Cody Belew impressed audiences worldwide with his excellent performances on the third season of NBC’s “The Voice”. (Photo courtesy of Cody Belew)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
The Five Question Challenge is back!
For this edition, Jake’s Take is proud to welcome singer-songwriter Cody Belew.
Cody showed off his remarkable talents and superb vocals during the third season of the NBC ratings juggernaut, The Voice, as part of Team Cee Lo. After placing in the Top Eight, the Arkansas native in the process of recording an album and touring across the country.
He talked about how he got into music, his thoughts on Usher and Shakira’s progress as new Voice judges and how social media has benefited his career.
Jacob Elyachar: How did you get into music?
Cody Belew: I guess I never got into music. Music got into me! I feel like it’s always been a part of my everyday. Some of my earliest, fondest memories are of singing to myself, passing the hours in my bedroom or around my family’s farm. I don’t remember life without music. It was my imaginary friend, my deepest secret, and is now the joy of my life.
JE: Who are your musical influences?
CB: I am like a sponge. I just soak up everything I can from every genre. Since I’m currently working on a pop album, I’ve been heavily influenced by the music of the 80’s and early 90’s. That’s back when everything was still very experimental and fresh!
JE: Let’s talk about your time on “The Voice.” Why did you originally audition for the show? What were some of your highlights from your time on the show?
CB: Everything in my life was pointing in that direction at the time. Honestly, I think I auditioned because they called me. That made me feel wanted instead of feeling like I was an animal being run through a cattle call. They took the time to really get to know me, and I really appreciated that.
JE: This season, Usher and Shakira, are filling in for your mentor: Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera. What are your thoughts on Usher and Shakira’s progress as coaches?
CB: So far they doing pretty good, I think! You’ll never be able to fill the void left by Cee Lo and Christina. So they are smart to not even try. They are doing their own thing and it’s working!
JE: How has social media helped you as an artist?
CB: Social Media is a beast of its own making, isn’t it?! Of course I’m immensely grateful for the platform that social media gives me. It creates an appetite for one’s attention that I am still getting used to. You can be so easily forgotten if you’re not constantly plugged in, and that’s something that I am constantly working against.
For more information about Cody and his projects, visit his website: http://codybelew.com/
