Meet Cody Volk | Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cody Volk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cody, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When I think of that moment when I’m about to take a big risk, I pay much more attention now to how I feel. That moment of feeling confidence and clarity but also uncertainty is a true growth moment – and good or bad, it’s going to feel uncomfortable. I’ve backpedaled from that moment in the past to be more ‘realistic’ and I now think that was a mistake. That was referring to a default paradigm in a moment of potential growth that felt right – and I now believe it was. So going forward, I’m going to pay attention to how I feel when taking risks no matter how big gamble. Everything is a risk. Moving forward is a risk, and so is staying still, so I’m going to trust my intuition and if it feels right – I’m going for it!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art and I have been on a winding journey. I used to write songs and emphasize creative time when I was younger. But when I got to college, I stifled my creativity in support of business. I think I felt self-conscious being at Berklee College of Music with so many immensely talented people. I didn’t think I measured up, so I opted to be the “business guy”. I was also playing in and managing a wedding band at the time, so that manager identity tied-in perfectly with this self consciousness. I wasn’t the creative guy sitting around creating albums with my friends, I was the guy in a suit coming home from gigs too busy to create – but really that was fear to create.
The thing is… business is a creative skill too and honestly not one I’m gifted in. When I got out of college, I kept pursuing different business ventures still carrying that old identity of the business guy while not making time for art. None of those businesses worked out and I had to learn the – let’s say long way – that I wasn’t being true to my strengths. Now I’m finally releasing my own music and having a blast doing it. These days I view being creative more like tapping in to something greater that’s in the air. It’s about removing ‘self’ and being a vessel for that wave of inspiration. Of course that doesn’t mean to sit around and just wait for inspiration either, but the practice of showing up to be creative is still about learning to remove ego and tap into something greater.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My best friend would totally understand that a week of planned itinerary is not my style – Haha But let’s say this friend is from midwest or east coast. BEACH. Us native Californians get used to the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and sandy coastline as we drive down PCH. In fact, we may not even go as much as we should because it’s “always there” right?
So this friend of mine is going to hop in the car and we’re heading to Malibu first; driving through Kanan or some other winding road to eventually spurt out on PCH; unveiling that sparkling jewel of the Pacific Ocean. We’ll hit the beach for a bit somewhere around Point Dume so they, (let’s say they’re from the east coast) can admire our beautiful turquoise ocean splashing onto stunning rock formations. After that, maybe a quick bite at Neptunes Net. There is nothing better than salty chips and fish tacos after a beach day. Then we’d head down PCH again to the iconic Santa Monica Pier. We could walk the beach or rent bikes or skateboard through that area and end up on the pier riding the roller coasters or Ferris wheel as the sun goes down. This is starting to sound a lot like a date… yikes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to thank Jordan Massey first and foremost for mentioning me for this interview in the first place. I met Jordan last year right after I decided to make some big changes and get back to pursuing music full time. I took a risk answering an ad from his agent, and then we ended up working together for a big showcase he had in San Diego. I got to help arrange his music for this particular live set, work out harmonies and background vocals, and even learn some dance moves. I had a great time leading up to it and through the weekend of our show. The blessings (including this interview) from taking that unfamiliar leap continue to come. All the best to Jordan Massey.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cody_vizzo/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cody_Tips_Cody_Fit

Image Credits
Emily Elizabeth – eepfamilyphotos.com