“A must-see live performer.”
Maurice Starr
When Jody Whitesides first pieced together “…With You,” it didn’t look like your typical hard rock song. The verses were built on a swirly, distorted 12/8 groove with the guitar running through an Ensoniq DP2 for a chorus-and-Leslie type effect. The chorus didn’t explode into distortion — it got cleaner, more fluid, almost dreamlike. The drums played against the guitar riff in one timing while the bass danced melodically in another. To top it off, the vocals worked in call-and-response patterns that bent the feel even further.
When Jody shared it with Jeff Scott Soto mid-process, the response was blunt: “There’s no way that chorus will work.” But Jody trusted the vision. Once everything was recorded, mixed, and flowing together, even Soto had to admit: “That’s an extremely cool mix of different timings.”
The lyrics mirrored the musical risks — “…With You” is about standing tall with honesty, facing criticism and sarcasm without letting them break you, and finding the strength to fly when you’re with someone who empowers you. Some listeners even hear it as spiritual, though Jody insists it was written about sharing life with a true “love-of-your-life” partner.
“[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, it wasn’t just challenging to record — it was brutally hard to play live. Jody remembers spending two solid months practicing just to nail the guitar part while singing. Even today, it stands as one of his most unique creations: backwards in structure, forward-thinking in spirit.ivity takes flight when an artist dares to let music speak for itself.
“I love that song [of Jody’s]. That’s commercial. That’s a hit.”
Frosty, Heidi & Frank (97.1 KLSX FM, Los Angeles)
“…With You” is a reminder that resilience and love are the best weapons against negativity. And there’s another song waiting in the wings — one that bends the rules all over again.
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.