We recently had the chance to connect with DENNY JIOSA and have shared our conversation below.
DENNY, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Honestly, the amount of work and training it takes to be a truly successful musician is very misunderstood and under appreciated. Many times the music business is not taken seriously by the rest of society, therefore musicians of lesser known status, but still of equal talent, don’t see the financial rewards or appreciation that they deserve. The amount of practice, education, persistence, drive and desire to do what you love and be successful at it is almost unheard of other than in the arts. Anyone that makes a living doing the arts has sacrificed much in their life to be where they are. I don’t take it for granted that I’ve been blessed to survive in this incredibly difficult business. I just wish the rest of society would have the same respect and understanding of what I see so many musicians and artists go through. I’m not mad nor am I envious of others financial success, I guess just asking for more respect for all artists. Musicians are still offered today what they played for 40 years ago… Think about that for a minute. Tell me one other business that is that way.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Denny Jiosa. I’m a contemporary jazz musician/guitarist with 12 recordings released, I also produce music for other artists and engineer in the studio. I’ve been involved with four Grammy nominated records, multiple award-winning records of my own, and chart success music. My music is played all over the world. I’m also proud to say that I’m part of a group called “Ambient Monkeys” with my dear friend Michael Moryc, and we have had three wonderful releases that hit number on the world jazz charts.
My other passion is the study and teaching of Italian wines. I’ve made it a bit of a mission to educate people of these beautiful and delicious wines and enjoy talking and teaching about them.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
This is a complicated question, however, I think, trust and lack of communication is what breaks the bonds between people the most. It seems that as human beings, we have the hardest time speaking the truth to each other or discussing complicated and difficult subjects between our friends and family members. This typically leads to destruction in one way or another. I feel what can restore the bond is honesty, communication, kindness, and understanding.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
The one thing I would say is “realize you’re worth”!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
This is a subjective, but the fact that AI is now becoming used in many capacities, and especially in the music industry, is going down a slippery slope. AI may be able to create a “hit song” as determined by the industry, however, the true emotion of a real artist is still not present. AI cannot sit down and play an instrument in front of you and make you feel pain, joy, cry, or smile. I think it’s wrong that this is being used in our industry. Art is from the heart. AI has no heart, only a programmed mind set of creating fraudulent music so the industry can make money.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I definitely feel that I’ve done what I was told to do. At six years old I knew I wanted to pursue music and even asked my mother if I could put a band together. She smiled and said you should learn to play instrument first, at which point I started playing guitar at age 7. I haven’t stopped since. I feel that God gave me this gift to share, and although it’s not been an easy path, it’s been rewarding and has brought much joy and satisfaction to a lot of people, including myself. I’ve been blessed that I raised three wonderful children doing what I love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://JIOSA.COM
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dennyjiosa/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denny-jiosa-41a806b/
- Twitter: https://x.com/DennyJiosa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dennyjiosa
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DennyJiosaGuitar/videos
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/denny-jiosa
