Artist of the Day | JORY KINJO
ARTIST OF THE DAY
28.10.2020
JORY KINJO
LOCATION
Calgary & Edmonton, AB
GENRE
Soul, Reggae, Ska, Rhythm & Blues
CURRENT MEMBERS
Jory Kinjo
Kaley Kinjo
Aaron Young
Steve Fletcher
Steven Jackson
Gareth Hughes
Kim Beachum
Amber Suchy
Stephanie Suchy
Audrey Ochoa
With the current pandemic, the state of the music and touring industry has dramatically changed. Where were you when everything was brought to a halt?
I was in Calgary, thank god. Luckily I wasn't stranded somewhere with borders closing. That certainly happened to a few friends of mine who were on the road.
How has that affected your plans for the coming months? Did you have a tour planned, upcoming album release?
It massively affected every single aspect of my life and career. I had many tours planned to the US, Japan & Europe. I do have an album that I'm still sitting on waiting to release with a bit of a better plan for the times. The idea of following up a release with a tour is out of the question, so I hope to get creative this winter and figure out a unique way to keep releasing material I've been stockpiling.
I was supposed to tour in the US with a band out of New York called the Rocksteady 7. We were going to end up in LA and record an album at the end of the tour. This is all happening remotely now, which is super cool! I was really looking forward to the experience of it though.
I lost 100% of my income, so I've had to really look hard at how I'm going to try to adapt. I have really enjoyed the time that's been allowed to me through all this however. It's been fulfilling to not have to worry about gigging and shows so I have the time to write, create and enjoy music again.
I will find new sources of income and navigate my musical career as I want to now, rather than it being more entered around my sole means of employment.
What have you been doing to fill/make the most of your new-found free time at home?
I've been writing, recording and learning about video production. I have been trying to stay in shape and that helps me feel creative as well.
What was the first thing you did/place you went to now the country is starting to slowly re-open?
Played some shows!! Haha. As many as I could fit in this summer, realistically. I had really missed performing.
Favourite Starlite Room Moment?
Years ago, seeing Meshell Ndegeocello play there for the Jazz fest. I can't remember what year that was, but it was an incredible performance. She's scary onstage!! She's very sweet and nice in person haha.
Do you have a message for everyone at home reading this?
Thank you for supporting music and the arts! If you're seeing this, it means you actually care about what's happening in the music and arts scene, we need you! Thank you again.
If you would like to be our next ARTIST OF THE DAY please email us at:
