Today we’d like to introduce you to Trace Jory.
Hi Trace, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi there! I had another publication create this bio for me and I gotta say – it’s pretty accurate. Okay to utilize the following and put your own spin on it?
Trace Jory is an emerging Soul/Americana singer-songwriter whose music reflects a life shaped by movement, curiosity, self-discovery, and a desire to connect with people through honest storytelling. Combining piano, guitar, beatboxing, and soulful vocals, Trace has developed a sound that feels both rooted and adventurous—drawing inspiration from the places he has called home and the experiences gathered along the way.
Born in the Midwest, Trace’s musical journey has taken him through Denver, San Diego, Spain, Boulder, and Nashville, with each location contributing something different to his creative identity. Rather than fitting neatly into one genre, he blends elements of Americana, soul, folk, rock, and acoustic songwriting into a style that feels distinctly his own.
From the Midwest to Nashville: A Journey of Musical Discovery
Trace Jory’s story is closely connected to travel. His time living in different cities and countries exposed him to new cultures, perspectives, and ways of experiencing life. Those experiences eventually became part of the foundation for his songwriting.
His musical influences include The Lumineers, Kings of Leon, Trevor Hall, Jack Johnson, NEEDTOBREATHE, and Mumford & Sons—artists known for combining memorable melodies with personal storytelling and emotionally resonant performances.
For Trace, songwriting is not simply about creating music. It is a way of processing the world around him and turning real experiences into songs that listeners can connect with.
Trace Jory is an emerging Soul/Americana singer-songwriter whose music reflects a life shaped by movement, curiosity, self-discovery, and a desire to connect with people through honest storytelling. Combining piano, guitar, beatboxing, and soulful vocals, Trace has developed a sound that feels both rooted and adventurous—drawing inspiration from the places he has called home and the experiences gathered along the way.
Born in the Midwest, Trace’s musical journey has taken him through Denver, San Diego, Spain, Boulder, and Nashville, with each location contributing something different to his creative identity. Rather than fitting neatly into one genre, he blends elements of Americana, soul, folk, rock, and acoustic songwriting into a style that feels distinctly his own.
“Dirty Feet” and the Philosophy Behind the Music
One of Trace Jory’s early releases was “Dirty Feet,” a song built around a simple but meaningful philosophy: dirty feet equals an open mind.
The idea captures much of what defines Trace’s artistic journey. His experiences across different places and cultures have encouraged him to remain curious, challenge his own perspective, and stay open to unfamiliar experiences.
During his time in San Diego, Trace released two singles and an EP in 2016. The project brought together songs inspired by countries including Spain, Kenya, and the United States, transforming travel experiences into stories about leaving home, discovering different perspectives, exploring religion, and understanding oneself.
European Tours Expanded His Musical Perspective
After moving to Nashville, Trace continued releasing music while developing his identity as a live performer. His journey has also taken him beyond the United States, including two successful European tours.
He has performed across countries, including Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Germany, Denmark, and the UK, giving him opportunities to connect with audiences from different cultural backgrounds.
These experiences have further strengthened the storytelling element of his music. His songs carry the perspective of someone who has spent years moving between places, meeting people, and learning from experiences outside his comfort zone.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not. I had mouth cancer when I was 16 and my parents divorced when I was 17 yet those two life moments were the exact catalysts for me to begin writing poetry, which then led to songs. It also led me to see my first therapist, which ultimately shaped me wanting to obtain my Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology (w/ a minor in Spanish that I thankfully can still utilize!). I (and my lineage on both sides) have struggled with alcohol for years and I finally have a hold on it thankfully but I still take each day slowly with a few goals in mind – don’t drink alone ever again, spread love and spread my gift, my purpose, my music.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I think what is going to allow me to stand out from other artists in preparation for a long career creatively is not only am I singer-songwriter multi-instrumentalist but I also have my Masters Degree, I am a Corepower Yoga 200-hour certified Yoga Teacher and an actor as well (small roles thus far but I am signed to a talent agency in Knoxville – Gage!)
I hate talking about myself and that felt like bragging, which I never do, but I suppose this is why I am here filling out these questions (thank you guys again by the way 🙂 – To share my story, which I am proud of regardless of my mountain of mistakes that lay in the dust.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I love taking risks! Moving to San Diego for Grad School when I was 24 was a risk. Moving to Nashville with my then girlfriend and it not working out was a risk. Me moving to Boulder on a whim for 2 years was a risk. Moving back to South Carolina in 2021 and then back to Nashville in 2022 and then pursuing this entire life as a creative is a risk… but I wouldn’t have it any your way. I live my life with the thought of “what’s going to make the best story..” (while considering mine and others safety of course :D)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TraceJory.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracejory
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19Q8hx7dZL/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tracejorymusic
