Today we’d like to introduce you to Izzy Jeffery.
Hi Izzy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
When I was 14 years old, I would haul my 40lbs kick drum, hit hat, and an acoustic guitar strapped to my back up and down flights of stairs to various stages across DFW. One of the most frequented venues I attended was The Live Oak on Magnolia in Fort Worth (back when it was open). I’d perform 3 or 4 songs I had started writing the week prior and finish them on stage out of pure adrenaline. The Live Oak turned into Fort Worth Live, where Monday night Songwriter nights hosted by Joshua Fleming originated. At that moment in time, my discipline for songwriting really began to take shape. After my 19th birthday, I moved to Asheville, North Carolina. Then I spent some time in Nashville, Tennessee where it became obvious to me that writing and performing music is undoubtedly my purpose for living. Having performed at the City Winery and the Bluebird Cafe for the first time within two nights of each other and being surrounded by ambitious professionals solidified that revelation. However, when Covid hit in 2020, I moved to Kerrville, Texas, and became a farmer. I finished writing my debut record, which I’ll be in the studio recording three weeks from now. I’ll be working with one my favorite songwriters and idols, River Shook from Sarah Shook & The Disarmers, who’s producing the album. I’m very excited to finally and formally introduce these songs to the world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The creative field is not a path of least resistance though the most rewarding. Through my travels, I fell into the habits of addiction of an unconventional form. The void I was trying to fill was part due to the absence of my father, who I’m certain would have continued to enthusiastically support this venture but unfortunately passed on in 2013. In the years following his death, I found myself in and out of friends’ homes, skipping school to catch flights to various US cities with my travel guitar in hand. The more infatuated I became with music the more estranged the relationship with my mother became. I never did develop a friend group, and I gradually grew away from distant relatives. I had to learn how to navigate through the world more or less on my own. Through it all, the constant positive in my life has always been music. Now 22, I’ve come to some understanding. Although I’m incredibly grateful for those who have believed in me, the nature of my upbringing has prepared me for the road ahead. Nobody’s going to hold my hand through this process. Only God and this fervent devotion towards writing and performing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an Americana folk singer/songwriter, primarily a guitar player. I perform as a one-woman band with a kick drum and tambourine setup. I’m most proud of going through with this debut record and of the sacrificial jobs I had to work in order to allocate the recourses. Whatever comes of this project is a result of direct trust in the creative process as well as deep respect and admiration between me, the players, and the producer.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The music industry is beyond oversaturated. However, I don’t believe that that’s entirely a bad thing. There are 8 billion people in this world now. There is a market out there for nearly every style of genre and musician. People who would have never had the opportunity to showcase their creative forms of expression now have the digital means of doing so. I still have faith in humanity; I believe that persistent hard work coupled with unique and meaningful material can result in life-altering opportunities. Those who are meant to write and perform will do so. The more the merrier!
Contact Info:
- Website: izzyjaye.bandzoogle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justizzythatsall/
- Other: https://www.gofundme.com/manage/cjkvru-my-debut-album
Image Credits
Trey Alfaro
Beth Ward
Mama Shots Photography
Alex Mayes
