Jarod Grice is a performer, singer, and songwriter from Denton, Texas.
He grew up in Southwest Oklahoma and began his musical journey learning to play blues guitar at the age of 15. He soon began singing and writing songs. He has been writing and performing original music since his time at the Cameron University School of Music, where he graduated in 2013.
Jarod’s style is a unique blend of folk and Americana. His purpose in music is to write songs that are an honest reflection of the human condition, deeply connected to the experiences we all share, yet infused with a stubborn hopefulness throughout.
Who are some of your musical influences?
Through the years, I’ve been influenced by a number of different artists. In the early days of developing as a songwriter, I was deeply influenced by a lot of Indie and Folk artists. Artists from Bob Dylan to Lord Huron had a big impact on my developing songwriting style. Lately, Motown has played a huge role in my songwriting and vocal style. Specifically, Sam Cooke’s “Ain’t That Good News” album has been a big influence. Other artists that I run to for inspiration are Gregory Alan Isakov (especially lyrically), Hiss Golden Messenger, Phil Cook’s “Southland Mission” album, and a variety of country/Americana musicians like Jason Isbell, Townes Van Zandt, and John Denver. In a nutshell, my musical influences are a combination of blues, soul, and country artists.
Explain the title of your album.
The title of the album is Cradle the Songbird. It’s based on the title for one of the tracks on the album. The idea gets at the content of the album as a whole. In
this album, I’m being vulnerable about a lot of things. Music has always been the way I communicate my struggles, because I generally am bad at being open about that otherwise. Every song is a confrontation of a weakness in some way. Whether that’s wrestling with my upbringing, fighting for love, trying to survive without depending on others, battling apathy and depression, etc. Cradle the Songbird is a culmination of wisdom that has helped me. I’m encouraging others to hold fast to those things that are valuable in the midst of the storm of life and to not be afraid to embrace whatever difficulty comes your way. In the struggle, who we are is revealed and shaped.
Name a perfect song and tell us why you feel that way.
It’s hard to say any song is perfect, but there are two that come to mind. “Vienna” by Billy Joel is masterfully written and beautifully features his iconic
voice. Musically, it’s a fascinating song. Another that really encapsulates everything I love about music is Phil Cook’s “1922”. That song gets me. The dynamic variety, the lyrics, the timeless sound it exudes. It’s pretty near perfect in my mind.
Is there a recent release you cannot stop listening to?
Hiss Golden Messenger’s New Album Quietly Blowing It.
Do you have any songwriting tips you can share?
I would say two things. 1) Be honest in your music. There is too much plastic, fake, insincere music being circulated in the world. We need more artists that are honest AND creative. You don’t have to equate honesty with plainness; it’s possible to be honest and cryptic lyrically. In fact, I think the artists that are real in their songwriting and can do it in a way that’s mysterious/complex are the ones that are doing it best. 2) Don’t be afraid to take risks. Songwriting is a process, not a destination. You will never consider yourself a “finished” songwriter. We are all trying to grow if we’re doing it right. Don’t get stuck in a rut because you’re afraid of failing. Failure is the best teacher. Be patient, take risks, and don’t be afraid to try things that are uncomfortable.