☕ Coffee acquired. Energy points earned. Time to write about the ISSA experience.
First off — there truly aren’t words that can capture this weekend. Meeting people from across the globe, connecting with fellow musicians who’ve each forged their own paths — it was incredible. I know how hard I’ve worked to get here, to be nominated, and to be a 7x finalist. Even though I didn’t take home an award, not one ounce of me is sad, jealous, or disappointed. For the first time in this type of setting, I’m genuinely happy to see others recognized — and it gave me a new goal to aim for. I’m more motivated than ever, ready to team up with my new ISSA family and turn dreams into reality.
Now… story time.
✈️ I landed in Atlanta on Friday (08/22/25) after a quick two-hour flight. Getting to North Springs proved that old joke about “Atlanta being one hour from Atlanta” completely true. Riding the red line, I got a glimpse of the whole city — even spotted Mercedes-Benz Stadium (home of the Falcons).
When I finally reached the hotel… plot twist. Wrong one. The staff firmly told me check-in wasn’t until 3 p.m. (not that I was even staying there). Turns out I had wandered into the wrong fancy hotel. After some laughs, I made it to the right place — the even fancier one in the back — got checked in immediately, and even caught part of the summit. (Next year I’ll be there for all of it.)
From the start, friendships clicked: Sam George, a producer from Spain. Andy, a musician from Australia (both Sam and Andy were originally from the UK). Sherise from India, who instantly felt like a sister. And of course, German country star Danny Myler — who later walked away with an ISSA award! They all did. Watching my friends win was just as exciting as if I had myself.
I wanted to make Alexx Antaeus’ Summit session, but the reality of back-to-back gigs, a Silversun Pickups show at Toad’s (where I met Nicki!!), and travel exhaustion caught up with me. Lesson learned: always dedicate one day to travel recovery. Still, I was welcomed with open arms. I thanked Kayden Gordon for a past interview and finally met him and his crew — Craig and Rich — in person.
The pre-party was a blur of music, networking, and laughter. I got to meet ISSA founder Tamanie Dove and connected deeply with my “big brother” mentor type, Imran Ahmed.
✨ Then came the big day: the awards ceremony — the Mona Lisa of the trip (is that a saying? I’m making it one). Suit on, confidence up, and three interviews later (thanks Amy Jo, Michael Botte, and Zainab Khan — who is only 16 and already destined for radio greatness), I was ready.
Seven nominations. Zero expectations. Pure gratitude. The fact that I was even in that room surrounded by so much talent meant everything. And I carried with me the support of everyone who believed in me — especially those who donated to the GoFundMe. (Lucky Penny, I’ll never forget you.)
💡 If I had won, here’s the speech I prepared:
I already won. I won the minute I said, “I’m going to do music.” I won the minute I refused to let my mental illness define me.
Thank you to my new friends at ISSA, to the J. Edmond team — A. Michael, Fern, Paul, Danny, and my manager David Skaff. To my Unlikely Places radio team — Matthew, Graham, and Ivan (plus my manager once again). To my parents.
To everyone who believed in me in one way or another, and to everyone who supported the GoFundMe — I love you all.
And lastly, to my friend Slim, who passed away far too young. I love and miss you every day.
That speech still rings true — because if you create music despite the odds, you’ve already won.
🎉 The afterparty? Absolutely legendary. I celebrated with Cara Miller and Chains Over Razors. Their producer is Carmine Appice (a literal rock legend) — who just happens to be in a band with my guitarist, Fernando Perdomo.
On the flight home, it hit me hard. I couldn’t stop crying. I didn’t want to leave. But instead of sadness, all I feel is drive.
Till next year, ISSA.
Special thanks to: Tamanie Dove, Imran Ahmed, Todd & Jill Apfel, Linda Marks, Amaru and every single friend I made along the way.
Much love,
J
Expect more music and learning as I am off to attend SCSU starting tomorrow for Music Therapy!!! Also Chasing Nothing will have a first single soon!!