Today we’d like to introduce you to Jodi Siegel.
Hi Jodi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I’ve been a professional musician for most of my adult life. I started at 8 on the ukulele then quickly fell in love with the guitar. My father Sid Siegel, was a piano player, composer who wrote industrial musicals and jingles (he was featured in the Steve Young and Dava Whisenant documentary “Bathtubs Over Broadway”) Because of my father’s talent and influence, my deep love of music of all kinds and songwriting began at an early age.
With such a variety of music playing from my parents collection (musical theatre and jazz standards from the American songbook) and all of the music that was loudly blaring from my room (singer-songwriters like Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, as well as rock bands of the seventies, Chicago blues artists, soul singers and pop music of the day (Allman Brothers, Muddy Waters, Al Green, Etta James, Stevie Wonder, Chicago, etc…), one could say that my musical influences are all over the map.
After moving from Chicago to California in the late seventies I stumbled on the artist/music community of Laguna Beach. I spent many years living in Laguna, learning my craft and playing 4 sets a night in various clubs throughout Southern California. I eventually relocated to Los Angeles and continued to play any and every gig I could. Because of this strong work ethic, I was able to combine my love of all kinds of music, jazz, blues, pop, RnB, soul, singer-songwriters, and more, and develop my own style of singing, playing guitar, and writing songs.
Over the years I have opened for legends like Albert King, Robben Ford, Robert Cray, Eagles songwriter JD Souther, members of Little Feat (Fred Tackett and the late great Paul Barrere) and David Lindley among others. I’m fortunate that I can play solo gigs. I prefer playing solo. It highlights the song and I don’t have to fight with a band getting too loud. I continue to play 200 or so gigs a year, as well as private teaching out of my home.
In early 2020, noticing a need for original music venues in the South Bay area where I currently live, I started a monthly All Pro Songwriter’s night at a local brewery (Project Barley’s in Lomita, CA). The once a month series on the third Tuesday of every month features professional songwriters of all genres. Many of these talented men and women have had hit songs and have recorded and toured the world with legends. After closing down the night because of the pandemic, we restarted the songwriter night midway through 2021, slowly building a strong united community of like-minded original music makers who love the venue and the fans who come to hear them play. It is a free show, but donations are strongly encouraged to pay the musicians.
These talented musicians, many who come from as far away as San Diego and Ventura, are paid by the generous donations of loyal music lovers who regularly attend these showcases every month and those who have simply heard about it from their friends and co-workers. We have had everything from Americana, folk, folk-rock, comedy, rock, blues, soul, RnB, and everything in between! I love the variety of music and so do the people who come every month!
While most everyone has been affected in some way by the pandemic, musicians and especially songwriters (because of free streaming), have had their incomes drastically reduced and many venues have been sadly put out of business. As a songwriter myself I know that without original music, there is no music at all. It all starts with the song; the lyrics and the melodies. Because this is designed as a listening event for the most part, it also reminds people to stop talking and just listen out of a mutual respect and love for hard working creative people who make their living playing live music.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Hills and valleys. Nobody is immune to the ups and downs of life; personally, or professionally. Everyone has struggles. It’s how you deal with them that matters most. I do the best I can. I make mistakes. I learn and try to move on. I love making music. I love being a musician. In this day and age, you have to constantly reinvent yourself to stay current. Learning never stops. If something isn’t working, do something else. Do something every day to be better at playing, singing, writing music, etc…Creating music is a soulful practice that lifts my spirit and gets me through the rough patches…
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As I mentioned, I’m a songwriter, singer, guitar player and here in LA there are a bunch of crazy talented people. They are everywhere, but especially here. I am not, however, in competition with what others are doing. I’m just trying to work my ass off and get better at everything I do. I’m a bit of a perfectionist and that is hard enough without trying to win some talent contest designed to bring people down and not build them up. Nobody wins when that happens.
I believe in community. I think there is room for everyone to do their thing, be their best. To make great music and also share the spotlight with others. We should be supporting each other more and competing less. That is why I started this songwriter night. Of course, I want to share my music, but I also want to throw the spotlight on deserving talented musicians and songwriters who are often under the radar and overlooked; and in turn pay them what they deserve.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Years ago, as a kid, I did some commercial jingle singing. My Dad, Sid Siegel, wrote the music and lyrics to a few that I did…including a Baby Ruth commercial. It was a lot of fun… till my voice changed and I stopped sounding like a kid!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jodisiegel.com/
