We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jess Jocoy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jess, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I’ve loved music my whole life; my mom used to put headphones over her belly when she was pregnant with me, playing the Dances With Wolves soundtrack. I grew up singing around the house and in choirs, both in church and at school, but it wasn’t until I was about thirteen that I realized I wanted to pursue music as a career – or, I guess I was that age when I realized I could pursue a career as a singer, or artist. So, I started taking piano and voice lessons…and I suppose the rest is history.

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

After I came to the understanding, or belief, that music was my path, I set my sights on Nashville. Country music has always held a special place in my heart and Nashville was synonymous with country music. When I was younger, I had a different idea in my mind as to what kind of artist I wanted – needed – to be: a stadium-filling superstar touring the world. That idea started to change after my dad, who was one of my best friends, passed away from cancer when I was nineteen. My songs took on new forms, darker and more melancholic. I started college in Nashville in that time, too. Moving to my dream city to get a degree in Songwriting seemed perfect, but the city and my experience, because of what I was going through at the time, turned out to be completely different and sent me into somewhat of a shock.

I was quickly starting to think that maybe I wasn’t made for stadiums. My songs became softer, quieter, and more introspective and less mainstream. I think a lot of it was my way of dealing with my grief, and I’m sure to this day I’m still grieving to a degree – it’s not something you just get over. But, just as it seemed my dreams were going to fade, I came to find that there are artists who sustain a successful career that the “masses” have never heard of. This gave me hope in a time where it seemed like hope was lost.

As an independent artist of country-folk/Americana music, it’s a long, arduous road to spread the word about what you’re doing. However, just as my music changed and developed, my definition of success did too. It can be tough because my songs are based on stories, sometimes raw stories, and I’m asking people to listen to the words in an age where attention spans are so short and distractions are many. Oftentimes it shapes the way I tour where I seek out listening rooms or quiet spaces that may or may not be traditional music venues. But, there are people – good listeners – who give time to really listening to music and anyone who is willing to listen to what I have to say, well, I am grateful. There’s nothing more sincerely wonderful than someone taking the time to let me know how much my song impacted them, or how my performance effected them. It reminds me that the people who just so happen to be hearing the music are meant to hear it.

That’s my idea of success now. Playing music to people who need and want to hear it. Making enough money from my music so that I can travel and make more music. Would playing stadiums be amazing? Undoubtably. At the end of the day, though, it’s the people who make it all worth it.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

We’re in such a unique and special time now with all this technology that allows us to truly be connected with people from around the world. That said, it’s easier than ever to see just how many artists, musicians, etc. there are in this big world. The industry pushes for new and indie artists to “promote” yourself and utilize social media to its full advantage. Sometimes those social media stats and numbers can be so influential in the record deal process. If a singer “blows up” on TikTok they can get a record deal because they’ve proven successful with the masses.

I often think about those of us who struggle with social media. The introverts of the industry, no less apart of the industry because we’re not as loud behind the screen. I struggle. I tend to be more focused on making the music than I am standing in front of the camera – which has always made me nervous regardless – that social media, good, bad or otherwise, becomes an afterthought. Maybe I could be farther along in my career if I changed my mentality. But, maybe there’s hope for me still?

I think society can best support artists by going to shows – see them live in their element. Even if the shows are small and not ticketed, get familiar with your local talent. You may be surprised. It’s advice I give myself as well. Nashville is so abundant in talent, sometimes it can be overwhelming. But the creative community is just that: a community and real community thrives on seeing one another succeed and lifting up one another along the way.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

With respect for the situation, I’ll keep this story somewhat vague: This last summer (June, 2022) I had the incredible opportunity to travel to the UK for what was slated to be an eight-week tour. To say I was excited would be a sincere discredit to my enthusiasm. Because I was so happy to even get the chance to go, there were cornerstones of information I let go unnoticed; I was more performer-minded than I was business minded. I flew the four thousand miles from Nashville to NYC to London with my guitar, four suitcases, and a grin.

It quickly became apparent that I’d not been fully aware of the schematics of the trip. Routing was not feasible, especially given that myself and the booker had determined we would drive to each gig rather than take public transportation, when gas averaged approximately $8 dollars a gallon. This was a main factor among many that led to me realizing that eight weeks and twenty-two shows would very likely leave me in debt rather than prove lucrative, financially. After five shows, I made the gut-wrenching decision to cancel the tour early. From the time the decision was made to letting each venue and ticket holders know, to flying the four thousand miles back home, I’d never shed so many tears. I knew it would be a guilt and a heartbreak I would carry with me for many, many years.

Something interesting happened though, upon my return. I went to church that Sunday after I got home and the sermon was from a guest pastor who spoke about his time none other than in England. His story was about the guilt he felt in letting his family down by choosing his career over his family. I sat in the back wrecked and sobbing because somehow he was divulging my heaviest heartache to the congregation. It was the first time in my life I went down to the alter when he called people to come who needed prayer. I knelt there for forever and wept while the band played. When I finally did come to stand, I stood up as someone else; someone new. In a moment all that guilt I was slated to carry with me faded, like a morning fog dissipates with the sun. Instead of dwelling on everything that went wrong on this tour, I could see all that went right.

I remembered all of the wonderful people I did get to meet and play for. I remembered all of the venues who did and were willing to take a chance on a girl from across the Pond they’d never met or heard in person. I remembered the beautiful country I did get to see. That’s what I carry with me now as I plan my return trip to the UK. I have a better understanding of what I need to do and I know I will not make the same mistakes twice. The learning is the resilience and if I can quote my own song: I’m learning that good lessons leave their scars like raw confessions and it’s the ones that hurt the worst [that] make you stand tall. (“I Will Be Glad”, Let There Be No Despair).

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jessjocoy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessjocoymusic/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessjocoy/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessjocoy?lang=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVGgubkYDl3fzigoTanipbg?view_as=subscriber

Image Credits
All photos by Sam Wiseman