Following the release of her new single ‘Aurora’, we had a chat with Jodi Heights about her wonderfully unique sound
Thanks to her classical style and penchant for crafting weaving, immersive narratives within her lyrics, Jodi Heights in an artist that has struck a chord with us as someone with a package and style that feels entirely one of a kind, oozing with personality and the singer-songwriter’s distinctive charm and charisma. The poised and often theatrical nature of her sound feels like a fun throwback to bygone eras, with her modern twist on the sounds and aforementioned charm ensuring that things always feel exciting and fresh.
The artist’s new EP Triptych and its follow up single ‘Aurora’ showcase the wide range of talents and depth that the artist has. From the EP’s ‘The Myth’ that showcases the more sardonic nature of the artist’s lyrics and fun theatrical sound, to the rousing ‘The Iceberg’, to the emotional balladry of ‘The Storm’ and the standalone ‘Aurora’, the artist can seemingly capture any emotion within her unique style, making for some wonderfully engaging, unparalleled tracks and moments. We had a chat with the artist to find out some more about this truly unique style and her journey as an artist so far.
Who TF is Jodi Heights?
I’m a singer-songwriter based in Boston, MA. I mostly accompany myself on piano, but I throw a little harmonium, and Celtic harp in to keep things interesting.
How long have you been making music?
I started taking piano lessons when I was 3 and voice lessons at 10, so I don’t really remember a time where I wasn’t making music.
Why do you make music?
I think it came naturally to me in a lot of ways, but I also love it as a form of expression, especially writing my own songs. I find it fascinating to take feelings or observations and capture them in sound.
What are your biggest influences?
I was classically trained for both piano and voice, and I spent almost 15 years in a world music band, singing in other languages and trying new instruments. I’ve also worked as a musician for spiritual retreats, churches, synagogues, etc., and I love how much can create powerful spiritual experiences. I think you can hear a mix of those influences in how I sound and the type of music I write.
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
When I released my first album, it was the culmination of something I had wanted to do since childhood. I didn’t really know everything that went into making an album, but I learned from the process. My album release concert brought together so many people who believed in my music and wanted to celebrate this huge accomplishment. It almost felt like an out-of-body experience!
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
Singer-songwriter-pianist with Broadway-tinged vocals and Alt-pop style
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
I’d love to be invited to play at any of the world’s beautiful, historic concert halls that used to only host classical musicians but are now featuring artists of all genres. I love playing in places that were built for music. There’s nothing like performing in a space with great acoustics.
We love your recent EP Triptych and your latest single ‘Aurora’. What more can you tell us about them?
“Triptych” was made up of 3 songs I wrote in early 2020 that focused on urgent concerns in our modern world: climate change, the pandemic, and the growing wealth gap. Heavy subjects, for sure, but I like to challenge myself as a writer. I think I’m most proud of “The Myth” because of the cheeky way it addresses a serious subject, but also because the music is full of raucous, big band joy. It was a blast to write and record it!
“Aurora” is my first song for Celtic harp, and it uses the northern lights as a metaphor for following your intuition. When we come to a turning point in our lives, we know we’re ready to leave something behind, but may not be sure which direction to take. Instead of leaping into something we may regret later, we decide to sit and wait for a sign to guide us in the right direction. This was the perfect subject for my first original on Celtic harp, since I’m still a fledgling on the instrument.
That small level of uncertainty and building trust in my playing found its way into the meaning and performance of the song.
What else do you have planned for the near future?
I just released an animated lyric video for “Aurora” in collaboration with Black Balloon Media, and it’s gorgeous. I also have a new song coming out November 4th, and I’m in the process of planning my first full- production music video to accompany it, so I’ll be pretty busy as 2022 winds down.
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
My husband, David. No competition. Anytime I have a new idea or project, his first question is always “what can I do to help?” He really understands how to be a supportive partner, especially to an artist. We make a great team.
