Meet Xodae | Singer, Songwriter, Student of Music, Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Xodae and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Xodae, why did you pursue a creative career?
When I think back, I recognize now that I had chosen this path well before I ever realized it. Music played a pivotal role in every important stage of my life in some form or fashion. As a young child I suffered heavily from repeated nightmares and the only thing that would seem to keep these at bay was a small radio that my mom placed in my room. Wether it was Jazz, Soul, R&B, or many others, I continuously found myself drawn toward art.

I made the decision to join the military, but soon after it finally hit me that music was what I not only wanted, but needed. I began to build a studio and record music. During this time I used karaoke and open mics to build my confidence while preparing to seize my opportunities. I left the military and started on what has been the best journey of my life!

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.
I started my journey pursuing modern R&B. I truly had no idea what was in store. Easy would be the furthest word from what I would describe this journey as. I think of it as being in a relationship with music. You experience every emotion a thousand times over. I wish I could say how you keep going, but the truth is you just do. If its in you, even if you try to leave, music somehow finds you again… and you’re glad when it does. At one time I even thought a military career would be the path I lived, but man was I wrong. I left my military career after serious and painful hardship for the pursuit of music and education in the Atlanta area. I was invited by my girlfriend (and one day will be wife) to go check out the Atlanta Jazz Festival. My life was never the same. Between this experience and school, I fell in love with the creation of Jazz, Blues, and Soul. I also fell back in love with the craft of playing the keys. From then on these things were all I could think about.

I use my art to heal not only myself, but the world around me. In all the chaos I try to use my voice to create pockets of peace where you can escape the craziness. When I go to concerts or perform at shows of my own I see no anger, no hate, no bigotry, no oppression, no evil. I see love, I see freedom, and I see peace. This is what I hope for humanity to be. This is why I create. I want to shine so bright that I become the guiding light for others to shine the same.

I also have a more personal reason. You could almost call it fear. I have a son. A beautiful and bright three year old boy. I have a fear of leaving him when my time comes. I say this because the moment we locked eyes for the first time I felt the immense pain of knowing one day it would be the last time. I never wanted him to live in a world where I was gone. I hope my music serves a story board of sorts for him. Whenever he is lost or down, he will have every lesson, thought, joy, and pain I have ever known in my music. In this way he’ll always have me by his side when he needs me. He’ll always have his dad. That alone is reason enough for me to create for as long as I possibly can.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The funny thing is… my best friend does live here! When I embarked on this journey I called on him. We have known each other now almost half of our lives going all the way back to our teenage years. Before I left on this path I asked him one simple question. Would you like to join me? And he semi-unexpectedly said yes. It was at this moment I was truly convinced he must be just as insane as I am. From there we found a place to live and have been on the hunt for success ever since. Knowing him so well he would want the itinerary to be full outside activities, which happen to be the bane of my existence. Rock climbing, swimming, shooting, or anything that would break a sweat. We’ve tried doing some of these over the years, but it always ends up with him looking for me while I hide in the nearest place with AC and cold water that I can find. As far as food is concerned, now there we agree. Sushi and cheesecake all day with video games and a fat nap immediately after.

For me – anything artistic. Festivals, open mics, comedy, museums.. you name it, I love it!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many! I think I’ll start where it all starts… my grandparents and my parents. My mom and dad were, are, and forever more will be my hero’s. I couldn’t begin to understand the sacrifices they made (especially my mother) in what was a successful effort to be the best parents they could be. They taught me integrity, courage, confidence, humility, and love to just name a few. My grandparents….. I don’t even know where to start. We lost my grandfather to dementia not that long ago, and I don’t believe I’ll ever know a greater loss. They are the best and brightest of us and without them there would be no us.

I’d also love to shoutout my school! I attend the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media. I have seen growth in myself as an artist and person that I could never have imagined since joining the school. The people, the education, and the experience have truly come together to create what I am sure will be one of the best highlights in the story that is my life.

My mentor Kevin, my brothers Devin, Jordan, Erick, and Tucker and the love of my life Simone also must get their shine! Without these individuals I am positive I would never have made it this far. I truly would’ve lost myself if I hadn’t been fortunate enough to cross paths with people strong enough to deal with me! In all seriousness, these names are etched into my heart for eternity plus an extra lifetime!

Website: https://linktr.ee/Xodaemusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydayisxodae/