INTERVIEW: JB Somers Finds Courage in Nashville Community
In our interview, JB Somers tells us more about his coming out experience, how he surrounds himself with intentional community, and the music that moves him.
JB Somers has the voice of an angel – to put it lightly. His song "Real Man" is a touching examination of toxic masculinity and all the things it robs men of. Somers voice takes on the Christian influences of his Evangelical upbringing and transmutes them into something powerful for the rest of us. In our interview, Somers tells us more about his coming out experience, how he surrounds himself with intentional community, and the music that moves him.
How do you feel your coming out journey plays into your music?
After 31 years in the closet, I came out only a few years ago. It’s been a wild ride. That experience taught me a lot about who I didn’t want to be. I found the courage to come out after moving to Nashville and surrounding myself with folks who encourage me to live in alignment with who I really am. I’m honestly still processing my journey. The songs I’ve written in the past five years feel like they just fell out of me as I’ve gotten to know my true self.
My recent single, “Real Man,” represents an additional part of the healing process. In it, I get to question everything I was taught growing up as a closeted, queer pastor’s kid in Alabama about what it means to be a man. I have always been in touch with my emotions and have often been called “soft” or “weak” for that. I wanted to know, why is tenderness seen as a crime against masculinity? Why can’t we be soft and manly? I was excited when my friend and fellow artist MORGXN joined the conversation and invited me to jump in the studio for a duet version. “Real Man w/ JB Somers” will feature on the deluxe version of his new record HEARTLAND.
Who are some of your musical influences?
I’m inspired by music that moves me. Some of the greatest artists who inform my personal style are the legends Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell, and Billie Holiday. More contemporary influences include Sam Smith, Ariana Grande, Hozier and Olivia Dean. I think you can hear each of those influences in my art.
Have you changed your practices to ensure that your team is diverse?
It’s a goal of mine to have a diverse team, particularly with strong women leading. I like to call myself a “girl’s gay” because I’ve always gotten along better with women. I want the team members who are the best at what they do, and nine times out of ten, that’s women.
How do you manage having a good time at shows, but also trying to stay mentally and physically fit?
That’s a great question. My heart and mission is to help people process feelings that maybe they haven’t unlocked before, so I play sad songs so we can experience and cry together. And then, we all laugh about it after. In terms of staying mentally and physically fit, I find that keeping a routine and going to the gym feeds both the physical and mental parts of myself.
Recent release you cannot stop listening to?
I’m obsessed with Joy Oladakun’s recent album Observations From a Crowded Room. I’m drawn to her honesty, especially how she speaks to the listener on “Observation #2” where she shares a beautiful conversation with her parents. Joy feels the need to fit a stereotype or live a specific way in order to be successful. She conveys that the big “they,” the powers that be, are looking for the next money to make, and she becomes a hypothetical. Her mom reminds her to do what she wants to do, and Joy says the most iconic line – “Joy doesn’t need to do anything”. Then, the record flows into the incredible follow ups “Hollywood” and “Flowers.” And… they’re all incredible. It’s a no skips record.
