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2020 Album Release

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BIOGRAPHY

For Jodi Essex, rock and roll is the only genre unapologetic enough to capture the confident passion of her mission.

“Rock music is loud, it’s energetic, it’s liberating,” Jodi states. “It’s about the ability and confidence to go your way and not care about all the naysayers. That fits my personality. I’ve always been outspoken.”

That outspoken nature is the perfect fuel for Jodi’s brand-new rock single “Offend.” Picking up where 2020’s song “Irreverent” left off, “Offend” uses crunchy guitars and a powerful melodic throughline to issue the challenge voiced by the chorus: “Will you offend for the gospel?”

“‘Offend’ is where I’m challenging faith leaders, ‘will you offend for the gospel, or will you bend for mankind?’” Jodi further explains. “Let’s focus on why you existed in the first place, why you felt called to ministry. What are you teaching? What message are you sending? The Bible is offensive to some people. Christianity is offensive for some people. But we have to be willing to stand up for something, and inevitably, you’re going to offend somebody.”

It’s an unabashed message delivered well by Jodi’s powerhouse voice, a grand musical scope that shows the influence of 80s and 90s arena rock giants like Def Leppard, Guns N Roses, and Bon Jovi. Following in the footsteps of those arena rock legends, Jodi Essex can effortlessly switch musical stances to launch into ballad territory. Her ethereal ballad “Unravel” displays that range. Musically and lyrically vulnerable, the song is a gentle prayer, asking God for the unraveling and rebuilding only He can provide.

“We’re constantly learning things about ourselves, allowing ourselves to peel back the layers,” Jodi shares. “In this song, I’m surrendering. It’s about being before God and just letting Him in. Letting Him see our hurts, our baggage, our victories– everything about who we are and how we’re made up as people.”

“Offend” and “Unravel” are the first of four songs that Jodi has written and recorded with Josiah Prince of Disciple, a collaboration that has drawn out and solidified her innate hard rock instincts. Jodi, who has always had a passion for rock songwriting, explained: “Josiah comes from distinct, deep rock roots, which felt like a natural fit for the vision I had in mind— the evolution and progression of my musical sound. There were no stumbling blocks, which isn’t always the case with new writing partners. It’s been a symbiotic process with an easy give and take. Most importantly, he’s got great ears as a producer.”

The sonic and spiritual maturity that Jodi Essex brings to these new songs is the fruit borne of hard-won experience and growth. Ever since her early days singing as a church soloist on Sunday mornings, Jodi has known that she wanted to sing. But the path that took her from there to today’s genuine, unapologetic rock has been one of frequent challenges and learning experiences.

Jodi’s studio experience began at just 15, when she recorded a collection of covers of her favorite contemporary Christian songs. “Love was always a central theme in all of my music,” she remembers.

That beginning would launch her into two secular rock bands in her early 20s, a short-lived record deal, and eventually laying down music entirely to work in the film and television sector. “I’ve had a strong sense of self, staying true to myself, staying authentic,” she says when reflecting on her choices to walk away from requests that did not feel true to her vision or sound. “You’ve gotta believe what’s coming out of your mouth and walk the walk so to speak.”

For Jodi, there is nothing she believes in as strongly as the gospel of Jesus Christ. At just 12 years old, she began asking big questions about God’s purpose for her life, making her faith her own. Those questions were met by a call to the music ministry while at a women’s conference, where Psalm 40:3 was shared with her: “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many people will see this and worship him.” Something stirred inside Jodi in that moment, and she felt a true calling on her life.

Throughout her life, it wasn’t always clear how that calling would take shape. All the loose threads started to come together in 2018 when she started working on the album that would become Irreverent (released in 2020). The 10-song record introduced a sound that is both guitar-driven and melodic, with lyrics that are both forthright and introspective. The creation of Irreverent brought together a creative team that included producer Sean Hill (Jamie Grace, Clay Crosse, Landry Cantrell), guitarist/bassist Jadan Sorenson (Angie Stone, Montell Jordan), Pablo Melgar on keys (NewSong, Passion, Jesus Culture), Josh Smith on strings, and Jon-Paul Keller offering background vocals (David and Nicole Binion, BJ Putnam).

Listeners instantly resonated with the powerful songs, especially the bold single and title cut “Irreverent,” which became a top 20 charting song. Outlets like NewReleaseToday, CCM Magazine, JesusFreakHideout, and Worship Leader Magazine offered rave reviews. Jodi’s debut album quickly racked up over 70k streams on Spotify, where its songs landed on several prominent playlists, including “New Music Friday Christian.”  Jodi knew she wanted to continue offering that kind of impact, singing purposeful songs that she wholeheartedly believes represent her life’s mission.

“I think songs are the most impactful when they make somebody feel something,” the singer and songwriter concludes. “If my songs touch somebody and they feel more empowered or emboldened,  if they feel more equipped to tackle life’s challenges – I want to keep sharing that intentional message with them. I want them to be moved to be their truest and strongest selves through Christ. I want them to seek for their lives, eternal truths that my music is centered on, to encourage them to rediscover an authentic voice that they once had and maybe lost. That’s the voice I want them to live from and go deep in!”

PRESS QUOTES

  • Positive Rock Reviews – “Unravel Review” – “Essex has a presence that is absolutely dominating, and she boasts a strong range with the ability to convey emotion with her voice in a way most others cannot.”
  • Prism Reviews – “Unravel” Review – “Jodi means business when she sings, but does it in faith that better things are on the other side of our personal sacrifice… A powerful video and song”
  • Louder Than The Music – “Offend” Review – “This edgy track is direct and strong, and sets out its stance for all to hear. “
  • Positive Rock Review – “Offend” Review – “Offend’ is a straight-up hard rock track with an equally punchy message to those members of the church who choose to teach a watered-down version of the Gospel in the hopes of attracting more congregants.”
  • Worship Musician – Album Review – “It’s good to find a new rock album. It’s great to find one so melodic.”
  • New Release Today – Album Feature – “…a Christian rocker who brings encouraging and honest messages to her passionate style of rock and roll music.” https://www.newreleasetoday.com/news_detail.php?newsid=4849
  • The Rockpit – Album Review – “‘Irreverent’ is full of messages that are there for those that want to hear them but it’s also an album to enjoy if you aren’t of a religious nature and that the beauty of this collection of ten tracks.  There is a nice blend of melodic & up-tempo songs which make for extremely enjoyable listening.”
  • One Man In The Middle – Album Review – “She has a strong powerful voice that takes that hard edge required for rock, but also shows that softer gentler vocal on “Symphony”. The guitars on this album are just epic throughout and they are given time and space to really soar but never to the detriment of other things, drums and keys compliment brilliantly as well. In these tracks there are aspects of boldness of character, but also the vulnerability of mental health topics, proving that the two things aren’t mutually exclusive and that both can live alongside faith and fear when covered by grace and love. It is rare to find an artist in the Christian world that can openly sing about their faith and still be accepted by reviewers from a music, non-faith, background.”
  • Ai Love Music – Review – “Jodi Essex’s take on the iconic “God Bless the USA” is dynamic, striking, and inspiring. You feel the exhilarating spirit of the song’s message in each part of the songs: from the electrifying guitar to Jodi’s passionate vocals.”
  • Louder Than The Music – Album Review – “There is a part of Jodi’s vocals that are all swagger, and then there is a part that is raw and honest, a hard mix for any vocalist to give…” – “This album balances between rock music, big power ballads and beautiful intimate songs like ‘Weightless’. At the heart of the album is a sense of passion and even fight. You can’t listen to this Jodi Essex album and not think “right, I can change this world”. But of course the biggest draw of the album is the vocals of Jodi – this lady can really sing, and she sings from the heart. And when someone does that then you know you’re onto a winner.”
  • Music Speaks Louder – Album Review – “Irreverent” is part of a 10-song record that is both guitar-driven and melodic with lyrics that are forthright, yet introspective.”
  • Take Effect Reviews – Album Review – “…Essex and company play with much energy and volume here, where an incendiary execution and thoughtful approach makes for a strong start to Essex’s musical career.”
  • Today’s Christian Entertainment – Album Review – “…it’s pretty apparent from Jodi’s new record Irreverent that she’s here for the long run with her endearing, yet commanding vocals and of course the onslaught of guitar shredding that’s laced throughout the nearly 45 minute set.” – “Irreverent is truly a breath of fresh air and goes a long way in showing listeners that not only is rock music still alive and well, but the Rock of our lives still desires to connect with us despite the chaos surrounding us in this lost and broken world.  While Jodi Essex may not be a household name (yet), the message of hope, love and reliance on God that Irreverent carries is sure to gain attention and not only highlight her immense talent, but her heart of wanting to reach the lost with the Gospel through her music and to let people know that Jesus is alive and well and is there for those who choose to seek Him.”
  • The Vinyl Revivers – Album Review – “If you like searing guitar licks, hard thumping drums, softer insightful ballads, and the voice of a beautiful, confident women, singing her truth, then this album is for you.”
  • Vacancy – Album Review – “In the most unsuspecting way, the lyrics pack a spiritual punch that beautifully reaches lovers of rock music and those who need an uplifting word.” “The album is fresh and gives a new spin to the Christian rock genre that merges the styles well with the message.”
  • 100% Rock Magazine – Album Review – “Jodi’s unapologetic faith-based approach to music is woven into the lyrics without sacrificing the rock quotient of the song.  The guitars are loud and on point while the rhythm section anchors the track under her vocals.”
  • Positive Rock Review – Album Review – “…there is an undeniable modern quality to the performance and production that gives songs like the album’s title cut, “Irreverent”, a definite foothold in today’s rock world.”
  • XNOIZZ – “Fighter” – May Chartbreaker Feature – “A truthful and honest artist with a great voice. This month her song ‘Fighter’ is the May Chartbreaker on XNOIZZ with Ben Smit in Holland.  A more than gifted person with a blessed attitude. Gifted with an original sound, she will find her own space in Christian Music.” – Ben Smit, Programming Leader for ATOS RTV Network and the Program Producer for XNOIZZ
  • Jesus Freak Hideout – “Irreverent” – Review – “Her debut single, “Irreverent,” is a hard rock song that hearkens back to the ‘80s rock and metal days of Joan Jett and Stryper, but with more of an updated sound and some cleaner production.” – “The song itself is fearless and full of attitude, as it draws inspiration from Essex’s life of rebellion; though, instead of spearheading rebellion toward God, “Irreverent” encourages the listener to rebel against the world and its Godless ways.”
  • Vacancy – “What Is Your Truth” – Feature – “The song is about finding your true self and character. It’s a song that offers tough love but encourages listeners to look within themselves and to Christ.” 
  • Louder Than The Music – “Fighter” – Review – “There is a part of Jodi’s vocals that is all swagger, and then there is a part that is raw and honest…”
  • Louder Than The Music – “Irreverent’ – Review – “This is classic rock at its best. Riffs, thumping drums, pounding bass and strong rock vocals and you have an amazing track.”
  • “Essex believes in helping people — almost every event to which she attaches her name is a benefit — and has a good reason for supporting organizations that share her philosophy.” – Montery Herald
  • “Love. It holds more value when given to others. For Jodi Essex, Campaign Manager for Champions of Hope – Man & Woman of The Year (MWOY), this belief is the currency behind her work with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).”  -Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
  • “The word ‘grounded’ not only describes Jodi Essex, it perhaps explains how she was able to battle her early health struggles, which eventually became the building blocks for leading a courageous life.” -Kimberly Horg

FEATURES

STATS

  • July 2020 Artist of the Month for Effect Radio/CSN Network
  • May 2020 Artist of the Month for XNOIZZ
  • “Stand Up” Held One of Effect Radio’s Longest-Standing Top Positions at #11 on Listeners Top 20 Countdown (32 Weeks)
  • “Irreverent” Radio Chart Positions –
  • #19 on USA Rock Radio Category Chart
  • #37 on Rock Top 40 (BIG BIG HIT, March 30, 2020)

10 + 7 =

Let’s Connect!

Publicity
The Marketing Mixtape
Whitney Asher, CEO & Publicist
whitney@themarketingmixtape.com

Management/Booking
D10 Consulting, LLC
David Saporta, CEO
dsaporta@d10consulting.com