Jodi John Returns to IAC : A Conversation on Her Debut EP Sybelia

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Interviewed by Sydney Koppelmeyer, IAC Executive Director

It’s always a joy to welcome artists back to the Old Jail, especially when they’re returning not just as friends of the Arts Council, but as creatives with something new to share. On June 21st at 3 p.m., we’re thrilled to host Jodi John for the release of her debut EP Sybelia. As a former Executive Director of IAC herself, Jodi’s homecoming performance is especially meaningful. I had the chance to ask her a few questions about her songwriting journey, her new music, and the power of storytelling through song. Take a look… 

Welcome back to the Old Jail! What is it like returning to the Iredell Arts Council, now as a performing songwriter with your first published EP?

I have such fond memories as the first full-time Executive Director of the Iredell Arts Council. It was so rewarding to be a part of what has become such an important organization for the City of Statesville and its surrounding communities. It is so impressive to see that the acoustic concert series has grown to what it is today ~ thanks to all of the amazing leadership over the last decade there. It's an honor to be coming back and playing a few of my songs for my beloved "hometown" of 18 years. When we moved away, our friends and neighbors threw us the most amazing bon voyage party. It was a testament to the spirit of Statesville and the heart of its people. It took me at least a year to be able to come back and visit without crying. I missed it so much. We love living in Asheville, and it was the right move to make, but Statesville will always be special to us.  

Your EP Sybelia is such a personal milestone, what inspired the name, and how does this collection reflect where you are right now as an artist?

I was born and raised in Florida, and spent most of my summers in the mountains of North Carolina. One of the areas where I spent many years was around Lake Sybelia in Maitland, Florida. My friends and I would ride bikes almost every day around that lake and its surrounding neighborhoods. My elementary school was even called Lake Sybelia elementary. There were so many old trees, large foliage, water birds, little beaches, neat houses and great streets everywhere. Naming my EP "Sybelia" was natural. All of the songs come back to that feeling of growing up in that area and forming the person I am today. I try to live in the present when possible, but I can't help but reflect back when I'm writing songs. It almost brings back my childhood in the form of a cloud of words and music floating through my adult life. I like the feeling!

You’ve written over 250 original songs. How do you know when one is ready to be shared with the world?

A key factor for whether or not a song "makes it" into my repertoire is feedback from family, friends and my songwriting community. I usually start by sharing a new song with my husband, Chuck. Then, I share it with my fellow songwriters in one of our monthly Asheville Songwriters Association meetings. Every once in a while there are duds that don't end up going any further ~ of course! The duds are important though. Sometimes I'll pull lines from them, which turn into a different song. Or sometimes I go back and rewrite them. One of my oldest songs is "Watauga Gorge." When I first wrote it in the 1990's it had a completely different melody and the point of view was different. A few years later, I rewrote it during a songwriting workshop at the Swannanoa Gathering and it became a much better song. I'm so glad I gave it a facelift. That song even has a painting that goes with it. The painting now hangs in the home of Kathy Mattea. I gave it to her as a gift after taking a class with her. She and her husband Jon Vezner are dear people.

Narrative storytelling is clearly central to your music, how do you see the role of story in connecting people through song?

Yes! I'm so glad you noticed that. Narrative songs are most prominent in my collection. Telling stories is key in my life, in my work as a fundraising professional, and as a songwriter. I believe in the power of connecting people to each other and connecting people through storytelling. In fact, my next album will be all story songs and it will be titled "Narrative." I can't wait to start recording it in 2026. 

Leading the Asheville Songwriters Association, you’re surrounded by other creatives. How has that community shaped or challenged your own writing?

It's impressive to stop and think about how many great songwriters there are in the region of Western North Carolina and beyond. We sometimes have folks driving over an hour to get to one of our meetings. The best thing about having a formal meetup with other songwriters is the positive pressure to keep writing new songs. We support each other and inspire each other. I just completed a 12 songs in 12 weeks challenge with facilitator and well-known songwriter, Cary Cooper. I was going hardcore for 10 weeks and then demands at my job picked up and I decided I'd have to stop at 10 songs in 10 weeks. I feel like at least 6 or 7 of the songs will make it into my regular rotation, which I think is a great percentage. It's fun to have a fire under your belly to write and know you have to share the song with others or you'll get a side-eye, haha.

Bonus Question: I noticed in the Sybelia description that you were inspired by rap music in high school.... which artists were on repeat for you back then?

Oh my gosh ~ I was the biggest fan of rap and hip hop back then. Even today, rap and hip hop is my ultimate favorite genre to listen to. Whenever I'm driving or exercising it's pretty much always hardcore rap or hip hop blasting through the speakers. Gotta love that bass boom! Back when I started writing songs in the late 1980's/1990's, Run DMC, Rob Base, and the Beastie Boys were my top three, I'd say. But I also dug the Gucci Crew, Sir Mix-a-Lot, Nelly, 50 Cent, Tone Loc and others. I even danced briefly on stage at a Tone Loc concert. I love to tell that story.

 

Now, my favorite rap artists are Kendrick Lamar, Doechii, Brockhampton, Drake, Post Malone, A$AP Rocky, and so many more. I can't fit them all here. I also still listen to the old school names. Even during Hurricane Helene, when we had no internet for weeks, I was able to blast my jojopipHIP downloaded playlist and dance for about an hour a day to stay sane.

It's a bit of a disconnect to write in such a different style than what I listen to ~ but I think there are hints in my songs. "Act of God" for example has a great rhythm feel to it when I say "I did my huddle, my cuddle, the mud all on me in the pourin' rain." I have my rap influence to thank for that pattern coming out of my mind and my mouth when I wrote it.  

Can’t wait to share this with the IAC audience! 

Join Us for the Show

Jodi John’s EP release performance takes place Sunday, June 21 at 3:00 PM at the Iredell Arts Council (203 S. Center St., Statesville). Tickets are just $10 and can be purchased online at the link below:

 Get Tickets Here

Originally posted by Iredell Arts Council via Locable