Catch Of The Week: JC McCord
Meet JC McCord from Norton, MA
Well-crafted stories, hooks that keep you hanging on, strong vocals, melodies that take you places…It’s all here in the music of JC McCord, but his backstory draws immense appreciation for his art.
Jason Carter McCord’s journey to present day is an interesting one, to say the least. His road to Massachusetts started in Pennsylvania, took him to Texas, Nashville, Japan and New Hampshire first. Nestled between his life hooks were bridges that carried him to the prestigious Pittsburg Boychoir, several rounds of auditions for the New Mickey Mouse Club, Berklee College of Music, and eventually to Nashville’s famed Bluebird Cafe.
When he was just 15 years old, JC placed as a finalist in a Pittsburg showcase where a then unknown Christina Aguilera took home the prize. His time at Berklee College of Music had McCord studying alongside The Chick’s Natalie Maines, John Mayer and Clay Cook of Zac Brown Band. In fact, McCord sang and performed with Clay in a country ensemble at Berklee.
Nashville was calling and JC answered, spending ten years there working as a demo singer, performing at clubs and working on his songwriting skills. The grind had worn him down, and JC needed to find something more. There was more to be found backpacking through the countryside in Japan, visiting Buddhist temples, studying karate, living life to it’s fullest.
Music took a backseat to McCord’s new aspirations; teaching and working with kids. JC earned his degree, and has been teaching special education in the public school system for ten years. Volunteering for the Special Olympics and Best Buddies is also a passion for McCord.
Whatever he is doing professionally, and in his spare time, there is always the music for JC. There has to be the music. Country music is home for this singer/songwriter and he continues to work on his craft and perform whenever possible. “Livin’ the Good Life” certainly seems like an appropriate title for an artist who has done that, in every road he traveled along his journey. You can hear the joy of JC’s art in his song “Livin’ The Good” life. It’s filled with catchy hooks, lyrics that feel familiar and honest, and a strong sense of conviction.
McCord Strikes A Chord
Take a listen to JC’s “Livin’ The Good Life” off his album Good Life Country
JC
- Grew up in: Pittsburgh, PA
- Now lives in: Norton, MA
- Current single, and or EP or Album: Single – Livin’ the Good Life featured on my album, Good Life Country
- What lead you to music: It was always sort of just a natural thing I started doing as a kid, singing and writing my own songs. I used to set up concerts on my front porch when I was 8 years old for all my neighborhood friends
- How old when you started: My mother always said I was singing from day one but I started performing professionally when I was about 12. I was selected to sing in the Pittsburgh Boychoir. We learned classical music and rehearsed two evenings a week, then we would tour the US during the summer.
- First country song you learned: When You Say Nothing at All by Keith Whitley
- Instruments played: Voice is my main instrument but I play a little guitar and piano, especially when I’m writing
- How would you describe your sound: The word that people mention most is, “honest.” I’m a crooner at heart with a soulful edge
- Who inspires you: People that step out of their comfort zone and work to make their dreams a reality
- If you are a band, how did you get your name: well JC is an abbreviation of my first and middle name Jason Carter
- Dream duet partner: Well if Dolly Parton called me up to perform together that would certainly be a dream come true! Actually, I’m a fan of Annie Brobst and would love to collaborate with her. I think she’s a hugely talented singer and songwriter and I think we could write some great songs together!
- All- time favorite country songs: Impossible question but I’ll give it a try…. in no particular order:
Kiss an Angel Good Morning – Charlie Pride
Walkin’ After Midnight – Patsy Cline
Smoky Mountain Rain – Ronnie Milsap
The Gambler – Kenny Rogers
Why Not Me – the Judds
Go Rest High on that Mountain – Vince Gill
That Summer – Garth Brooks
I Hope You Dance Lee Ann Womack
I Hope – Gabby Barrett
Humble and Kind – Tim McGraw
Bible and a .44 – Ashley McBryde
(Yeah I don’t think I can answer this question, there’s too many more – LOL!) - First country concert: I recall seeing Kenny Chesney at the Big Butler Fair in Prospect, PA towards the beginning of his career. I was hooked!
- What songs do you like now on Country 102.5: Everything that gets me from home to work and then back home again!
- If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: That’s easy! When I’m not performing, I’m performing… sort of, and educating. I’m a high school special education teacher and I’m super passionate about helping the younger generations discover their own potential
- Day Job: High School Special Education Teacher
- Most proud moment: Seeing a student of mine graduate high school that some folks including himself didn’t believe he was capable of doing
- Crazy thing that happened in your music career: The more I started performing my own original songs, the more people started telling me that they really liked my original songs
- Other things you like to do: in no particular order – disc golfing, watching Jeopardy (miss you Alex), and taking walks in the woods with my wife Michelle and our dog, Bentley
- Fun Facts: I love anything that has to do with nature, especially pertaining to bodies of water; I love sitting around campfires with my friends and family; I finally binge watched Yellowstone and it was crazy good!
- Mantra: Do or do not, there is no try
Follow JC
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.
*Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing: [email protected]
