Bio

Full Circle

From The Cypher to the songwriter round

The hip-hop emcee/producer turned americana singer/songwriter got his start making his rounds in the LA underground hip-hop scene. 

While in high school, the Los Angeles native began rhyming in cyphers (freestyle rap circles) at house parties. Pete Rock, Slug (Atmosphere) and Freestyle Fellowship were a few of his core influences. By the time he reached college, he was performing regularly in small clubs in the Los Angeles and Orange County underground hip-hop scene.

At 23, something compelled him to pick up a guitar and start telling his story in a different way. Within a year he had transitioned into a roots/americana/soul singer-songwriter. This abrupt change in musical direction led him to be influenced by the likes of such artists as Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton and Amos Lee.

Being the son of famed bluesman Doug MacLeod, Jesse began absorbing the sound of blues and jazz at a young age. Vinyl records from greats like Albert King, Lonnie Johnson and Kenny Burrell played regularly through the stereo of his childhood home. The culmination of these influences are clearly apparent in him today.

Jesse has had two of his songs “As The Summer Wanes” and “Eyes On The Horizon” placed on episodes of NBC’s The Voice. He now spends his time performing regularly in the Los Angeles singer/songwriter scene and cowriting with other songwriters. He makes his living performing at small clubs, colleges, weddings and private parties across the country.

Live

Video

Discography

Just Being A Man

Single - 2017

This funky 70's inspired jam brings together the Jamestown Revival rhythm section and Norah Jones' co-writer and guitarist, Adam Levy, for a sound that is right where Country, Americana, Soul and Blues meet.

Written by Jesse MacLeod, Ari Herstand and Pamela Pruett. Produced Engineered and Mixed by Ryan Lipman Guitar: Adam Levy and Paul Redel Keys:

This funky 70's inspired jam brings together the Jamestown Revival rhythm section and Norah Jones' co-writer and guitarist, Adam Levy, for a sound that is right where Country, Americana, Soul and Blues meet.

Written by Jesse MacLeod, Ari Herstand and Pamela Pruett. Produced Engineered and Mixed by Ryan Lipman Guitar: Adam Levy and Paul Redel Keys: Phil Parlapiano Bass: Nick Bearden Drums: Ed Benrock Mastered by Eric Boulanger @ The Bakery LA Recorded at 64 Sound in Highland Park, CA

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A Real Good Feeling

Single - 2017

This Motown inspired love song brings together the Jamestown Revival rhythm section and Norah Jones' co-writer and guitarist, Adam Levy, for a sound that is right where Country, Americana, Soul and Blues meet.

Written by Jesse MacLeod Produced Engineered and Mixed by Ryan Lipman Guitar: Adam Levy and Paul Redel Keys: Phil Parlapiano Bass: Nick

This Motown inspired love song brings together the Jamestown Revival rhythm section and Norah Jones' co-writer and guitarist, Adam Levy, for a sound that is right where Country, Americana, Soul and Blues meet.

Written by Jesse MacLeod Produced Engineered and Mixed by Ryan Lipman Guitar: Adam Levy and Paul Redel Keys: Phil Parlapiano Bass: Nick Bearden Drums: Ed Benrock BG Vox: Ashley Maietta and McKail Seely Mastered by Eric Boulanger @ The Bakery LA Recorded at 64 Sound in Highland Park, CA

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Red Flags

EP - 2012

The sophomore follow up to the debut EP. Many of the musicians from the first record are back including Michael Starr (bass) and Phil Parlapiano (keys) with Doug MacLeod making another appearance on “The Hotel Cafe”. Jason Pipken (drums) and Paul Redel (electric guitar) lend their talents this time around.

Produced, recorded and mixed by Michael

The sophomore follow up to the debut EP. Many of the musicians from the first record are back including Michael Starr (bass) and Phil Parlapiano (keys) with Doug MacLeod making another appearance on “The Hotel Cafe”. Jason Pipken (drums) and Paul Redel (electric guitar) lend their talents this time around.

Produced, recorded and mixed by Michael Starr at Wagon Wheel Studios in North Hollywood, CA. Mastered by Joe Gastwirt.

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In Between Homes

EP - 2010

Jesse’s first commercial recording as a singer/songwriter. This album depicts a longing, uncertain and hopeful story of a young man just beginning to find his voice. Features Nick Bearden (Drums), Michael Starr (electric guitar,bass) and Phil Parlapiano (keys). Doug MacLeod plays some slide guitar on “As The Summer Wanes.”

Produced, recorded and

Jesse’s first commercial recording as a singer/songwriter. This album depicts a longing, uncertain and hopeful story of a young man just beginning to find his voice. Features Nick Bearden (Drums), Michael Starr (electric guitar,bass) and Phil Parlapiano (keys). Doug MacLeod plays some slide guitar on “As The Summer Wanes.”

Produced, recorded and mixed by Michael Starr at Wagon Wheel Studios in North Hollywood, CA. Mastered by Joe Gastwirt.

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When They Called Me Sophistic

EP - 2007

A hip hop offering when he went by the alias Sophistic. Since this release he has transitioned into a Roots, Americana Singer/Songwriter.

Production by Sophistic, LD (Technicali), Life Recall (Shapeshifters) and Elokwent. Features guest performances by Ariano and Elokwent.

Exective produced, recorded and mixed by Sophistic. Mastered by Rich Wenzel

A hip hop offering when he went by the alias Sophistic. Since this release he has transitioned into a Roots, Americana Singer/Songwriter.

Production by Sophistic, LD (Technicali), Life Recall (Shapeshifters) and Elokwent. Features guest performances by Ariano and Elokwent.

Exective produced, recorded and mixed by Sophistic. Mastered by Rich Wenzel (Axis Studios, Torrance, CA.)

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Booking

Contact Jesse Directly

JesseMacLeodMusic@gmail.com

College Booking

The College Agency

 Booking@thecollegeagency.com  |  (651) 222-9669