Rising Stars: Meet Gorsha Jolly of East of Nashville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gorsha Jolly

Hi Gorsha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story starts over 6,000 miles away in Far East Russia, where I was born. When I was just 16 months old, my brother Viktor and I were brought to the U.S. by our parents, who are Middle Tennessee natives. Not long after, our two sisters joined us, and we all continued our new lives as part of a loving family.

All of us were homeschooled growing up, and music was a huge part of our education. We started with classical music at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, and as we got older, we kept sharpening our classical skills while also branching out into more diverse, mainstream styles. The four of us organically formed a string quartet, and with our parents’ continued guidance and encouragement, we began playing at nursing homes and family gatherings. Eventually, the four of us transitioned the quartet into a professional-level band and ministry, with a busy touring schedule—playing all kinds of music and sharing our story of God’s redemption in our lives.

That whole experience of touring was more than just performing—it was a crash course in the music industry. My brother and I started learning audio engineering, video, lighting, filmmaking, graphic design, logistics, and everything else that goes into making a show happen. We also dove into songwriting, arrangement, and production, developing a deeper understanding of how to craft and shape music beyond just performing it. When we eventually stopped playing together, I took everything I’d learned and put it into building my own career. I stepped into roles as a production manager, audio engineer, and musician—touring across the U.S., running live productions, and recording artists in my studio just outside Nashville.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing in life is a smooth road, but the challenges we face make us stronger—and I believe they also draw us closer to God.

One of those challenges came when COVID hit, and the music industry—like so many others—basically disappeared overnight. On top of that, we had just moved out to the country. The only structure on the property was an old tobacco barn wrapped in metal, sitting on a concrete slab. No central heat and air, no insulation, barely any natural light, and one tiny bathroom for a family of nine to share.

Once construction started on the new house, we all pitched in, doing most of the finish work ourselves—everything from concrete and electrical to plumbing and decorative finishes. It was tough, but it shaped us. And honestly, it made us appreciate the things we so often take for granted—something as simple as air conditioning felt like a luxury after going without it for so long. But looking back, all the skills I learned during that time are ones I still use to this day.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My main work for many years has been as a musician, fronting my sibling band and developing many skills and talents in my additional roles. My work now is as a touring production manager, front-of-house engineer, and monitor engineer, as well as engineering and producing at my own studio. My years as a musician have given me unique insight into how artists think and how I can best meet their needs as an engineer. I also have a passion for video production and photography, which allows me to use my eye for set design, framing, and movement to capture beautiful, inspiring stories and moments.

One area I focus on that sets me apart is my attention to the little details, my trustworthiness, and my kindness when interacting with clients—whether they are big or small—which makes everyone feel seen and helps foster relationships that can last a lifetime.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think taking risks is just a part of life—the question is, how much? We often think of risks in big terms, like starting a business, but even small actions can feel risky. Taking the initiative to network, meet new people, or step outside our comfort zones may seem daunting, but in reality, they often aren’t as risky as they feel—and they can lead to big rewards. Ultimately, I look at risks as a step of faith, not letting fear hold me back from stepping out and using the talents God gave me to their fullest potential, even in ways that might not be conventional.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gorshajolly.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gorsha_jolly/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075517054983
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@gorshajolly?si=hctc4C_5b6IK3-R7