“A must-see live performer.”
Maurice Starr
“Coming Home” is Jody Whitesides in full command of his prog-rock imagination—an independent artist honoring the giants while standing firmly in his own boots. First released on Delicate Stretch of the Seems (1997), the track is a heady rush of hard-edged guitars, shifting meters, and a lyrical sleight of hand that doubles as a tribute to Rush. Line by line, capitalized song titles from the Canadian trio are woven into a fresh narrative about distance, work, resilience, love—and the simple, seismic joy of finally getting back home.
The recording itself wears its progressive DNA with pride. Verse riffs tumble in odd time (count carefully) and each chorus resolves a sixteenth earlier than the last, tightening the tension as the story nears its landing. In the studio, the click went out the window—Jody played live in the control room while Andy tracked—because feel mattered more than a grid. The result is musical storytelling with pulse and breath: guitar-oriented, precision-minded, and unmistakably human.
“[Jody’s] performances and material show lots of skill and craft without sacrificing heart or conviction.”
Music Connection Magazine
After initial studies at Berklee in Boston, Jody flew west to achieve his ambitions, studying at the Musician’s Institute in Hollywood. An LA showcase performance caught the ear of a talent scout, and soon thereafter, entertainment impresario Maurice Starr became interested as a consultant. Given Starr’s track record, his desire to work with Jody is not one to be taken lightly.
Central to Jody’s potential is his tireless work ethic and fighter’s heart. As a former competitive athlete — in freestyle skiing, he was ranked among the top 20 in the US. Now on he’s on the verge of turning pro in the sport of pickleball. He’s learned the tenacity and effort required to achieve his ambitions. He brings that fiery drive from the slopes and the courts to the studio and the stage.
Much like Jody and his towering, 6’4” frame, “Coming Home” feels refreshingly analog and intentional—artistry over autopilot, creativity over convenience. If Rush’s philosophy championed individuality and free will, Jody channels that spirit here, translating reverence into original voice.
“I love that song [of Jody’s]. That’s commercial. That’s a hit.”
Frosty, Heidi & Frank (97.1 KLSX FM, Los Angeles)
Cue it up, listen for the breadcrumbs, and see how many titles you can spot. Then tell a friend. Next week, Jody opens another vault door from Delicate Stretch of the Seems—a different edge, same uncompromising craft. Want the story first?
Jody is endorsed by Taylor Guitars, Sennheiser, G7th, Seymour Duncan Pickups, Joe’s Guitars, Cleartone Strings, Studio Devil, Red Wirez, iZotope, Native Instruments, Plugin Alliance, Grosh Guitars, Telefunken, and Line 6.