Jodie Manross: an Update from New York City

Jodie Manross: an Update
from New York City

Jodie Manross performing at the Knitting Factory in New York City

This article is for all the Jodie Manross fans in the Knoxville Music Scene who have been wondering how she's doing since her move to the Big Apple this January.

The short answer is: she's doing GREAT! Read on to find out where she's played, her tips on making your own move to NYC, and more.

Knoxville Business: How did you come to the decision to move to NYC?

Jodie Manross: I fell in love with New York City after the first time performing here three years ago. It's such a unique, vibrant place. My sisters both live here so it is wonderful to live near family again. Last, I had the wonderful opportunity to record my next cd with some fantastic musicians here.

Knoxville Business: Was it a hard decision to make?

Jodie Manross: It was a very tough decision - I spent over two years deciding what to do. I love Knoxville and will always consider it my home. But I needed to move here to grow, change and be a better person.

Knoxville Business: I remember that you had a lot of planning to get through to be able to move -- finding an affordable apartment, a job, etc. Do you have any tips for people who might want to do the same?

Jodie Manross: I feel very lucky with my moving to NYC experience. It's emotionally and financially draining, but I had an easier time than most.

One, I moved with a Knoxville friend (actor Joe Beuerlein) who had always wanted to live in NYC. It helps if you have a roommate to help with expenses, driving the moving van and moral support.

Having my sisters, brother-in-law and many friends here, it was an easy transition--in fact, much easier than I ever could have imagined. We also were fortunate to find a great apartment in a beautiful brownstone in Harlem. We are near an express subway train so it takes no time to get anywhere in the city.

It was fate the way I found the apartment, too. The girl who was moving out was named Jodie Mowery and was moving out the same day we hoped to move in, the Landlord is from Sudan and my step-sister speaks Sudanese, etc. Very cool coincidences. I suggest saving up and planning at least 6 months before moving if you can!!

And looking on craigslist for apartments worked well.

Knoxville Business: What was your first month in NYC like?

Jodie Manross: We moved the day it got cold in NYC for winter. I got to do a lot of fun things the first weeks here. I live near Tom's Diner (from Seinfeld and the Susanne Vega song) and went there a lot. I got to go to a fancy fashion sow (folks like Adrian Brody and Pink were there), a Broadway show, a few concerts, museums, etc.

Then I began rehearsing with Mark Lamb Dance for a show we had in February--there are so many Knoxville artists here.

Knoxville Business: What are some differences between Knoxville and NY venues?

Jodie Manross: You make more money at Knoxville venues and play about two to three hours at most Knoxville venues. In NYC, there are so many artists, you get booked for 45-minute set and play usually for tips or a cut at the door. You can't as many shows in NY if you want a good turnout.

The best thing about NYC venues is no smoking!

Knoxville Business: What ever happened with your music being played on the So You Think You Can Dance show?

Jodie Manross: My music was featured on last year's season of SYTYCD and is being shown internationally right now. So I will get cd sales and emails from neat places like Korea and Denmark.

Plus various dancers on You Tube have posted clips using my music. The show has contracted use of two more songs for this season, but I won't know if they use the songs until it possibly airs.

Knoxville Business: Have you had any new opportunities like that since moving?

Jodie Manross: I will be recording with Cyndi Lauper's drummer and various other NY musicians in the fall once Laith is better. I am performing at some wonderful folk venues such as the Living Room and the Bitter End. Plus I have an amazing voice teacher, Katie Agresta, who teaches artists such as Cyndi Lauper, Dave Matthews and Annie Lennox. She is too good for words.

Knoxville Business: Do you have a favorite experience that you'd like to share with your Knoxville Music Scene fans?

Jodie Manross: I just got to hang out backstage with Cyndi Lauper's band, and members of Erasure, Blondie, Dresden Dolls and others from the True Colors tour. Very fun!

Plus, I've had lots of other experiences such as going to summer movies at Bryant Park, Coney Island's Mermaid Parade, and performing at the Knitting Factory etc.

Knoxville Business: What has been the hardest thing about living in NYC?

Jodie Manross: Missing all my Knoxville friends! And I miss singing in my car.

Knoxville Business: When will you be coming back to Knoxville to play?

Jodie Manross: I'm playing at the end of Sept in Knoxville - the Blue Plate Special on Sept. 21.

Knoxville Business: Is there anything else you'd like to share that I haven't asked about?

Jodie Manross: Thanks to everyone who has been asking about me--I miss everyone, and many thanks especially to everyone who asks how Laith is doing.

AND you can stay updated on what's going on with me at JodieManross.com!

Knoxville Business: Thanks, Jodie, and good luck!

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Jodie Manross: an Updatefrom New York City

Jodie Manross: an Update
from New York City