Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa St Johns
Theresa , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Music has influenced my life since childhood. From the choir stand of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Richton (Hintonville community), Mississippi, to the chapels of Ahmed al Jabber Air Base, Kuwait, I was compelled to do my part through music. My part just so happened to appease listeners and on-lookers, which motivated me to always refine my craft AND my spiritual allegiance to best move the audience for better. A fellow soldier in Seoul, S. Korea inspired me to sing for her band. Years later, my god brother encouraged me to be a singer in his band a coincidental 10 years later in the same country! From there I began my ventures as an independent recording artist on Sunday, February 6, 2022, Bob Marley’s birthday. This journey required a name, connecting the artistry bridge of person to performer. Hence, I chose middle name “Theresa” for the first name, and I chose “St Johns” because I lived in the St. Johns Town Center when I first relocated to the city. Additionally, I believe I have a level of uniqueness like the St. Johns river, being it is one of two rivers in the world that flows north. This helped me make the transition from Adrienne Theresa McDonald to Theresa St Johns the artist. I released my first single entitled “LOVE CONNECTION” on all streaming platforms. My commitment to music is love songs no matter the tempo or genre. I believe in order to SEE love, you SAY love, and then you can LIVE LOVE because it’s ALL LOVE or nothing. My musical evolution allowed me to be a brand with a band.’ I and some choice musically inclined constituents started “TSJ Love’s Gateway”.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This road and its traffic flows in varying aspect, with ‘construction sites’ along the way. Construction decreases the flow as we know. It changes the face of the landscape and is quite annoying because of potential threats and detours. One would rather turn around as opposed to dealing with what appears to be an enduring ‘rush hour’ however, the heart’s mandate for music continues. The unknown can be costly, but the lessons learned are forever. Not all collaborations are suitable or for the greater good. Some aren’t for the greater good of the artist, but for the padding of the pockets. I found that to be discouraging and hurtful, but I was still willing to learn. I’ve leaned to collaborate with the right professionals whose heart and commitment is for thought provoking and enlightening sounds and harmonies with reputable business principles. The talent is forever; however, wrong business allegiances will semi-permanent derail the musical vision. Now that I’m aligned with the sincere and tenacious, we will prevail as long as we compose, write and perform together or separately.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Once upon a time I was soldier in the United States Army. I was in the Mississippi National guard for four years and transitioned into a career as a commissioned officer. Intially I was an air defense artillery officer and eventually became a public affairs officer, which aligns with my field of study in journalism and media communication. Music was always there and always charged me to do my part in song, whether domestically or foreign. I’m most proud to have concluded my career in marketing for an Army marketing group. My public affairs officer savvy enabled me to provide sound counsel as it pertained to the voice of our leadership and subordinates as well as learning how to best present that voice to a large, nationwide and sometimes worldwide audience. Knowing how to project nationally and internationally helps me to set myself a part not just as an Army retiree but as an artist as well.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The pandemic was probably our life’s greatest time because we were forced to look within and focus on our health. it enabled me to commit to myself behind closed doors. No distractions were allowed due to safety reasons. my counseling sessions became virtual and I learned to apply what I’ve learned to about my exclusivity behind closed doors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theresastjohns.com
- Instagram: theresastjohns2u
- Facebook: theresastjohns
- Twitter: theresastjohns
- Youtube: theresastjohns
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7shyVIkFamcE7M06xX4ALp
