Today we’d like to introduce you to Pablo Sebastian Signori.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born of Argentine parents in Houston, TX but moved to Dearborn, Michigan when I was 1yrs old. I remained there until I went on to study Classical Guitar Performance at Interlochen Arts Academy for High School and subsequently graduated from the Jacobs School Of Music at Indiana University. There I studied under the tutelage of Guitar Dept Chair, Maestro Ernesto Bitteti.
Whilst my time in college, I played in a local math rock band (without the maestro’s knowledge of course lol). We were signed to a little indie label started by Daniel Suslic called Anechoic records. Towards the end of college, songwriting became more of a focus and upon graduation, I promptly moved to Los Angeles to further pursue my new passion. Some of my arts friends from Interlochen were already in LA so it seemed like a logical move for me.
There I was made to connect with Will Nash (Graham Nash’s son) who believed in my music and was kind enough to let me record my first demo in his fathers home studio in Sherman Oaks. Graham would pop in and listen from time to time and share his thoughts. Will also introduced me to local synth guru and producer Sidney Miller (now Freddie Gibb’s chief producer and engineer).
One of my best friends from IU, Nick Ruth (now producer/songwriter: Emily Warren, Kelly Clarkston, Nick Jonas, Frendship). and I was writing together at the time and we decided to start a band with Sid. A few months later we added my old friend Samantha Barbera (frontwoman of BEGINNERS) and Mark Pontius (founding member of Foster The People). Our band was called Malbec, in reference to my Argentine roots; it should be noted that this was before the wine became so ubiquitous lol.
We were a band for 7 years with me as the frontman; we toured and played regularly in Los Angeles and became a household name there. In 2007, we signed to Songs Music Publishing. With their help, we managed to secure a slew of tv/film placements including, Chuck, Gossip Girls, and My Best Friends Girl.
During this time, I also booked my first national commercial for Fruit of the Loom (you can hear my voice here): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgDfzdev-Hk&t=7s. The Ad was very successful and it was the catalyst to start my commercial music career. Shortly thereafter I started a music house with Nick Ruth, our friend and amazing producer Brad Reaume, and Joe Bonn (now music editor for Star Wars, X-Men, Spider-Man, Prometheus and more).
During the bands’ existence, I also began co-writing on other projects, including the song ‘Unaware’ which I co-wrote with Allen Stone and it reached #1 in the iTunes R&B charts. This also formed the transition that would lead me to pursue my own solo projects. In 2011, after releasing a solo EP (which garnered placements on Grey’s Anatomy, Vampire Diaries, and Blue Mountain State and more), I left LA and moved briefly to Chicago for about 8 months.
Shortly thereafter I followed my heart and moved to Argentina, wrote a solo record, fell in love, and got married. In 2014, after a short stint back in Dearborn, MI, I moved back to Chicago after being invited to act as resident composer for Chicago-based music house See Music (owned and operated by Chuck Bein). Since then, I continue to work for See Music, as well as, as a freelance composer here in Chicago.
I am now signed to Kobalt Music Group where I continue to co-write and produce songs for myself and other artists including NVDES, White Sea, Wilding and more. I am currently working on producing various artists (Quentin Hirsley, Larissa (in Austria), Appleby, Lee Dewyze, and more) as well as 2 solo projects. One of my solo projects is being co-written and co-produced with Chicago native Neil Strauch (engineer for Iron & Wine, Margot & The Nuclear So & Sos, Joan Of Arc). That was a lot whew :O
Has it been a smooth road?
The biggest struggle for me is remaining self-motivated. My job is not a normal job, there is no time sheet and no protocol. You and your output are the only constant. A regular job has a built-in infrastructure to make you complete your daily tasks. Making art does not. So, in order to be professional and successful at art you have to be super disciplined and at times, that can be challenging when my product relies on inspiration. In turn, though, that’s what makes my job so rewarding… it’s NOT easy and it’s not for everyone.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Pablo Sebastian – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
A lot of people specialize in just one aspect of music. I certainly started that way, first classical guitar, then song-writing. However, as time has progressed, I have evolved. In a sense, I am a one-stop shop. I can write, produce, perform, and record a song or composition myself without the help of anyone else. I think that is something that makes me unique, and also makes me valuable in my industry.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Things I like about Chicago:
-it’s very clean considering the number of people we have here
-it has an abundance of culture, restaurants, and bars
-despite our daily gripes, our public transit is amazing compared to other US metropolises
-the people are genuinely kind and helpful for the most part
-Lake Michigan… what a treasure trove of beauty and wonder
-the city skyline
-the friends I’ve made through the fly fishing community
Dislikes:
-weather – obviously lol
-Here’s one no one really talks about: THE ACCENT… when I left the midwest, I lost it, now I’m back and it has crept back in lol. Its just so harsh sounding and I use my ears for work so I notice it constantly on myself and others lol
-TVs in EVERY BAR. TVs are for SPORTS BARS, NOT EVERY BAR. I’m a huge sports fan, but only when I want to watch a game, whatever happened to conversation?
-the train during rush hour
-the fact that its taboo to put ketchup on your hotdog here. ketchup is legit stop hating haters lol
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pablosong.com
- Email: pablosong10@gmail.com
- Instagram: @pablosong
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
