We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Jay Grossman & Cody McNeill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex & Cody, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Cody: I believe there’s always going to be a risk no matter what path you choose. I’ve learned to really trust my gut and I feel like the universe has a funny way of working out for you when you listen to it. At the end of the day I’m doing what I love with my best friend so I’m not really worried about failure because what we’re doing right now already feels like success. Alex: I couldn’t agree more. When we first started this band in 2014 there was a good bit of people telling me, “a reggae band? In Atlanta? Are you sure that’s what you want to do?” LOL It didn’t leave me feeling very confident to say the least but knowing I had Cody by my side and that he was just as game to chase this dream certainly helped.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Alex: From day one Cody & me agreed that no matter what happens we will NEVER stop being Kaya’s Embrace. This is more than a passion or a hobby, to us it’s a way of life. Music has helped both of us through some of the darkest times in our lives. When your able to take all of your life experiences good or bad and turn them into entire songs, it truly resonates with your soul. For us creating music is a source of healing and an incredibly empowering thing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Cody & Alex: We love Atlanta because it’s so diverse and filled with cultures from all over the world. If it was up to us to take someone around the city we would have to hit up Smith’s Olde Bar or The Masquerade to catch a live local show. We also both love stuffing our faces with delicious food so Gino’s NY Pizza bar in ATL is a must. When we were recording our debut album BPM we basically lived there and it helps that there open until 3 or 4am everyday. Tasty food, drinks, deserts and just an overall laid back vibe.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Cody & Alex: Crystal Grace Media, Watership Studios, Buckhead Thread, Courage For Life, Smiling Eyes Media, Blue Avenue Music Group, Meraki Stoned & The Kaya just to name a few. These amazing people have become family to us over the years and we’re incredibly thankful to be able to work with them on a regular bases.

Website: www.KayasEmbrace.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kayas_embrace
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KayasEmbrace
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/KayasEmbrace
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvboKjwehfZ378NfouJocUQ

Image Credits
Crystal George-Crystal Grace Media Stephanie Heath-Smiling Eyes Media

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlana is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.