We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mary Rodgers. Check out our conversation below.
Mary, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
There are many times in my life I can look back on and be glad I had timing on my side. If I had pushed to move to Nashville sooner than I did, I don’t think my skillset would have taken me as far as it has now. I wasn’t ripe yet. I wasn’t musically mature yet. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to put myself out there the way I could when I was ready. I think I would have actually damaged some relationships by trying to take on gigs I couldn’t handle. By waiting for the right time I gained experience that allowed me to be versatile and flexible with my opportunities.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a multi-instrumentalist performer, songwriter, arranger, and private lesson instructor. I play Alto, Tenor, Baritone Sax, Bass Clarinet, Piano, Accordion, and Ukulele. I play Baritone Sax/Accordion with Marco With Love, Chip Greene, and various groups around Nashville, TN. I sing and perform with my own group called the Mary Rodgers Menagerie. We combine Jazz, Blues, RnB, Lounge and Rock with circus themes and comedy routine’s. It’s a bit of a musical variety show. Our next shows are at the Low Volume Lounge at the East Side Bowl on July9th from 6:00-7:30. Then you can catch us at Nectar Urban Cantina on August 15th from 6:30-9. Both of these shows are all ages!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
We change constantly and our view of ourselves changes as well. I’ve had so many relationships in my lifetime that shaped how I currently view myself. But the undeniable beginning of self-realization came from being a twin. My twin sister, Jo Rodgers, was always a mirror. Whether we liked or disliked something, or how we did things, what we laughed at, what we thought was right or wrong, that all bounced off each other. Everything one of us did reflected onto the reputation of the other as well. So at a young age you understand cause and effect.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
In 2020 the world was at a standstill with no timeline. As the pandemic went on I started to dwindle. I began very strong. I was practicing constantly, writing, making content, having meetings and phone calls. But after my Dad passed in December of 2020 I realized this pandemic wasn’t just going to just pass. The world would be different afterwards. Music streaming changed, social media changed, social spaces in public changed, social gatherings changed, fashions changed and music trends changed. I made a decision to move to Denver to have a new experience. Ultimately, Nashville called to me and I came back after only 8 months. That’s when I started to really feel the affects of everything going on. I got depressed, worked menial jobs, and I felt like I would never return to the musician I once was. But I did therapy, quit my day job, went back to music full time and after a few years of hard personal work, I’m back to being fulfilled, happy, and hopeful.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
My hot take in the music industry is the idea of natural talent or the “it” factor. Competitive reality shows and Bio-pics love to sell the story of the kid who picked up a guitar for the first time and just had a knack for it. Or the girl who only sang when she was in the shower to all of a sudden singing opera into microphone in-front of millions of people. No matter what natural abilities you have you need to work hard. You need to constantly build your skillset, repertoire, network and platform. Talent only gets you so far…less that 1/4th of the way.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
In the morning. I wake up between my boyfriend and his dog Duck. I have about 2 hours while they sleep a little longer. I make tea or coffee, journal, read, practice, draw, etc. It’s my little quiet time where I feel super safe, loved, and free to create.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maryrodgersmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maritonesax
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.rodgers.5458/#
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@maryrodgers1427
- Other: https://linktr.ee/maryrodgers
Image Credits
Full Body Image by Stephanie Graham at KHS Distributing for Jupiter Saxophones.
Striped dress images by Madison Amor
Black and White art by JD Wilkes
