Exclusive Interview - Jody Direen

Please join us in welcoming Jody Direen to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Co-Host Emme Lentino For the past 4 years - since releasing her first album “Breaks Out” as part of her signing with Australian record label ABC Music, Jody Direen has been in a whirlwind, clocking up miles on the ground and across the skies touring both New Zealand and Australia. In recent times, one of Australasia’s most vibrant country stars has taken some time to embrace some breathing space to work on her new album and now that it’s out, she’s ready to tour. The Vodafone NZMA Tui winner for “Best Country Album – Shake Up” states that creating this album took her on a journey she wasn’t expecting. “Whilst preparing this album I went through a period of personally ‘letting go’ of anything in life that no longer serves me (people, beliefs, thoughts, things etc). This inspired the album title ‘Smokin’ Ashes’ resembling dying to the past, emerging into a new-me, new love but also encapsulates the double meaning of – the end of things. All of which connect to the resulting ten songs on the album (in one way or another)”. Performing some of Australasia’s biggest festivals continue to hold as career highlights for the songstress including supporting Kenny Rogers on his last New Zealand tour. Touring Australia’s first ever C2C Festival last year alongside international greats; Tim McGraw, Kelsea Ballerini, The Midland and more was a ‘dreamy experience’. With multiple hits, stages, nominations and awards under her belt, Direen is set to venture into an explosive new phase of her career with new-found energy and love. ”I’m looking forward to bringing it all to the stage in 2020/2021. I’ll be touring as much as I can and I’m more excited than ever to hit the road”.