Meet Jess Wojo | Singer/Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jess Wojo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jess, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
I was recently watching Criminal Minds (my all-time favorite TV show) and one of the characters quoted Cyril Connolly. “Better to write for yourself and have no public than to write for the public and have no self.” There’s a lot of pressure in the music industry, really any creative field, to create art that can be monetized. There’s no shame in that and sometimes that’s just what you have to do, especially if your art is also your main source of income. But I’m still at the beginning stages of my career where I’m unencumbered by that pressure and I’m just writing music that feels authentic to my experience. I HOPE it resonates with others but I’m choosing to write authentically first and trust that it will rather than actively trying to write music with a specific audience/goal in mind.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a singer/songwriter. I think my music could best be described as a combination of singer/songwriter, folk pop, with R&B/funk influences? Honestly narrowing in on a specific genre while I’m still actively figuring out who I am as a musician is tough and I feel like my answer changes a little based on what I’m working on at the time.

My next single is coming out January 19 and I think it best represents me as an artist of the songs I’ve released so far. It’s called “Nashville Song” and it’s a tongue-in-cheek song about trying to “make it” as an artist in Nashville. It took a long time to write and record and features a lot of really talented musicians. I’m proud of it and can’t wait for people to hear it!

I’m constantly reminded that “making it” in the music industry isn’t a linear path. For me, it’s meant having a day job to fund the pursuit of music until I can transition to performing full time. That comes with its own challenges, primarily finding balance between the two along with other responsibilities, hobbies, relationships, and rest. I don’t think I’ve overcome this challenge. I’m constantly re-adjusting the balance.

I’ve learned a lot of lessons along the way. The one I’ve been sitting with recently is that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be right now. I’ve been in Nashville for five years. I turned 29 on December 1. It can be tempting to dwell on the fact that I thought I’d be farther along in my career by this point in my life. But that pressure or expectation isn’t conducive to creativity. And it certainly doesn’t foster joy. So I’m learning to let go of where I thought I should be by now and enjoying where I actually am. Not being so focused on the future that I miss the present.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Considering I’m a transplant this is something I’ve done a few times now. I’d probably take them to some of the staples- Country Music Hall of Fame, Centennial Park. We’d go see a show at Brooklyn Bowl, Eastside Bowl, Exit/In, or Basement East. We could go eat at Peg Leg Porker then walk over to Rudy’s Jazz Room for a cocktail and live jazz. I’d take them to my favorite nice restaurant, Margot. If we needed a late night bite- the japaleño ranch pizza from Five Points right across the street. You could spend a day or two doing all the Nashville breweries. Black Abbey, East Nashville Beer Works, Southern Grist, Monday Night Brewing, and Living Waters are my favorites. Grab some to-go beers and take a kayak out on the Harpeth. We’d take a day for Franklin- go check out some of the Civil War exhibits then head to Lieper’s Fork Distillery for a tour, whiskey tasting, and live music in their outdoor courtyard. We could play arcade games at No Quarter and Up Down, walk to Atta Boy for a custom cocktail, and end the night with $3 frosty beers and pool at Lakeside Lounge. Spend some time at the best dive bar in town with unexpectedly gourmet burgers and a bizarre obsession with Mallort- Rosie’s Twin Kegs. Lastly, and this may be controversial…Edley’s for the best overall BBQ in Nashville.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh man- there are a lot of people to thank for where I am today and I’m so grateful to all of them. My parents, especially my Dad, for introducing me to music and always supporting my musical pursuits (lessons, rehearsals, college, concerts, recitals, shows, release parties, etc.) My partner Jim for lovingly coaxing me away from the edge of the cliff when I become overwhelmed with the logistics of pursuing a career in music and reminding me of the joy to be found in it instead. My best friends Emili and Lydia for listening to all the mixes of my songs, coming to my gigs, listening to my chaotic thoughts and ideas via text, and being the absolute best hype women a girl could ask for. My Home Church community, especially Jason and Carli, for creating a faith-based community that fosters creativity in God’s image. My Hendersonville Martial Arts family for giving me physical and mental strength (and a healthy outlet). All of the writers, musicians, producers, etc. who have helped me bring my ideas to life and create music. All of my friends, family, and those I don’t know personally who have come to my shows, listen to my songs, share my content on social media, wear my merch…your support means the world to me. I think I’m at the point where I’d thank my dog next but seeing as he can’t read that seems like a good place to just say- thank you to everyone who has believed in me and my art.

Website: https://jesswojo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theofficialjesswojo/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jess_wojo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theofficialjesswojo

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theofficialjesswojo

Other: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theofficialjesswojo

Image Credits
Urban Hill Photography Nita in Nashville Photography Lydia Foutch Colleen McCarthy Jordan Johansen