Exclusive Interview: bodie Talks Debut EP HAPPY TO BE HERE

You may remember that bodie has been wowing America since his four-chair turn audition on season 22 of The Voice. And though he introduced himself to us on the show, we are happy to announce his career is only getting stronger. His unique charm and inspiring perspective has followed him to the release of his debut EP, HAPPY TO BE HERE. Hoping to make an impact on his audience, bodie has made a statement with his honest lyrics and fresh sound. To ensure bodie leaves as much of an impression as he deserves, we chatted with him about this release, growing up with music, and what (and who) brings him the most joy these days.

HAPPY TO BE HERE

Releasing your debut EP is so exciting! What emotions go into releasing the first multi-song body of work that fans will hear from you?
I can’t think of a lot of things more exciting or special than creating and completing a body of art to be released into the world.  When releasing a project so honest and authentic to the season of life that I’ve been walking through, it definitely brings up a lot of emotions (especially at being my debut release on my label): nervousness in hoping that listeners will connect with the songs thematically and vibe with them sonically, pride in releasing something so special and true to who I am as an artist, and thankfulness as I get the honor of making music so very special to me for people to listen all over the world. 

‘whisper and the wind’ is having a huge moment right now! When you were crafting this track was there an “ah-ha” moment where you knew the track was something special?
Honestly, yes. I remember going live on TikTok while in the writing session… And later released a Vlog on YouTube titled “we wrote my favorite song ever”. I knew right away the song was special. From the concept, to the honest lyrics, to the way the song allowed me to really SING…  I knew it was going to, at the very least, move people. 

HAPPY TO BE HERE captures a variety of themes and emotions such as love, loss, and the human condition. What do you hope listeners feel or experience when they hear your songs?
Truth, hope and a potential for true freedom through Christ. 

The ‘RIP’ music video is so fun, especially when, with the help of the camera, we shrink to be the size of a small rotating car with two miniature versions of you cruising inside! Concerning the song’s theme, what lyrics from the EP would be on some of their headstones if they were to die next?
“when my flesh is dying, is when I come alive” 

Growing Up

Your sound often defies the boundaries of genre and mixes elements of rock, hip-hop, and pop. How do you define your musical style, and who/what influences your sound?
I really appreciate how you worded that question because that’s exactly how I’d explain it haha! In short, I say I make alt-pop. I take influence from rock/grunge bands from Nirvana and The Pixies to Blink 182 and Sum 42. I take inspiration from electronic, hip hop and pop as well. It’s hard not to be inspired by all the sounds!!! Right now artists that are really inspiring me are Dominic Fike, Sueco, Charlie Powers, and Aries. 

There’s no doubt that growing up in Los Angeles, you were surrounded with artistic influences. How did your upbringing shape your perspective on music and storytelling?
I grew up in a household of actors and musicians as parents. I was always encouraged to express myself through art and was no stranger to the stage at a very early age. Growing up in the church also provided consistent opportunities for me to become more and more comfortable on stages and in front of people. 

Your parents are also artists in their own respect! Can you tell us more about what they do and how that influenced you in your upbringing?
My parents were actors in stage productions as well as in various TV/Flim. My dad was also a touring musician during my early childhood. My mom moved into theater teaching (and later working at a church), and my dad moved into post production. Art, people and public expression was consistently modeled during my upbringing.  

Your journey from early childhood experiences to becoming a runner-up on The Voice shows how at home you are on stage. Can you share any specific memories from your youth that made you realize performing was your true calling?
I’m not sure if I can pinpoint a specific experience, but rather the consistency of being on stages that led me to find comfort and fulfillment in utilizing my talents in this way. From church music, to theater, to garage band rock shows, I got started young, and never stopped. 

The Voice

We would love to talk about your experience on The Voice! What is one piece of advice that you got on that show that really was useful as you brought this EP to life?
As incredible as the experience on The Voice was, aside from some practical Vocal coaching, I honestly didn’t get much “advice” per se… but what I did take from the show was the immense amount of high-pressure performance experience, healthy and constructive criticism, and the opportunity for my voice to be heard by millions… Such an honor. 
I will say that I was very much affirmed and let loose to be unique, creative and as expressive as possible while on the show. That is definitely something that I carried over into my EP writing process.

You delivered a stand-out cover of The Fray’s ‘You Found Me’ for the Blind Auditions on The Voice. How did you decide on that song and what does it now mean to you looking back from this point in your career? 
When I was given this song to sing in my audition, I knew I had to make it my own. I spent a good amount of time building out an arrangement that would showcase my voice in a way (I hoped) the coaches would be impressed by. This song/arrangement was the first song of many where I really began to truly find my stride when it came to locating my “sound”. 

What Else Is Going On With Bodie?

You have been on stage before but you just wrapped your co-headline BODIE & GIO’s HAPPY TO BE HERE WITH NOBODY ELSE TOUR! How are you feeling? How did you prepare for it?
ahhhh my first tour! It was incredible. I learned so much and it was an incredible experience. Van life is no joke, but what an honor it was to hang out with such incredible people in so many different cities. From stage catching on fire, to dangerous weather, we collected our fair share of memories. In preparation, I dialed in live arrangements with my band, built out visuals and sang the set in the car as much as possible. Tour was a lot but I cannot wait to do it again… maybe just in a bus next time 😉

You’ve described your lyrics as honest and transparent. How important is authenticity in your songwriting process, and how do you achieve that?
For a lot of years, my only goal was to write relatable and easily digestible music for the masses. Within my lyrics, I (more or less) silenced my faith and a lot of what makes up my worldview in hopes of being as relatable as possible. I quickly reached a point where my “well” ran dry. The last couple years I’ve really made an effort to write from the fullness of who I am and what I believe, and it’s don’t wonders in how I write, and how effective my music has become in reaching and encouraging my listeners.   

Gratitude

Your EP is titled Happy To Be Here, so we have to ask: Which place in the world makes you the happiest?
Easy: home with my family. I fully realize this makes me sound like SUCH a dad… But man… Grilling in the back with music blasting. kids playing. wife helping me cook. that’s my favorite place. As busy as life has been and will continue to be, I’m making more of an effort than ever to soak in these backyard grill outs because… Man… This is just a really sweet season of life. 

Bodie is also the name of an old gold-mining town in California. What is as valuable as gold to you?
greater than gold: time with my kids. dates with my wife. time with Jesus. worshiping with my friends and family. 

If you’ve made it this far and haven’t listened to HAPPY TO BE HERE yet, stream it now. Then come back and learn about bodie all over again. Once you’re an expert on all things bodie, head over to our socials to let us know what you think. We’ll be happy to discuss at @thehoneypop on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BODIE:
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