My Music

The Music of Joe Petillo, Singer Songwriter

Biography profiled by Christian Mitchell

Joe will tell you that this is frequently how his songs come about. "The best songs are the ones from the heart", and that is typically where Joe writes from. Sometimes soft to the touch, sometimes hard as a rock, but always honest with his emotions.

Born and raised in Asbury Park, Joe began his musical journey at the age of 5 when he appeared before a packed house at Asbury Park's Convention Hall in the Boy's Club Revue. From that point on he never stopped singing. Continuing on through various variety shows, at 16 he moved on to bars after joining Margaret Potter's "Margaret & the Distractions". That close friendship with Margaret eventually led to his being a founding member of Upstage, a private club for musicians where they could meet and refine their craft. Here, many of the Shore's best known talents sharpened their skills and made life long friendships.

After spending several years learning the recording and publishing side of the business in New York, Joe began making his own mark as a singer/songwriter. Winning several local and national songwriting competitions such as the "Music City Song Festival" in Nashville, as well as being one of the first chosen for the "New York Songwriters Showcase" to be held at the Bottom Line, these opportunities led to his affiliation with BMI, and publishing deals with Mick Lloyd Productions (Nashville) and April Blackwood (CBS, NY).

Continuing to perform in "what feels like every bar in the North East", Joe has proudly taken the stage in numerous bands such as "New Hope", "Phoenix", "The Joe Petillo Band", "After Midnight", and more recently "The Upstage Jam Band" to mention a few. Throughout those years he continues his journey performing additionally as a solo artist, but admittedly Joe enjoys dusting off his "Blue Suede Shoes" and kicking up a little Rock & Roll.

When asked of his greatest musical accomplishment, Joe will quickly tell you it is his work with Holiday Express. "Nothing compares to returning the gifts that you've been given to those less fortunate", explains Joe. "Through the gift of music, it allows me to carry the Spirit of Christmas all year long." In lines from his song "Christmas At Home", Joe shares the secret to where his journey has led him:
"And though I'm alone now, I'm never lonely, no matter where I roam,
Here in my heart, with the people I love, I'm spending Christmas at home."

My Music

If you'd like to get an idea of some of my original music, here are a few samples that might give you an idea. They are both clips from my forthcoming "The Vision" CD.

In trying to decide what to sample for you, the decision didn't take very long. They are songs for the two most precious "works of art" in my life... my daughters Bryn and Carissa.

JESABEL

Every man has known one in his life... and waits for the day he finds her again.

SHE'S A LOVER

"There are many descriptions of what a lover should be..." This is just mine!

FIRST TIME IN LOVE

The first one was written for Bryn and deals with my struggle for "being there for her" the first time her heart breaks.

The Vision

The second selection was written for my daughter Carissa. It's amazes me sometimes as to who is the teacher, and who is the student!