“A must-see live performer.”
Maurice Starr
Jody Whitesides has never chased trends, he’s anticipated them. As an independent artist rooted in pop-rock, hard rock, and guitar-driven storytelling, Whitesides has spent decades building music that questions systems of power while remaining fiercely human at its core. Digital Empire, originally released in 1999 on the album E.nergy A.udio R.evolution, stands as one of his most prophetic statements.
At a time when the internet was still a novelty, Digital Empire examined how invisible networks, data exchange, and information control were quietly reshaping culture. It wasn’t science fiction. It was observation. And that’s what gives the song its enduring relevance today.
Musically, Digital Empire fuses indie hard rock intensity with cinematic, borderline-industrial textures. Guitars are sharp and purposeful, the rhythm section pushes forward with intent, and the atmosphere reflects a world accelerating faster than anyone can fully track. The song doesn’t shout; it watches. It documents a shift from physical power to digital dominance, long before those ideas became everyday conversation.
“[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, this remix and remaster release brings over a more dominant type of production and mixing experience. Using modern DAWs, updated effects processing, and refined console workflows, Whitesides enhances the depth, clarity, and impact of the original recording without losing its raw edge.
“I love that song [of Jody’s]. That’s commercial. That’s a hit.”
Frosty, Heidi & Frank (97.1 KLSX FM, Los Angeles)
What was once passed over by record labels for being “ahead of its time” now lands with undeniable clarity.
In a music world built around endless streams and disposable moments, Digital Empire returns as an event, a chance to stop, listen, and reflect. It isn’t about the past. It’s about recognizing the present.
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.