by      

Photo by Royale Kuljian

Rising singer-songwriter Bodie first captured national attention as the runner-up on Season 22 of The Voice, where his innovative artistry and ability to transform songs set him apart. Now, he’s continuing to define his own path with the release of his latest project, HAPPIER TO BE HERE, a reimagined collection of songs from his debut EP, HAPPY TO BE HERE.

The new EP, out today, features fresh takes on Bodie’s standout tracks, including a reimagined version of his Top 20 single, Whisper in the Wind, featuring Gracie Binion, and a newly released version of “RIP,” featuring Futuristic. The project highlights Bodie’s ability to seamlessly blend genres, incorporating pop, alternative, and hip-hop influences while maintaining his signature authentic storytelling.

Speaking about the project on Unpopular Demand with Ethan Ijumba, Bodie shared insight into the emotional depth and energy within the EP:

“I have some songs in there that make you wanna punch a hole in your drywall. It’s just super high energy. But then I have the songs that will get you kinda feeling more emotional… On a contextual or topical level, all the songs are very anxiously pursuing purpose.”

He describes “RIP” as a song about leaving old ways behind to pursue a better version of oneself, while “Whisper in the Wind” explores the desperation of searching for meaning in the wrong places, saying, “I don’t want to waste my time looking for you in a place that you’re not, when you’re right here beside me.” Ultimately, he hopes the music encourages listeners to think deeper about their purpose while still being something they enjoy. 

Beyond the studio, Bodie is gearing up for his first-ever headline tour, the Murder My Ego Tour, set to kick off on May 3 in Fort Worth, TX, and wrapping up on May 21 in Atlanta, GA. The 14-date tour will feature Gracie Binion as the special guest, bringing an extra layer of excitement for fans.

From his early days rearranging songs on The Voice to building a career that reflects his true artistic identity, Bodie is proving he’s here to stay. His latest work showcases his ability to push creative boundaries, all while staying grounded in the deeply personal and emotionally compelling music that first made him a standout. Be sure to stream HAPPIER TO BE HERE on all platforms and follow Bodie on Instagram and X for more news, updates, and releases.