Godiva Simonic is an amazing vocalist from Jacksonville, Florida. At 18 years old, she is already a seasoned pro with 10 years experience behind her. She has an immense talent and we look forward to following her progress in the recording industry. She is articulate, mature, and wise beyond her years and she talked with us the other day about her musical journey, family, and philosophy on food and music.
Godiva has amassed many awards and loves to perform in singing competitions. Her musical style ranges from classic jazz standards, pop, and tropical rock. Her newest single “Burn” is a hit and her “Key West” landed in the top 40 on Radio A1A’s Trop Rock top 40. Godiva remains humble through all this success and credits her family for supporting her. She calls her mom her right-hand man, and her mom was kind enough to contribute editing suggestions for this article.
Godiva sang in church as a child. In 2008, her talent piqued the interest of Kate Carpenter, a children’s folksinger. Mrs. Kate, as she is known, tours extensively and has released 12 children’s albums. In 2009, Godiva starred in Mrs. Kate’s video for her popular song “Hug-a-Bug-a-Boo”, and recorded background vocals for her cd, Lightning Bug Lullabies and recorded a song “Be a Friend” for the album. Godiva was also Mrs. Kate’s roadie and remains grateful for her mentorship.
Godiva comes from a musical family and they have always been supportive of her musical pursuits. Godiva believes that music and culinary arts expresses self and she enjoys the creative process of songwriting and recording. When I asked her what her creative process was she said that a song will pop into her head and she grabs a guitar and records it on her phone. She records independently at Rockbot studios with producer and musician Josh Cobb. Currently, she is compiling her originals and plans to release an official album soon.
Godiva spent three years with the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus and shared the stage with the likes of Amy Grant and Kristin Chenoweth. In 2013, Godiva starred in the children’s movie Hug-a-Bug-a-boo. Godiva credits the JCC with giving her a solid singing foundation. This foundation led her to train in vocals and piano, and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts accepted her for vocals in 2018.
Godiva is a natural on stage and has a wide vocal range. This range allows her to perform a variety of musical genres, alt rock being her favorite. She loves to perform, and she is excited to try new venues and meet new people. She has consistently kept a
“can do” attitude for opportunities over the years, adhering to the rule that
if she’s available, she’ll take the job. She credits this personal “rule” with opening
many doors for her, stating, “Each event, no matter how big or small, leads to new
connections and opportunities.” For example, when she met Rick Mallory, he
approached her about starring in his theatre production, Forever Johnny Cash: The
Musical Tribute, Rick created the show and stars as Johnny Cash in this tribute to the musical icon. That he chose a teenager to star in such a pivotal role shows the immense talent Godiva possesses.
Godiva has won many awards for acting and singing. She was a top 4 finalist on News 4 Jax’s “Oh Say Can You Sing”competition in 2019, and finished in the top 3 of Lake City’s Southside Idol in 2019 and 2020 and won first place at the Florida Sacred Music Competition, Clay County Star Search and the Suwannee County Fair Talent Show (2019). However, she genuinely loves to sing simply to make people happy.
Godiva acknowledges she has a gift from God and she shares her gift with others whenever she can. During the Covid quarantine in Jacksonville in 2020, Godiva
orchestrated and performed in a Facebook Live concert to raise funds for The Catty
Shack Wildlife Sanctuary. The organization relies heavily on funds from visitors to help
cover the costs of caring for the big cats who call the ranch their home. Forced to shut
their doors to the public, Godiva saw the need and used her talent to help make a
difference in her community. The Catty Shack has since reopened to the public.
Godiva has returned to singing at assisted living facilities, another favorite venue
of hers, as they are slowly reopening their doors to outside entertainment for their
residents. In addition, she is staying busy recording videos and touring, all while finishing high school. She recently returned from Oahu, Hawaii where she filmed a music video for her newest release “Married to the Blue” which will be out on all major platforms in May. Godiva has an amazing journey, and the future looks bright for this multi-talented young lady.
When Godiva is not singing, she loves to spend time with her family where food is the
central theme of every get-together. Most Sunday afternoons you will find Godiva in the
kitchen with her grandmother, who is originally from Puerto Rico, cooking up traditional
dishes like Godiva’s favorites: emapandas, arroz con pollo and seafood paella. “Food is
a big part of my family. It brings us together and gives my memories
specific flavors and aromas that are unique to my family. I love that food can do that!”
Godiva has offered to share her grandmother’s empanada recipe with The Jazz Pantry, so long as her grandmother approves. Let’s hope she does!
Godiva Simonic has immense talent, but it is her humility that strikes me the most. She credits God and her family for helping her achieve all that she has. Through all the accolades and memories, she cherishes her ability to make others smile through her music the most.
—co-edited by Lauren Simonic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5pqMozoi6k&authuser=0
http://thejazzpantry.com/friendsofjp
