Jackson Free Press

Staying true to her musical name, singer-songwriter Melody Moody chats with us about her songwriting, her work life, and her newest musical endeavor, the Untitled Melody Project.

What is your guilty pleasure song?

"Will the Circle Be Unbroken." I close every show I have with this song because I've always heard that back in the day they used to close down shows at the Grand Ole Opry with sing-alongs. I like to close my sets with that (song) for everybody to just sing along as a community.

What are some of your favorite local bands?

Jamie Weems and The Strange Pilgrims, and lately I've really been loving Southern Komfort (Brass Band).

Who are some of your greatest influences as a songwriter?

Gillian Welch. She's a great example of integrating that traditional sound with that newer sound. Locally, I'm influenced by Johnny Bertram and Taylor Hildebrand. Also, a band called the Everybodyfields; they're from around where I grew up.

Do you have a favorite place or time to write?

I like to write music outside with a glass of wine on a porch.

How has your music evolved since you started playing?

I started playing drums when I was 10, and my dream was to play the drum kit. Then I picked up the banjo in 2000. When I started, I was playing all old-time traditional tunes from the Appalachian region. I bought a guitar in 2002 to start writing songs. I kind of integrate the old-time and traditional gospel music into what I do now. I've evolved primarily from traditional into singer-songwriter folk.

How do you balance both your job and your music?

I try to integrate them as much as possible. I run the statewide bicycle advocacy organization, and luckily for me, music and bikes run hand in hand.