Daily Inspiration: Meet Jody Jones (GrandAce)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jody Jones (GrandAce).

Hi Jody, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been a child of music since my parents had Sade playing for me while I was in the crib. I wouldn’t go to sleep unless I had music playing so it’s always been a part of my spirit.

As I got older took a deep interest in finding music for myself that wasn’t put in front of me solely due to popularity. I was one of the kids downloading music from shady sites and YouTube, spending hours to properly label the metadata and find artwork for each project for my use at school. Few things brought me more joy.

Jump forward, once while with my best friend whose dad makes music, I was introduced to a program called Ableton Live where you could make your own music. After that day, I went home and went through my channels to obtain a copy and all of my free time has been claimed for ever since.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth. Every day is a struggle. Some days the music isn’t flowing, others I feel ignored as an artist. Money is a challenge. Algorithms become more against artists by the day. The rules and goalposts constantly shift, it’s hard to keep up, especially since I’d like to make music my livelihood.

But I honestly love it. I’ve come to learn to enjoy the process of creation and creating promo materials and catering to the people that show they care. I’ve focused more on reorienting my mindset towards focusing on how things are going right.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an artist specializing in Alternative rap/hip hop. I write, produce and engineer my music, focusing on creating music that evokes feelings in the listener. I get a lot of inspiration from Jazz and 90’s House and music from 90’s/00’s video game soundtracks; being self-taught.

I often don’t know what I’m doing so I really completely on feeling to get things done, picking up skills along the way. I have a background in film and photography so that helps shape how I view the creative process. With what I’ve learned about the craft and myself, the thing I appreciate the most is how I don’t give up. I often want to quit everything out of frustration but creating is really the only thing I want to do (other than nothing!)

The thing that sets me apart from others is hard to nail down specifically, but I know I lean into my oddities with my entire being. I make music as a way to better connect with myself and others that can relate to how I see the world. I know I’m not here forever so I try to spread as much light as I can, as honestly as I can.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Despite being a natural hermit, I enjoy working with others quite a bit. I’m really easy to approach so if people ever want to work with me, I say just talk to me and reach out. When it comes to music, if I can hear myself on something or I feel this internal excitement well up, I go for it. I only try to work on things that get me really excited, as that’s when I find I’m creating the most impactful work.

For people that want to support me, listening to the music is EVERYTHING. Listening and sharing. That’s how I get anywhere. Signing up for my newsletter helps a ton as well! I also have channels for monetary support for people that are a little more financially inclined through Bandcamp subscriptions! With subscriptions, I don’t have to rely on the sub 1 cent per stream that I get from traditional music platforms, and I can channel that money towards making more music and being sustainable in my career!

I can be reached on most social media platforms at @theegrandace!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theegrandace.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theegrandace/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theegrandace/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/theegrandace/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/theegrandace/

Image Credits
Sophia Muñoz, Romain Maya, Carlos Herriott, Annie Noelker, Chris Pasion