by | Faith Lived Out, Music
A few months ago, I was sitting across from an industry pro over coffee in Nashville, and I shared with him, “I don’t know where I fit. I’m not sure I fit in the church and don’t really fit in the bar every night.”
He asked me… “Who told you that?”
“I just told you that,” I replied with a strange look on my face.
He gently called me up and out of that lie for the next hour, reminding me I could fit anywhere. I have the stories and the songs that fit in the church and a bar. He reminded me I have a message that matters.
So I came home and sat on our conversation for a minute. Then, I got brave enough to talk to the Lord about it. Honestly, I’d been avoiding the conversation.
It went a little something like this…
Me: God, why would I want to play music full-time in churches? I don’t even like the church right now. (Yes, I’m a worship leader. Yes, that’s a conversation for another day.)
God: You’re talking about my bride.
Me: Crap. You’re right. I’m sorry. What do you want me to do, Papa? I want to do what You want.
God: I want you to tell the church I love them, and I’m giving you the chance to do it with music and laughter.
Me: Tears and Silence
But we all know I can’t stay silent for long. So, through the tears, I told the Lord, “If this is what you want me to do, I’ll do it.”
God: Do you trust me?
Me: Yes.
God: Do you trust me to help you dream?
Me: Ye… I… May.. Yes.
God: Tell me what you want.
Me: I want to be doing music full-time by 2026.
God: Do you trust me?
Me: Yes.
God: Then let me walk with you in this. I’ll go before and behind you. We’ll do things together for My Kingdom – more than you could ever ask or imagine.
I then went and changed my pants because the thought scared the crap out of me.
I then spoke those words out loud to trusted friends because I knew once I said them, I couldn’t take them back: “I want to do music full-time by 2026.”
And so here I am, on that path, building the dreams God has put on my heart, staying steadfast in who God called me to be so that I can tell others how much He loves them.
So, I’m here to announce I’m doing this thang, and there’s no looking back!
That said, I need your help! I want to bring “A Night of Music & Laughter with Sundi Jo” to your church or backyard. There’s going to be something for everyone: music, laughter, authentic storytelling, and a whole lot of Jesus.
Here’s the thing: churches aren’t just going to book someone they know nothing about. It’s going to take a personal connection to the pastor, administrative assistant, etc., to book a show.
And that’s where I need your help, my friend.
Can you connect me to your church? Or, if you’re the one in charge of bringing others in, I’d love to chat. You can get more details on “A Night of Music & Laughter” church events here…
Interested in a backyard concert? Let’s do this! It’s just me, you, and several of your amazing friends, family members, neighbors, etc. It’s a laid-back night of fun, music, and, of course, some shenanigans. You can get more info on house concerts here …
Let’s do this thang!
by | Music
All I could say was, “Thank you.” I planned out what I wanted to say. Thanks for your music. I couldn’t have made it through my childhood without you. I’m a songwriter. You inspire me to keep pushing forward. And other things I can’t remember.
But all I could muster was, “Thank you,” as I shook her hand and introduced myself. I felt like I was 12 again, trying to act like a mature adult. That didn’t last long, as I then explained how I got my unique name. “My parents were hippies. They smoked a lot of pot. That’s all I’ve got.” She laughed as she spelled it out in the autograph.
I’d finally met Terri Clark.
I was introduced to her music in 1995. I was 12. “Better Things to Do” came on the radio, and I was hooked. I bought her CD as soon as I could get my hands on it. (Look that up, kids. CDs were life-changing.)I had every song memorized. I think “Catch 22” was my favorite.
I wish I had pictures to show you of my bedroom walls. They were covered with cutouts from Country Weekly Magazine. I wanted to be surrounded by Country Music because it was my safe place – a reminder that despite all the pain, I could still dream.
When her picture showed up in my latest edition, I tore it out and hung it up next to Minnie Pearl’s picture. Ahh.. yes… another reminder to dream more.
And dream I did. I’d dream about hearing my own songs on the radio. I’d dream about writing a song with Terri. And when the reality of the past kept creeping in, her music would help drown it out.
So, why in the world could I not say anything besides “Thank you” when I finally had the chance to meet her? Perhaps that was all that needed to be said. Maybe it was just enough.
Thank you for your music. It was a saving grace for me when trying to escape the harsh realities of sexual abuse and rape and the shame tied to keeping the secrets.
Thank you for your music. It was a salve to my soul through the abandonment, rejection, and addiction of a dad who was too broken to love me the way a daughter is supposed to be loved.
Thank you for your music. It reminded me that I wasn’t alone when I couldn’t connect with my mom because she was just trying to find her own way through the brokenness of her past.
Thank you for your music. It helped me stand taller and say, “Hey, I can chase my dreams, too. I can be a songwriter. I can make a difference in the world.”
Thank you for your music. It pushed me forward to say, “I don’t have to stay where I am. I can do something different.”
It took me years to get there—to actually get past the shame, secrets, and self-sabotage and start chasing my dreams. But the fire in my heart never died. And when I walked out of the pit of the past and said, “I’m done talking about chasing my dreams; now I’m ready to build them,” her songs were still there to inspire me to keep building.
As I drove to Nashville, knowing I would meet Terri Clark, I listened to every album on the seven-hour drive, thinking about the different stages of life I was in during each album release. And I cried a little—okay, I cried a lot.
And then I got to her latest album, Terri Clark: Take Two, and I smiled through the tears. Because this stage of life is really, really good.
Because I’m not just dreaming about being a songwriter; I am a songwriter.
Because everything I’d used music to hide from is no longer sitting in the darkness. God has pulled me out of the pit and set me free.
Because I’m no longer living life afraid.
Before the meet-and-greet, she did an intimate 45-minute set, and before she sang “No Fear,” I swear she was reading my mail as she spoke because she said something along the lines of, “It’s never too late to chase your dreams.” Words I needed to hear.
So, I guess as I stood there and met one of my musical heroes, nothing else needed to be said. Just a simple yet profound “Thank you.”
Then, I started the seven-hour trek back to Branson. And I put Terri’s music on again and cried a little—okay, I cried a lot. Tears of joy. Tears of gratefulness. Tears that turned into prayers, thanking God for putting me on this musical journey as a songwriter.
I used to hit every wall there was / I used to run away from love / All I ever wanted was right here / But I had to reach way down inside / I had to have faith I’d find / No fear.
Thank you, Terri. Your music matters. Never forget it.
by | Faith Lived Out, Music
Ozark Songsmiths with Sundi Jo, a new monthly songwriters round, will kick off on Thursday, July 18, from 6-8 p.m. at Taps on Downing Street. This event, set to become a regular highlight on the third Thursday of every month, aims to bring together songwriters and music enthusiasts in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Recognizing the wealth of songwriting talent in the Ozarks, Sundi Jo created Ozark Songsmiths to provide a welcoming space for songwriters to connect and share their work. “I wanted to create a regular gathering where songwriters can support each other, and audiences can connect through the power of music,” said Sundi Jo.
Sundi Jo, an Americana/Roots Gospel Branson and Nashville recording artist, singer, and songwriter, is the driving force behind this initiative. Imagine a voice that sounds like a blend of Lucinda Williams, Iris Dement, Anne Wilson, and Zach Williams, and you’ll find Sundi Jo. She brings a soulful style to her music that makes her unforgettable. Her voice and ability to write songs from the heart drive her passion to keep making music.
Her latest release, “Ugly Houses,” is available now wherever you stream music.
Taps on Downing Street is the perfect venue for the night. With 24 craft beers, local wines, and delicious food, the modern-rustic taproom is ideal for hanging out with friends and listening to great music. They’ve got plenty of room for outdoor fun, fire pits, cornhole, and live music.
Whether you’re a songwriter looking to share your music or a music lover eager to discover new talents, Ozark Songsmiths with Sundi Jo is the place to be. To learn more, visit ozarksongsmiths.com.
For media inquiries, contact info@sundijo.com.
by | Faith Lived Out, Music
“Well I ain’t no fancy castle / Got too much junk inside / But if you buy ugly houses, Lord / I’m taking down my for-sale sign,” Sundi Jo sings with her soulful voice, bringing back that retro style as though you’re dropping the needle down on an old vinyl record. Her raw vocals quickly draw listeners in.
Rising music artist Sundi Jo is excited to announce her latest release, “Ugly Houses.” The song is now available on all major streaming platforms.
“Ugly Houses” is a soulful song about diving into the deepest places of our hearts and seeing the beauty that God sees. With its catchy melody, raw lyrics, and relatable message of redemption, “Ugly Houses” will surely touch listeners’ hearts.
Though Sundi Jo is a songwriter who records most of her own work, “Ugly Houses” was written by Hannah Dasher and Robert Arthur.
“When I first heard Hannah’s version of ‘Ugly Houses,’ I was completely captivated,” says Sundi Jo. “The message spoke to me personally, and I knew I had to make it my own. I’m so grateful to Hannah for giving me her blessing to share my own version with the world. I called up my buddy, Brad Hacker, from Little Alien Music Production and told him I wanted to make this my own. He worked his magic, and here we are. I love it!”
Sundi Jo is a Branson, Missouri-based artist whose soulful style and heartfelt songwriting make her music unforgettable. Her passion for creating music that resonates with listeners shines through in every note she sings.
“I want to write and perform songs that people can resonate with and really feel. The world needs more vulnerability, and so does the church. I hope to provide that, along with some hope.”
Listeners can stream and download “Ugly Houses” on Apple Music, Spotify, and all major digital platforms. To stay updated on Sundi Jo’s latest news and releases, follow her on social media and visit sundijo.com.
by | Music
One of my favorite things in the world is creating songs. It’s a gift God has given me, and I don’t want to waste it. I also love to help other songwriters be the best version of themselves and cheer them on.
Since moving back to Branson almost two years ago, I’ve immersed myself in a talented pool of songwriters. Seriously, the talent here is incredible!
For the last six months or so, I’ve wanted to put together a writers’ round to showcase the Branson area songwriting talent and share my own. I knew everything would fall into place when the time was right, and now… the time is right.
After performing a show at Taps in Hollister, Mo., recently, I discussed my goal of a consistent writers’ round with the manager. “Let’s do it here,” she said, and the rest is history.
So I’m excited to announce that starting July 2024, I’ll be hosting the Ozark Songsmiths Songwriters’ Round on the third Thursday of every month from 6-8 p.m. It’s going to be so much fun!
Recognizing the wealth of songwriting talent in the Ozarks, I created Ozark Songsmiths to provide a welcoming space for songwriters to connect and share their work. I envision a regular gathering where musicians support each other and audiences discover the magic of original music.
We’ll offer two sets each night, featuring three writers at a time, all sharing their original music with the audience. Did I mention it’s going to be a blast?!
But… that’s where you come in. Pulling something like this off is a challenging adventure, too. It takes a lot of equipment, which takes a lot of dollars.
I would be grateful for your support in what I believe is another arm of ministry for me—music. Not only will it serve as a gift for these songwriters’ rounds, but I’ve been booking more and more shows lately, and it will help me provide an even better show.
If you donate $25 or more, I’ll send you a free ebook I’m putting together on stories and processes behind a few of my favorite original songs, along with the complete lyrics.
If you feel led to give, you can donate here via GoFundMe (tax-deductible), and if you’d rather buy a piece of equipment directly, you can check out the Amazon list here…
You can also donate via the following:
Venmo (sundijo) – https://venmo.com/u/Sundijo
Paypal (sundijo) – https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sundijo
To learn more about the Ozarks Songsmiths Songwriters’ Round, visit https://ozarksongsmiths.com.
by | Music
Branson, MO – October 20, 2023 – Singer and songwriter Sundi Jo is thrilled to announce the release of her powerful new single, “Where in the World?” out now wherever you stream music. This emotionally charged song courageously addresses the enduring issue of racial prejudice and discrimination, striving to ignite unity, empathy, and positive change.
“Where in the World?” transcends the boundaries of conventional music; it is a profound exploration of the hardships faced by those who have endured unjust judgment and mistreatment based on the color of their skin. The song’s lyrics take listeners on a poignant journey through the painful experiences of racial bias and discrimination, resonating deeply with audiences who have been affected by this issue from various perspectives.
Sundi Jo, the creative force behind this impactful song, shared her inspiration: “This song comes straight from the depths of my heart, born out of my reaction to witnessing a level of racism that still sends shivers down my spine. I saw a video of an African American man with an incredible voice, reminiscent of Waylon Jennings. However, one of the comments I read broke my heart. An individual who didn’t even know him callously remarked, ‘Why don’t you go back to the cotton fields where you belong?’ I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, and I thought to myself, ‘This is 2023. Are you kidding me?’ So, I channeled my anger into something constructive and wrote this song.”
Amidst the challenges it confronts, “Where in the World?” stands as a beacon of hope. It conveys a potent message of unity, serving as a reminder that, beneath the surface, we all share the same capacity for love, pain, and compassion. The song is a heartfelt plea for a world where innocence and acceptance prevail, not just in the present but for generations to come.
Sundi Jo, an Americana/Roots Gospel recording artist, singer, and songwriter hailing from Missouri, possesses a voice reminiscent of a fusion of Lucinda Williams, Iris Dement, Anne Wilson, and Zach Williams. Her music exudes a soulful charm that leaves an indelible mark on her audience. She is an artist dedicated to creating music that resonates deeply with her listeners.
Sundi Jo shares her vision, stating, “I aspire to craft and perform songs that connect with people on a profound level, songs that touch the heart. The world needs more vulnerability, and so does the church. I hope to provide that, along with a dose of hope.”
As Sundi Jo continues to shape the musical landscape with her heartfelt compositions, “Where in the World?” stands as a significant addition to her body of work. This release tackles the sensitive theme of racial prejudice and discrimination with the aim of fostering unity, empathy, and a brighter future.
Sundi Jo passionately believes that her song has the potential to ignite essential conversations and contribute to the ongoing battle against racial prejudice and discrimination.
“Where in the World?” is available wherever you stream music.
For media inquiries and interview requests, please reach out to sj@sundijo.com or access her press kit at sundijo.com/presskit.
