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

Jen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I thought this was only one question haha. I think I just got into a lot of this in the last question. I’ll talk a bit about N4N.

Notes For Notes is a non profit organization which provides free music education to youth in both state of the art recording studios and through online media. I have produced hundreds, maybe a thousand, songs for young artists. When a young person walks through the door for the first time, they see real gear. DW drums, Gibson guitars, Line 6 amps, PreSonus boards, KRK speakers, Stanton turntables, etc. They see a giant poster wall filled with artists who look just like them. Artists of color, women, trans, and non binary artists, queer artists etc. They are allowed to play everything. Run and around and just touch stuff. Make noise. Communicate. Whenever they are ready, they get to choose what they want to start learning on – or perhaps – jump right in to creating music. Whatever it is they want to do, it is our job to facilitate it. I have had young artist sign with Drummasquad, Quality Control, and make a living off touring. I have had young artists get accepted to UGA, Brown, MTSU, Kennesaw State, Boston University, etc. I have even hired my alumni. I have had young artists transition from teenage years to learning skilled trades, starting families, and becoming upstanding global citizens. The love you feel in a studio is impactful. You have to come in and experience it. All are welcome. Youth may also express themselves freely in the vocal booth. It is a 100% safe space. This allows us to be true mentors. Instead of censoring, we welcome conversations about what is going on in their lives. It is a truly revolutionary approach. Anyone curious may check out our music at www.notesfornotes.org

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Pay your musicians. If you want music, you have to pay for it. It is a skill. It takes years to master. Offering exposure doesn’t count as payment. If you can’t pay, then please don’t seek musicians for your event/endeavor. The community thanks you!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Seeing people light up when they hear the song they just recorded. Hearing the audience sing along to the music you play. The connection we make with people through music are pure magic. I feel human.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.notesfornotes.org
• Instagram: notesfornotes
• Facebook: notesfornotes
• Linkedin: /jenhodgesbass
• Twitter: notesfornotes
• Other: For my personal music, check out Spurge on Spotify, Youtube, Google, Apple Music, and Amazon

Image Credits
Daniel Medina, Anthony Ross Tyler, Actor’s Express