bodie – Happy To Be Here

By starrymag | February 21, 2025

By: Mariah Thomas

 

 

Q) How would you describe yourself as an artist?

A) I am an artist that has a deep desire to create art that inspires others and moves the heart of God.

Q) What musicians inspired you growing up?

A) As a child growing up in Los Angeles to musician/actor parents, I listened primarily to rock and grunge with the occasional reggae/island music. Bands like The Pixies and Nirvana to The Offspring, Green Day and No Doubt were constantly in circulation at my house.

Q) The “whisper and the wind” music video is so beautiful. What was the inspiration behind the home movies concept?

A) Before my music career took the forefront of my focus, I used to make videos for a living. I’ve always really appreciated production value and often found myself overthinking and overextending in attempts to make things look a certain way. So, for this video I wanted the content to speak for itself. I wanted the beauty of the season that I am currently living in to be the sole focal point of the video. So, I purchased one of the cheapest, low-quality cameras that I could find on amazon, and followed my family around with it for a few weeks.

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can craft lyrics? 

A) I’m finally starting to figure out my preferred method of songwriting, whether it be with co-writers or on my own. I start with one of two things; a concept that I am in love with or a chord progression/vibe. Once one of those two things is figured out, the other typically follows fairly quickly. Then, I usually prefer to begin writing the chorus. From there, the song comes together as I/we journey through the process of building out the best version of our thoughts that we possibly can.

Q) You also have a music video for “RIP” from this new project. Did you have fun with all of the different characters you portrayed? 

A) Oh man, that music video was brutal! We shot it in a day and a half when it should have taken three full days, minimum. Needless to say, between all of the costume changes, choreography and acting segments, this video dang near killed me. Freaking loved how it came out though.

Q) The cover for your Happy To Be Here project perfectly sums up the phrase. What’s the story with this photoshoot?

A) My wife is a brilliant creative director and photographer and is typically behind any bit of content I’ve ever created (many songs, too). We wanted the art to be something as “in your face” as possible. And what screams HAPPY more than a bright yellow cake being smashed in my face?

Q) On the theme of your EP, what are some things in your life that make you feel “Happy To Be Here?”

A) My wife. My kids. My team. My career. The art that I have been making lately. The confidence in knowing that I am fully living out the calling and purpose God placed on my life after many years of searching. I am truly grateful for the life I get to live.

Q) You have just gone on your first tour! Where were some of your favorite places to perform?

A) I did just go on tour, and I’m just about ready to announce my next leg! I’d say from my last run, I gotta show love to my home, Orange County, CA. Had a killer time in San Diego, Denver, Boise and Phoenix as well. Man, I could list the whole tour! [laughs] Loved ‘em all.

Q) Which songs from the new project did you enjoy performing live the most?

A) “RIP” has to be a fav because the crowds seem to sing that one the loudest. I love singing “whisper and the wind” as well. “know” is another one that means a lot to me and I love singing it.

Q) What do you hope lingers with audiences that explore Happy To Be Here as a whole?

A) Everyone has a purpose. Everyone was created by God and is loved by God whether you believe in Him or not.

Q) You’ve talked about wanting people to know you for your music, and not just from your time on “The Voice.” How have you evolved as an artist since that time?

A) Since my time on “The Voice,” I’ve come closer to identifying my sound and who I am as an artist in this season. I’ve grown in my mindset and my dreams have grown quite a bit. Same bodie, bigger dreams, better art.

Q) What advice did you receive on “The Voice” that you took to heart and who was it from? 

A) John Legend hugged me in a bathroom on set once. He didn’t give me any advice but that was pretty sick.

Q) On Instagram you teased maybe doing some alt versions of these new songs. Anything more you can say on that? 

A) I have a remix EP HAPPIER TO BE HERE coming out March 7. The first single off the project actually JUST dropped (Feb. 7) and is an absolute banger. You can stream “whisper and the wind (remix) ft. Gracie Binion” now!

Q) Who are some dream collaborations you have?

A) I think this answer changes every day… But I’d love to write music with Post Malone, Blackbear, Dominic Fike, Justin Bieber, Sueco and Billie [Eilish]/Phineas.

Q) What would you like to say to the supporters and fans of your music?

A) I love you. I can’t believe I get to wake up and make art for you to enjoy every day (and you ACTUALLY enjoy it). It’s truly such an honor and I am so, so grateful for the support. You ain’t seen nothing yet. [winks]