Meet Jonathan Shockley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Shockley.

Hi Jonathan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in East TN. I went to school there and after graduating I went on staff at a church as a worship leader. Shortly after, I moved to Nashville and have been here for the past 6 years. I spent my first few years finding the people, with whom I wanted to collaborate, as well as trying to decide what my sound was/what I wanted to say.

After releasing a few singles, I decided I wanted to do my first album. My faith, and my journey thus far, all played a major role in the story of the album. So I spent 2 years on my project, PRODIGAL, and finally released it in full length in April of this year. It has been the wildest experience with all of the ups and the downs and the between, but that’s what the project is about anyway. It’s my story.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Haha not at all, my journey in the music industry has been the most challenging time of my life. I’ve had the classic music industry struggles (the random odd jobs, the 10 thousand no’s from industry people, etc.)

But since moving to Nashville, I’ve dealt with my parents’ divorce, some intense heartbreak, a pretty intense faith crisis, and overall just trying to figure out who I am. I’ve learned most of the screw-ups and the hard stuff, and I’m thankful for my journey. I think that I know more grace, more fullness, and more kindness because the road has been rough.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I think I’m one of the few people that’s thankful for 2020 haha. That year gave me the space and freedom to teach myself production and add another element to the way I create. I had always had a heavy hand in the production world, but I was never the one pressing all the buttons. Now I consider myself as much a producer as an artist.

I think I make music and am uniquely inspired by music. My roots are the church, and I grew up on gospel, along with 80s pop, 90s R&B, hip hop, and other genres like that. I also have a pretty in-depth background in live theatre, and I tried to make my album as anthemic as possible. I’m not chasing another down-the-middle pop song. I’m trying to do something new.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Man The Lord is faithful. The number of times that I have looked around with complete uncertainty and fear, and then He made a way are countless. I think that He has shown up in the raw and shitty parts of my life, and reminded me that I’m not too far gone, that I’m His, and Imma be ok. I’m grateful.

Contact Info:

• Website: shockley.world
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_shockley_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialshockley
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/_shockley_
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQgFM8b-CXXaWUZ9-_eUdRQ
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5KVu4Yj0TegphGrOgSRR1U?si=d5C9kPQdSymmrriI0WCBkg

Image Credits
Noah Tidmore, Nina Long, and Bryant Bural