“A must-see live performer.”
Maurice Starr
Some songs age quietly. Others get louder with time. Publicity is definitely the second kind.
When Jody Whitesides first released this track in 1999 on E.nergy A.udio R.evolution, the world looked very different. Social media wasn’t a thing. Viral fame wasn’t a strategy. But the desire to be seen—and the pressure to sacrifice everything for it—was already there. Jody wrote Publicity as a brutally honest look at that hunger, questioning how far someone might go just to have their name in lights.
What makes the song hit now is how familiar it feels. The indie rock and pop-rock energy carries a sharp edge, pairing driving guitars with lyrics that pull no punches. It’s confident, self-aware, and a little uncomfortable in the best way—the kind of songwriting that forces you to look at ambition from both sides.
“[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, he has always written from experience rather than trends. He wrote the entire song himself, capturing a moment in time that still mirrors today’s obsession with visibility and validation. Publicity isn’t about judging fame—it’s about exposing its cost.
“I love that song [of Jody’s]. That’s commercial. That’s a hit.”
Frosty, Heidi & Frank (97.1 KLSX FM, Los Angeles)
This re-release gives fans a chance to reconnect with an early chapter of Jody’s creativity, while new listeners get a front-row seat to the roots of his sound and storytelling.
Give Publicity another spin, explore the catalog, and support independent music directly. And keep your eyes open—the next weekly release is right around the corner.
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.