Jessica Godwin '01 Hosts Songwriting Workshop During Diversity Week

During Loyola’s celebration of Diversity Week 2017, singer and songwriter Jess Godwin ’01 held songwriting workshops for students and discussed the challenges and successes of her career as a performer in both the music and theater worlds.
“The students had the opportunity to see someone use music to highlight her own vulnerabilities and embrace her individuality,” says Mr. Matthew Begale, Loyola’s director of choirs.

As part of her presentation, Godwin shared her recent music video for Shame, a song she calls “the Cliffs Notes of the past 10 years” in which she spent navigating the complex and appearance-obsessed music industry.

After years of producers and label executives branding and re-branding her image—first as the alternative misfit, then the edgy tomboy and, finally, the flirtatious pop star—Shame is an anthem about reclaiming oneself and embracing one’s insecurities and imperfections.

“There was a huge disconnect between getting to do what I wanted to do—sing—and trying to keep up a facade.” Godwin recalls of her time being managed by a large label. “I started to lose what was in my heart.”  

After years of trying to conform to manufactured images, Godwin decided to pursue her passion for music on her own terms. She began producing, directing and choreographing on her own. And she did all of this while sporting a brand new image: her authentic self.  “I started to find myself again,” she recalls.

Around the same time, Godwin began doing service work—singing in homeless shelters and nursing homes and working with young people. “There’s a technique in theater: Make it about the other,” she shared with students. Godwin explained that this concept enhances an actor’s own performance by deepening his or her connection with the others onstage. Godwin connected this to Loyola’s motto, women and men for others. She encouraged students to become better versions of themselves by helping others, by “making it about the other.”

Shame was born from this period of Godwin’s renewal and refocus.  “All of the mistakes I made helped me hone in on my love of songwriting, storytelling and talking to people,” she says.

At the end of her presentation, Godwin led students in a group songwriting exercise. Listen to the song students composed here.  

I had an absolute blast collaborating on the beginnings of original songs with Contemporary Vocal Ensemble and Chorale students,” says Godwin. “The students are so brilliant and sharp and funny and incredibly deep.”

“I loved her enthusiasm and the hope she gave to students about how we can truly be ourselves,” reflects Contemporary Vocal Ensemble student Elizabeth Balentine ’19. “She really taught me how fun and expressive songwriting can be, and I can’t wait to start writing my own songs. I just want to put myself out there and really have music be a part of my life!”

Godwin’s message was inspiring and hopeful, and she imparted a wisdom that resonated with students. “There’s no clear path,” she said. “Don’t try to control the future, let it be messy. Failure makes you better.”

Learn more about Jess Godwin ’01 and her work at http://godwinanthology.com/.

View Godwin’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/jessgodwinmusic.
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