Montgomery native, Nashville pop artist JB Somers finds new music, new life after coming out

Growing up in Alabama, 30-year-old Montgomery native JB Somers had to wonder if the people he loves would be there for him when he revealed his true self.

"I'm gay," Somers said, a fact that the pop/alternative artist only days ago announced to his parents. "Coming out, it's just crazy to say that."

His debut single "There For Me" was released April 27. When he wrote it, the song was about what would happen if Somers didn't make it in music, or create the life he'd planned. That's changed.

"Now, it's kind of become this anthem for me, and hopefully many other people in terms of like coming out," Somers said.

"There For Me" is part of an EP project planned for June. A second single from it will be released May 25.

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"The meaning for me is like, now that you've seen the entirety of me, and you know all about me, will you still be there for me?" Somers said. "When I'm down. When I'm low. When I'm at my best. Will you be there for me regardless?"

Montgomery, family always on his mind

These days Somers lives in Nashville, his home for almost two years. It's where he works all the time, either writing and performing music, or in his day job. His next live performance is May 5 at All People Coffee & Beverage Hall there.

Coming home to Montgomery isn't something he gets to do frequently, but the city and his family are always on his mind.

"My family is deeply rooted in Montgomery," Somers said. "My grandmother, her father owned Jones Tire Shop. I can't remember the specific area where it was, but we've been in Montgomery for years and years."

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Somers grew up on Gladlane Drive, off of McGehee Road.

"That's where my childhood home is," he said. "My parents actually just this past year sold that house and moved into my grandmother's house over on Lancaster, right down the road from (Montgomery Academy)."

He and his brother and sister attended Montgomery Academy, the same school to which their mom went.

In 2016, after his sister's death. Somers decided to pursue a career in music.

Somers' life in music started in church

As for a life in music, Somers said that was born from singing in church.

"I found my voice and really who I was as a person in those settings," Somers said. "I really found out who God created me to be, which I'm really thankful for. I have a good foundation in that."

Though he's been writing songs since childhood, Somers said he began taking it seriously when he was in his 20s. He found inspiration through musicians such as Hozier, Sam Smith, Brooke Ligertwood and Joni Mitchell. He said Mitchell is the one who really got him on track to write with substance.

"I didn't get acquainted with (Mitchell) until probably around college," Somers said. "The first time I heard 'A Case of You,' I was like just floored at the writing. And then 'California.' The whole Blue album was insane."

He said Montgomery isn't the most inclusive place for someone like him. He grew up struggling with his sexuality, and from a young age felt very alone because of it.

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"It was really hard for me to come to terms with that, and also to talk to people about that to help bear the load of that weight," Somers said. "It was so heavy when I was a kid. Now, I'm much lighter. I feel much more at peace with myself and that part of me. But growing up in Alabama was pretty slow, to say the least. I was very excited to get out when I did."

He moved to Florida before life in Tennessee called him. Somers said being in Nashville now, surrounded by diverse people from across the world making music, has brought many new opportunities he might never have gained otherwise.

"There's nothing really glamorous about it for me," Somers said. "I just love getting to do what I love, writing songs and creating art that hopefully will impact people in a positive way."

Coming back to Alabama

Now that he's out and living elsewhere, does Somers feel comfortable coming back to Montgomery, and to Alabama in general?

"Yeah, I still feel comfortable there," Somers said. "I just don't let people's opinions really bother me anymore. If someone has something to say, I definitely would have something to say back."

That said, the politics of Alabama related to LGBTQ issues isn't something Somers is prepared to speak about at this time. He's more focused on reaching people with his music, especially ones who are going through situations like he faced.

"I really try to stay out of politics as much as possible," Somers said. "That's not where I feel like my voice is necessary, at this point in my life. I'm trying to build a platform for people to be heard, and loved, and know who they are."

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He'd love to become an advocate for anyone who doesn't feel like they have a voice.

"Do I wish that there could be more equality in all facets of life for people in Alabama? One hundred percent, I do," Somers said.

So how did Somers' parents react to his revelation about being gay?

"They responded with love," he said. "They don't necessarily understand, and that's fine. We've got a lot of time left to be able to get to a place of understanding. They support me as an individual, and as their son."

Something his mom said afterward really stuck with Somers.

"She said, 'How could I not love you?' " Somers said.

Follow him online at jbsomers.com.

Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel at sheupel@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Montgomery native JB Somers finds new music, life as a gay man