Story & Lesson Highlights with Rhonda Jo and Shawn Royer

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Rhonda Jo and Shawn Royer. Check out our conversation below.

Rhonda Jo and, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
Rhonda Jo and Shawn Royer is the name of our Duo. We have been writing together for a little over 20 years

“We’re chasing the dream of sharing our music, because life’s too short to wonder what might’ve happened if we didn’t So we are not stopping. If we did I think future selves would not be happy and full of regret.”

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Rhonda Jo Hitchcock-Mast and Shawn Royer, known as the songwriting duo Rhonda Jo and Shawn Royer, are a talented songwriting duo based in Phoenix, Arizona, bringing nearly two decades of experience on both small and large stages. Recently, they had the thrill of performing at several venues in Nashville, Tennessee, including the Bluebird Café. Together, they’ve crafted a rich catalog of original music, with Hitchcock-Mast delivering powerful lyrics and vocals, while Royer provides dynamic guitar accompaniment. Since 2015, they’ve shifted their focus from cover songs to songwriting, embracing a blend of Pop, Country, Rock, Bluegrass and Americana. They work closely with local songwriter Randy Brown, a reliable co-writing partner. Their dream is to have their songs recorded by other artists or featured in television and film; Hitchcock-Mast already had one of her co-written songs, “I Believe,” appear on the television show Summerland. Together they are passionate about storytelling through music, the duo loves connecting with their audience, sharing the stories behind each song and feeding off the crowd’s energy. Just a couple of devoted songwriters eager to share their creations, they look forward to seeing you at their next show! @rhondajoandshawnroyer on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Youtube: youtube.com/@rhondajo

Rhonda Jo is also the co founder of AZ Chicks With Picks

In October of 2007, Rhonda Jo and Pandy Raye started AZ Chicks with Picks – a platform for “up and coming” female singer/songwriters to showcase their talent.  To date, AZ Chicks with Picks has featured / helped over hundreds of artists around the valley.  The organization offers insight on every aspect of the music industry, including professional songwriting, recording, and music business mentoring. AZ Chicks With Picks now has a 501c3 and is helping those in need through music. 

Currently we closed the organization a couple a couple years ago because we are chasing our own dreams… however we still have the 501c3 it is more of our focus to help those in need through music.

September 28, 2025 Rhonda Jo and Pandy Raye are being inducted into the Greater Arizona Country Music Association and Hall of Fame!

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told us who to be, we were already creating—writing songs, performing, dreaming out loud just not 9 to 5. Today, we wear titles like graphic designer and therapist, but at our core, we’ve always been songwriters never letting that go. While we both enjoy our day jobs deep down we would rather be doing music full time. But the good news we can do both and continue to do so.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes—there was a moment I thought I was too old to chase the dream. Funny enough I’m much older than that younger self. Lol.

I remember I decided to sell all my sound equipment and move on. When a guy called to buy it, he asked why I was letting it go. I told him the truth. And, ironically, he said, ‘Don’t give up. And I’m gonna do this for you….I’m not buying your equipment from you.’. Wish I knew who that guy was, because I didn’t sell it. I ended up meeting another signer and started a band and used the equipment for those performances. I met Shawn when looking for bandmates, we already had a guitar player so Shawn and I did a duo thing —and here we are, still chasing the music!

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I feel like the music industry lies about age in this industry.

If you haven’t “made it” by a certain age, you’ve missed your chance. But creativity doesn’t expire—and neither do dreams.

We feel like we are now coming into my own and have something to offer like a fine wine.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
We would stop doubting the value of what we create. If we had 10 years, We spend them putting music into the world without overthinking it. Probably travel more with it and just being a full time musician. You know it’s hard to let a paycheck go when you are older because you have a more mature look on life. However I think we would let all that go!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @rhondajoandshawnroyer
• Facebook: @rhondajoandshawnroyer
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rhondajo
• Other: TikTok @rhondajoandshawnroyer

Image Credits
Tina Cox Clemmons
Dereck William Mast