Sackville's Rising Star: Jody Upshaw

 < Back to Love, Sackville Articles

You may have heard that Jody Upshaw (photographed above), a Nova Scotian artist, had her song Straight Shooter featured in the first episode of the new season of HBO’s hit show, Euphoria. But did you know this incredibly talented young artist is from Lower Sackville?

Jody, 18, has performed across Atlantic Canada and worked with some of Canada’s most experienced and talented artists, including Classified and Owen (O’Sound) Lee. The R&B and pop artist was nominated for several East Coast Music Association awards and recognized by the African Nova Scotian Music Association. Jody’s passion for music was evident from a young age. From performing in school recitals to singing at church as a child, music has shaped Jody’s life.

“There’s never been a time when I haven’t pictured music being the biggest part of my life."

Jody says, “There’s never been a time when I haven’t pictured music being the biggest part of my life, and my dad is really the one who introduced me to music.” Jody’s father, Marvin Upshaw, also from Lower Sackville, is the owner of Ascension Barbershop on Sackville Drive. Marvin is an artist himself and spent time in the rap music industry collaborating with large artists. “My favourite messages are those I receive from my old teachers and from the people who helped me out from the beginning— Sackville has always been such a large part of my life.”

At the age of 11, with the help of her father, Jody decided to take her talent to the next level and began to release projects and perform professionally. One of the most memorable moments of Jody’s music career was during the East Coast Music Awards where Classified asked Jody to perform alongside him at Scotiabank Centre. Jody says, “I look up to Classified so much, and for him to give me that opportunity meant so much to me.”

Jody’s long-term plan is to attend school for music and explore her career options; she really wants music to be the main focus of her life. “There’s never been a time when I haven’t pictured music being the biggest part of my life”  For now, Jody is enjoying music being her centre of attention after just graduating from high school where she juggled academics, a part-time job, her music career, and both varsity and provincial basketball.

“My favourite messages are those I receive from my old teachers and from the people who helped me out from the beginning—Sackville has always been such a large part of my life.”

Jody is euphoric with how her recent HBO success has connected her to the community. Jody says, “My favourite messages are those I receive from my old teachers and from the people who helped me out from the beginning—Sackville has always been such a large part of my life.” You can listen to Jody’s music through Spotify or your favourite streaming service.