Band of the Day: Joe Settineri

Today’s “band” is a solo artist, so at least we know there’ll be no arguments amongst band members about some of the questions. Or if there are then Joe Settineri has problems…

Simple things first – where are you from?

I grew up in a rural, small-town in Michigan, then worked my way out to the west coast (San Francisco and Los Angeles) where I’ve pretty much been ever since (minus a year or so in NYC).

How long have you been performing?

I’ve been performing all my life. Lots of stage work in LA, NYC, and London (and even a retirement home in Palm Springs, CA), but have been focused on songwriting and recording for the past 8-9 years.

What are your influences?

Well, my friends, it all started with Laura Branigan (yes, Gloria!). When I discovered her music (80’s pop) it just drew me in and made me want to sing. Her music and her performances were driven by nothing but emotion (well, and one of the best voices ever). To this day if there is a killer voice and an emotional connection, I’m all in – Diana Krall, Adele, Panic! At The Disco, Sia, Kurt Elling, Lady Gaga, Train, Jennifer Nettles, Eva Cassidy, and on and on.

Describe your music. What makes you unique?

My music typically falls squarely into that emotional pop category, it’s what has always driven me – raw emotion. I have a strong high pop tenor voice, so when we rev that up in the studio, it helps make my music more unique for a male pop singer.

Do you have any particular lyrical themes?

Well, I’m a sucker for writing a good love song. Sad songs and breakup lyrics come to me a little too easily. I’m not entirely sure why because I’m a pretty happy-go-lucky guy, but we are working on getting to the bottom of that! Stay tuned for upbeat and happy songs by Joe Settineri!

What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?

I love playing live shows because it gives me a chance to show the lighter side of me. I can’t do one heavy song after another in a show or no one wins. I laugh a lot at myself most days, so I try to bring that energy and honesty to my shows. I have plenty of funny (embarrassing?) stories from failures, almosts, and wins over the years, so I tell those stories and laugh a lot on stage. I also love having special guests come to perform with me because it adds new colours to the shows.

What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?

I wish I had a crazy answer here. The best I can do is admit I did the Broadway version of The Full Monty here in Los Angeles and did the full monty every night for a while here in front of many screaming women (my husband’s grandmother came one night too; second row, don’t ask).

What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?

I have an old baby grand piano I got from the classifieds for $600 that I use when practising and writing (and even to record sometimes). It just has this smooth rock vibe and sound when I play it, and it has actually become an extension of my voice. It really has a sole somehow. Is that weird?

What, if anything, are you plugging/promoting at the moment?

I’m so excited to have just released the first of three singles. It’s called “Hello Goodbye” and came out this month everywhere (the video too). It’s a song about breaking up and trying to move on. I recorded it in Nashville with an amazingly talented (multi-platinum) producer named Mike Krompass. I’m really proud of it.

What are your plans for 2018?

We are releasing two more singles (“Batman Cries” and “Oxygen”) in the next few months along with some amazing videos. I’ll also be doing some shows in LA and possibly NYC so there is a lot to be excited about.

If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!

Oh man! I think Calum Scott is having such a great moment right now and I’d love to open for him any day. And my friend PJ Griffith sings with me sometimes and has one of those rock voices you just can’t get enough of. He’s the real deal and is gonna be huge someday soon!

Joe Settineri: official | facebook | twitter | instagram

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