For Jodie Richardson, a former music student at Access Creative College, music has been a lifelong passion that blends retro influences with a modern twist. With a unique sound that fuses Northern soul with early 2000s girl pop, Jodie’s musical style has been shaped by a diverse range of genres, from Motown to New Wave.
Following Jodie’s latest collab with Mod Shoes we caught up with Jodie to find out more about her musical journey, the creative process behind her artistry, the impact of ACC, and her advice for aspiring musicians.
Your musical influences range from Motown to New Wave – how would you describe your unique sound and style?
“I would say my sound and style has been taken from so many different genres,” Jodie explains. “The influence from Motown to New Wave has meant I have had my eyes opened to so many different fashion styles, music, and writing styles.”
Jodie’s eclectic taste has allowed her to blend various elements into her own distinct sound. “I would say it’s Northern Soul meets early 2000s girl pop,” she describes. “My style has been influenced by the 60s and 70s, especially the fashion of Mama Cass. I adore big patterned dresses, especially Kaftans!”
You’ve been described as having a “60s soul in a Millennial’s body.” How have you managed to blend retro influences with a modern twist in your music?
Growing up, Jodie was exposed to a diverse range of music, from her parents’ love of Two Tone to the contemporary sounds of artists like Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse. “I could see these artists had influences from Two Tone bands,” she recalls. “I once saw Amy Winehouse go on stage with the Specials and did a cover of ‘You’re Wondering Now.’ That’s when I started being more interested in my mum and dad’s music tastes and thought, ‘This really is great!'”
As her musical knowledge expanded, Jodie found inspiration in legendary artists like Big Mama Thornton and Ella Fitzgerald. “Their voices and lyrics really inspire me to write,” she says.
Growing up in Norfolk, what was the local music scene like, and how did it shape your musical journey?
Jodie’s formative years in Norfolk played a pivotal role in her musical development. “The local music scene in my late teens/when I was at ACC was fantastic,” she reminisces. “Even during my high school years, most weeks I would be at the Waterfront or UEA seeing bands which I would have discovered in NME.”
Live performances at these local venues ignited Jodie’s desire to take the stage herself. “It really inspired me to one day want to be on that stage and perform my music,” she says. “The local music scene in Norwich/Norfolk really gave me the confidence to get performing.”
How did Access Creative College help prepare you for the music industry?
“It helped me immensely,” she says. “Not only did they help me discover the sound I was interested in creating, but they also helped me discover different writing techniques, get my confidence of performing alongside other people and by myself.”
ACC’s industry-led, hands on approach equipped Jodie with essential skills, such as producing demos and using reference tracks to achieve her desired genre and vibe. “Before I started ACC, I had no knowledge of how to use Logic,” she admits. “It really is such an important tool if you are a musician, being able to have a basic demo to present can pave the way to becoming a recording musician.”
Your debut single “Pushover” sold out in just 24 hours on Original Gravity Records. What was that feeling like!
“When I had the phone call from Neil telling me ‘Pushover’ was sold out, I really was lost for words, which doesn’t happen often for me!”
“Access helped me learn how to produce a demo and present it to a producer,” she explains. “Also, to use reference tracks to know what type of genre/vibe I was wanting for the track.”
You’re a familiar face at the UK Mod & Soul scene events, where you also DJ. How has being immersed in that community influenced your approach to music and performance?
Jodie’s involvement in the UK Mod & Soul scene has broadened her musical horizons and influenced her approach to performance. “Being part of the Mod and Soul scene has opened my eyes up to so many new genres of music, performance, and fashion,” she says.
Through her DJ sets, Jodie has had the opportunity to travel across Europe, playing vinyl at events in cities like Madrid and Italy. “My knowledge of music has really expanded over the last 10 years plus,” she notes. “Discovering Latin Soul, boogaloo, and popcorn, all genres I never had heard about until going to events around the country.”
Immersing herself in the Mod and Soul community has also shaped Jodie’s performance style. “With having the resources to now be able to watch videos from the 50 years old plus, I have been able to see how some of the singers dressed and performed,” she explains. “This has massively influenced how I approach my performing and music.”
You recently collaborated with Mod Shoes. Tell us about that experience and your connection with the Mod scene?
“When I was asked to collaborate with Mod Shoes, I was truly honoured,” she says. “I have owned a few pairs of their shoes, and they have always been the most comfortable to wear, especially when I’m dancing for a few hours at Mod events.”
The interview for the collaboration took place at a Northern Soul and Mod weekender in Great Yarmouth, a location that held special significance for Jodie. “It was very surreal being filmed walking down the front of Great Yarmouth, as when I was younger, we would often holiday in the town,” she recalls. “I thought to myself, ‘If only 10-year-old Jodie could see me now.’
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians looking to break into the industry and find their unique sound?
For aspiring musicians, Jodie emphasises the importance of patience and perseverance in finding one’s unique sound. “It can take years to find your sound, but you will find it,” she advises.
Jodie’s own journey involved experimenting with different genres before discovering her passion for soul music. “I used to create singer-songwriter acoustic music,” she explains. “It led me to play at some amazing places, but I always felt like I wanted more. It wasn’t until I really started listening more to soul that I felt like this was the place for me. I felt comfortable.”
Networking and seizing opportunities are also crucial for breaking into the industry. “I was told by a tutor at Access that one of the main things you can do is network, and it always stuck with me,” Jodie shares. “Always say yes to any opportunity, within reason. Saying yes to one opportunity can open up so many doors. You can meet new people who can help you on your journey.”
You’re gearing up for some live shows – can you share any details about the venues, dates, and what we can expect from your performances?
“The gigs will be held up north in an amazing venue which really suits my music/fashion style,” she teases. “With the performances, I always like to have a party atmosphere, a lot of dancing and soul. This will be exactly what to expect from the upcoming gigs.”
Fans can stay tuned to Jodie’s social media channels for updates on the venue, dates, and ticket information.
What current artists or genres are you finding inspiration from lately, and how are they influencing your creative process?
In her constant pursuit of inspiration, Jodie has recently discovered the band Gabriels and their album “Angels & Queens.” “Their album is such a fantastically written and produced album from start to finish,” she gushes. “The vocals from Jacob Lusk are phenomenal.”
Gabriels’ music has influenced Jodie’s creative process, inspiring her to incorporate more strings and orchestral sounds into her upcoming work. “I love a big full sound within a track, and the whole album manages to do that,” she explains. “It’s a fantastic album, everyone should listen to it at least once.”
To keep up to date with Jodie’s new music, tour and updates, be sure to check out her website and don’t forget to give her a follow across social media.
And if you’re feeling inspired by Jodie’s story, be sure to check out ACC’s Music Performance Course ready to start in September!
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