Born and raised in the vibrant music scene in Australia, and now residing in the Algarve, Jode Gannon is a talented and successful singer-songwriter, best known for his indie folk sound. His latest single ‘December 16’ is his own testimony to the love of his life, Johana Arenas, and how she has become his rock and inspiration. I met with Jode to discover more about his upcoming singles, the unique journey that brought him to Portugal, and his success along the way.
Jode Gannon first crafted his sound while playing in the eclectic music scene of Sydney, Australia. He performed around the many venues and festivals while living there, and was eventually voted into the Top 10 Indie Folk Artists in Sydney at the time. Jode wanted to explore different music scenes and so embarked on a trip to LA to meet a number of record labels and publishers. He agreed a deal with Animal Farm, a prestigious London-based label and recorded a three-track EP which was widely acknowledged, even being placed as the top ‘unearthed’ track on Australia’s biggest indie radio station, triple j’.
Jode wanted to explore the UK scene and moved to London in 2017, during which time he performed on the BBC, signed a publishing deal with the New York-based De Wolfe Music and recorded his first music video with the renowned Hellfire Creative. Jode followed this up by recording and releasing two electronic tracks with Swedish record label Kleine, showcasing his versatility, among many other exciting things.
After spending a short time in Dubai, Jode visited the Algarve where he instantly fell in love – with the area, and with his partner Johana Arenas, who he met in December 2023. As Jode explained, “I credit Johana for reigniting my passion for music and pushing me to new heights in my career. Without her unwavering support and belief in me, I wouldn’t be where I am today in Portugal, creating new music and performing.” Jode’s upcoming single, ‘December 16’, is about the day he met Johana, and is a tribute to the love and encouragement she has shown him throughout their time together. Jode decided to move permanently to the Algarve, and with the help of close friend and music manager, Gary Hulme and his wife, he is now living close to Lagos and is working on a number of exciting projects in the area.
Jode’s journey is not just about music; it’s also about giving back to the community and making a difference in the lives of others. In addition to his musical pursuits, he is also working on opening his own special needs centre in the Algarve, a project close to his heart that aims to provide support and assistance to adults and children in need. This venture showcases his commitment to using his platform for meaningful change and making a positive impact in the community. Jode is currently fundraising for this venture and more information can be found on his social media.
As Jode’s journey continues, there is no doubt that he is destined for great things. His commitment to his music, his community and his fans sets him apart as a true artist with a message to share and a story to tell. Jode has a number of upcoming singles set for release. The first is ‘December 16’, a beautiful ballad-style track, and the second is ‘Wings’, an uplifting and emotional acoustic song. Both tracks are set to be released this summer, and he is currently working on a new drum and bass track due out in autumn 2024.
You can catch Jode performing in venues and festivals around the Algarve and further afield, and you can hear his music on streaming platforms and online stores.
www.instagram.com/jodegannonband
Spotify: The Jode Gannon Band
