This month Hashtag had the pleasure of interviewing Greenbrier County native Kodie Brooks. Kodie is a 31-year-old singer and songwriter who was recently in the Top 5 on Nashville’s Next Country Star and made it to the second round of the Voice and American Idol in previous years. During the interview Kodie explained that he writes songs differently than most others, he does not write them down and ponder on it. Instead, he feels the music, goes with it and writes them off the top of his head. 

Please tell us a little about yourself.

Kodie explained “I started learning guitar and singing around 18 years old, but it did not really manifest into anything I was around 25. I then began performing shows.” Kodie previously was a Championship Bull Rider and Roper, winning many titles, in many different groups including Organ Cave Rodeo, Virginia Rodeo Association, and the High School Association. Then, in 2018 he suffered major injuries in an accident and could no longer pursue his dreams in Bull Riding. After awaking from a 5-week coma, Kodie had no recollection of life before, including his name. Oddly enough, he did however, remember lyrics to his favorite songs.

What got you into the music scene?

After singing in a talent show at an FFA Convention and placing in the top 3, Jodie realized it could be something new to pursue. He explained that he wrote songs for a while but did not believe they were any good. After he decided to take his time and get in touch with the music, he became more serious about songwriting and began to improve. 

Kodie frequently visited Alpha Music in Lewisburg and began to learn from friends he made there, eventually opening for the band Possum Holler Glee Club. He immediately fell in love with performing. 

What do you do musically?

Besides singing and songwriting, Kodie plays guitar, mandolin, and is learning to play a six-string banjo. 

What would you say draws you to music?

Kodie explained that singing relieves his stress. “Something can be weighing heavily on my heart and when I write and sing about it, it just goes away.” 

What is the “why” behind your music? 

He enjoys writing and loves seeing the reaction from others when he sings. “If I perform in front of forty people and at least one person feels my music, at least I touched one person.” Kodie said. He went on to say that it is important to write things that other people can relate to. He hopes to eventually only sing all original songs but for now he does covers for everyone to enjoy.

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?

“Don’t drag your feet” Kodie said, “if you want it and have the ability do it.” He also explained that when Covid hit it ruined an entire summer of bookings. “Don’t let outside forces bring you down. It’s an uphill battle and it’s tough to make it but just keep going.”

Kodie encourages everyone to come out to Lionakis Diner during the Ronceverte Food Truck Festival in September, to watch his performance. Keep a look out for the schedule on Facebook!