so many different types of music and artistic outlets. My music comes from a place of real and raw experiences and emotions, that are sometimes beautifully chaotic. I want to encourage any new fans or followers of mine to come along this amazing journey with me as I continue to create. The people and supporters around me, encourage and inspire me to keep creating the music and art that feels most meaningful.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

There have been countless lessons that I have had to unlearn just to relearn in a new way, just to stay up to date with an ever changing industry. Some of those are technical aspects of making and creating music, to even marketing and strategizing releases. I will say the biggest lesson I’ve learned thus far in my creative journey is to not loose sight of what and why I do what I do. I had to redirect my mind for awhile with this philosophy, and take my mind and feelings out of the music, to prioritize the business side of it – which is what it is, a business. I found myself so tied up and focused with the business side of my music, I began to hate even making music anymore. Something that I loved so much and something that is apart of me, was now bringing me down. I had to step away for a little while to learn to re-love the craft and what inspired me to want to make it in this industry in the first place. The most important thing I believe any artist or creative needs is a grounded sense of themselves, otherwise the art you are making will suffer and show that disconnect. An artists’ mind sometimes can be a very dark and confusing place to navigate and can its toll. I encourage other artists who may feel this same way to be honest with yourself and your music, and take the necessary time and techniques to protect yourself and your art.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

In the music industry there is so many parts and trends in which are changing and evolving in the modern era of music. It sometimes can be hard and daunting to keep up with, especially for an independent artist such as myself. Some of the biggest resources I wish I knew more about and had access to would be that in any aspect of networking and connecting with music execs or officials. There are many platforms it seems now that you can reach out and pitch your music to, where as these things weren’t always so easy to obtain or even have access to as an independent artist. Networking is one of my favorite parts about what I do because I love to get feedback and opinions about my work and how to either improve or extend the impact it has already. As well as hearing from the listeners and supporters of my music, and how I can create further for them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/codidillon
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codi.dillon/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CodiDillonMusic/
• Twitter: https://x.com/thecodidillon?mx=2
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqkMjp65aVcoeDZF8xj5McA

Image Credits

Libby Danforth (Photographer), Alex Wieland (Photographer), Alexes Hardt (Photographer), Luxxienne (Photographer)