One year ago, JD Nash dropped his introspective, soul-stirring album Like Water—a record that quietly resonated with hearts far beyond its initial reach. Now, as we mark its anniversary, we sit down with JD, who walked a courageous path through cancer treatment last year, to reflect on the album’s journey, its unexpected impact, and what the next chapter might hold.
“What would you do differently on a new record?”
“Looking back, I would have assembled a PR plan for promotion. I wasn’t able to do that this go‑around because of my diagnosis, and we weren’t even halfway through post‑production when I had to get emergency surgery. Maybe I should’ve delayed the release.”
JD’s honesty hits hard—he admits now that a delay and promotion strategy may have served the record and listeners better. Cancer forced a pivot that affected timing, momentum, and exposure.
“Why is that focus so important?”
“Multiple people have pulled me aside and told me this album deserves so much more [press] than we were able to give it.”
When insiders whisper praise, it can sting just as much as it soothes the soul. JD’s face lights up as he reminds us that sometimes unknown success feels both validating and bittersweet.
“How does that make you feel?”
“It makes me realize the record means more to people than I ever imagined. It’s good to know people aren’t tired of hearing about it.”
A musician’s deepest fear? That even their most intimate work will become yesterday’s news. JD sounds surprised—and grateful—that Like Water continues to echo in conversations and souls alike.
“Are you surprised people like the record?”
“I’m surprised the songs I wrote about my own experiences were able to connect with people on a personal level. Even though that’s always the goal, it’s magic when it actually happens.”
His humility is genuine. The real validation lies in new connections—especially from those who’ve found healing in his words.
“New friends I’ve made through music have told me how much they relate to ‘First Dance with Mary Jane’ and their own struggles with addiction. To hear them say they’re choosing something healthier now—that’s powerful.”
“What’s the story behind that song?”
“The song is 50 percent personal experience and 50 percent learning from others’ mistakes. The line ‘I can’t drink whiskey ’cause the doc said it’s killing me’ — that says the most for me. Even though the doctor said one shot now and then would be okay, the message was clear: I was overdoing it.”
JD’s self-awareness flows through every lyric. He wasn’t preaching; he was processing—and now, others are seeing their own experiences reflected back.
“What was going through your head when you got the diagnosis?”
“I thought about all the back‑burner projects I had, goals not yet hit, experiences not yet had. I realized life is too short not to prioritize those things. I never asked ‘why me?’ because I felt open, vulnerable—and supported. I heard so many people’s stories, and it gave me hope that something good can come from this.”
A life-altering moment, framed not with victimhood but with purpose. JD’s reflection is purposeful and optimistic—a reminder that hardship can be fertile ground for creativity and growth.
Looking Forward
A year in, Like Water is far from yesterday’s news. If anything, JD’s reflections signal that its ripples are just beginning. With a PR strategy in the works, a new EP on the horizon, and a sharpened sense of mission, he’s ready to step into paths left unexplored—not just as a teacher, musician, or cancer survivor, but as a storyteller carrying Albuquerque’s echoes and heartbeats forward.
Happy anniversary, Like Water. JD Nash’s journey continues—and this next chapter is bound to be something extraordinary.