Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Stutz.
Hi Jonathan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Stütz Bearcat originally started as a solo project for me. During Covid, I spent some time learning how to produce music in a home studio setting with only my guitar, Logic Pro, and a dream. I was able to play a few shows as a solo artist but my music was starting to evolve past what I could accomplish with just myself and a guitar. In April 2023, an opportunity to play at The Last Call in Tarzana was presented to me, and my friends Trent Terpstra and Zachary Santolaya stepped up to the plate. We played a killer debut show, and now with the addition of Payne Harris on guitar, we are set to play three more shows this fall, starting with a fantastic lineup at the Viper Room on September 8th. We also have shows at Molly Malone’s on September 29th and a Halloween show at El Cid on October 26th.
The name Stütz Bearcat originates from the luxury automobile that existed in the 1940’s. It was a name that always amused my dad and grandpa as we had no relation to the Stutz Auto Company, and there’s not a lot of Stutz’s in the world.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
After our first show, we took some time to refine our sound and show. We had some roadblocks along the way, reaching out to venues with no response, trying out different people that didn’t pan out, and trying to coordinate all of our schedules around the fact that we’re all working professionals in Los Angeles. Trent and I both work pro audio and Zachary and Payne are also actors recently graduated from the American Music and Dramatic Academy. Through it all however everyone remained committed to making this band work, which for me personally was extremely validating to have other people as enthusiastic about the music as I was.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a live audio engineer, which gives me a unique perspective on music from the technical side of things. Oftentimes I’ll work events or venues and get to work with some insane musicians who tour with Beyonce or Bebe Rexha or Bruno Mars and get their insight on what things work for them and things they’ve learned to avoid. While some stuff isn’t applicable to our little local indie band, like my favorite teachers told me, “take what you can use, leave the rest.”
All of us in the band are theatre kids. If we get a mic and a stage, it’s all over; we’re bringing the house down. We bring a fun party energy to our show regardless of whether we’re playing for ten people or 100. With our alt-rock with a sprinkle of synth sound, we make sure the show is the best it can be.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Jumping into live audio as my full-time source of income was terrifying. I left behind the stability (and inertia) of a comfortable cafe job to become an independent contractor in an industry that is so volatile post-pandemic. But I haven’t regretted it, even during the slow times, and it’s given me the courage to go all in on the band. Seeing my bandmates match that energy is incredibly validating as well, and we’ve seen there are no risks we aren’t willing to take if it means moving forward.
At the end of the day, I believe if you approach anything with patience and kindness, any risk is worth taking. If you end up flat on your face or have a decision backfire on you atrociously, if your intentions are good, you will recover and learn and grow.
Pricing:
- Show Tickets – $10
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stutzbearcat.music/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stutzbearcatmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s9pjhEXU30&t=1s
- Other: https://www.thefennecbrand.com/stutzbearcat
Image Credits
Photographers – Ariana Nicolau, Zachary Santolaya, Karla Martinez, Maggie Sharp
