We sat down with Nashville based singer/songwriter JB Somers to discuss his latest EP and the road that led him to it. His courage, honesty and undeniable talent are sure to draw listeners in to both his life and music.
BTS: What is the inspiration behind your EP They Say I’ve Changed?
Somers: For me, this is my coming out EP. It’s me sharing my new found understanding of who I am with the world and a piece of who I am. It’s the most honest piece of work I’ve ever done. Joni Mitchell has a lyric in “Both Sides Now” that goes “And now old friends are acting strange, they shake their heads, they say I’ve changed.” I’ve gotten a good response to coming out overall. I haven’t changed – I’m just more honest.
BTS: What was the process like for “Knockin On Your Door”?
Somers: It was an experiment for me and my producer. I don’t think of myself having an R&B vibe but it came out that way and I love it. This song is about love and reminding someone that you’re still there, regardless of the situation. The main heartbeat of the song is it’s a heartfelt song with an R&B twist.
BTS: What about “Leave It Behind”?
Somers: I’m dating someone and it’s about him. We don’t have fights, but sometimes we have disagreements. Sometimes, I just want to leave it behind and not deal with it because I know it’s just a petty squabble, so that’s where the idea came from. I wrote it after a night of disagreement.
BTS: What was it like making “Feel It”?
Somers: This song is about me stepping into the light and embracing who I am. I wrote it with Rikki Randell and JohnLuke Lewis. It was tough, I grew up in the closet and worked for the church for a while. No shade against the church, I’m still a Christian man. But, I was 30 and hiding a piece of myself. I want to be my fullest version now – it’s okay if that puts me in the light, I want to feel it.
BTS: Lastly, let’s talk about “There For Me”!
Somers: This is a coming out song, asking if people will still be there for me. It’s like, “Hey, I’m here! This is a part of me you haven’t seen ever!” Originally, the song was about my music career but it kind of transformed. I’m really blessed everyone’s still there for me.
BTS: What do you hope listeners take away from the EP?
Somers: For the people like me who grew up closeted, I hope they listen and feel lighter and feel some freedom. I hope it inspires them to be honest with people – that’s most important in life.
BTS: What’s your favorite song on the EP and why?
Somers: “Feel It” because of its rawness. I love a good ballad and this one feels like a ballad. I love a song I can just wail on. This is the one I really hope people listen to – I hope they get hope from listening.
BTS: How has your childhood/ personal life impacted your music?
Somers: I’ve had such a life in 30 years – it’s wild. I had to grow up relatively quickly. I grew up in Alabama, in the church, and I still have a heart for the church. My first solo was there at 4 years old and from then on, I was hooked. I did music my whole life through schooling and recently decided to pursue my music career. My sister passed away in 2016, and was a major inspiration to me. She was an artist, a ballerina, she spoke many languages. She taught me art was important so I wanted to live up to that and what she believed. I’ve written a lot of songs about her – she left a great legacy.
BTS: How would you describe your sound?
Somers: I got some Sam Smith in there, mixed with a pinch of Harry Styles and a little songwriting from Hozier.
BTS: What can we expect from you next?
Somers: New music hopefully soon – I’ve been writing a ton. Also, have the awesome opportunity to play at the LGBTQ+ showcase at CMA Fest! Lots of live performances coming up.
BTS: What are you most excited for in the future?
Somers: I’m excited for the day I can be full time in music – no side jobs. I’m excited to tour places I’ve never been, and meet friends and fans. Also, play live!
BTS: What final message do you want to send to fans and listeners?
Somers: No matter what people have said to you, if you have breath in your lungs, you are important and loved. That’s my favorite thing to tell people.
We can’t wait to keep feeling the love with Somers and give some love right back!
Stream They Say I’ve Changed now!
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