This Month we made our 2yr anniversary as Nashville Residents. I can’t believe how fast time has gone! Seems like just yesterday we made our way into a new city. A TON has happened since! We’ve been fortunate to have survived in a new city for 2yrs.

I was able to work a ton of odd jobs and pay our bills. Some months better than others

Reina has kicked major butt yet again at Watkins School of Art and Design! She is an amazing artist and designer!!! Hire her! She’ll hook up your place! Reina is a rock-star! Full time student, amazing wife and mother… All while being prego with # 3!!! You deserve a cruise next year!

We made a new baby boy! His name will be ___________   __________ Santoyo.

I was super fortunate to serve at our home church Cross Point and help  launch a college campus in downtown Nashville! Definitely an amazing season and journey.  A very special thanks to Justin Davis, Jenni Catron, Wayne Baird and Stephen Brewster for being part of our journey in a HUGE way! Thanks for helping us feel like home  @ CP while away from home!

Diego started Pre K this year! My boys are growing up too too fast!

To our Community group! You guys are awesome. Thanks for making Tuesday night’s an evening to look forward to every week.

I was finally able to produce and record my first ever SOLO music project. If you haven’t picked it up get it HERE! It’s also a great Christmas present, so don’t be selfish! Buy it for your friends and family too!

Special thanks to some amazing friends that were part of my EP.  Couldn’t have done it without your brilliant talents and passion! Chris Bevins, Jeremy Larson, Roy Mitchel Cardenas, Leif shires, Craig Swift,  Amanda Young, Eliot Torres, and my great friend and live show companion Erika Hastings!!! This is just the beginning.

This EP could not be possible without the faith and financial support from my beautiful wife Reina, and more amazing friends!!! Erik Garcia, Michelle & Joseph Bulger, Lance & Jamie Lockhart, Mark & Mary Similey.

Special thanks to my friend Paul Alan Jones for helping my first music videobe a reality! Thanks to Stefani Elrod for her amazing presence and performance!!!

In Early November my Momma suffered a stroke in Chicago. She fought hard for her life and won! So grateful for her strength and the power of prayers!!! She is a walking Miracle! Thank you for all who prayed for my momma!

So much has happened in 2011. Nothing has been easy, but it’s been an amazing journey for Me, Reina, Diego & Zion. I look forward to meeting our new baby boy and welcoming him into our beautiful chaos!

I wish EVERYONE a Merry Christmas. Please take time to remember the true meaning for this season!

I am looking forward to the new stories, chapters, opportunities challenges and blessing in 2012!!!

Just in case I don’t see you… Have a Happy New Year!!!

Yours truly,

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On Monday night my Mom had a cerebral aneurysm. My Dad rushed her to the hospital and she has been there since. Tuesday morning Me, Reina and the boys hit the road from Nashville to be with my Momma in Chicago.

I appreciate all your thoughts and prayers. I am grateful for all of the friends and family that have been concerned and have come to the hospital to be with our family.  There has been an amazing progress but the procedures involved all carry some type of risk and pain. It’s inspiring to see how my Momma is fighting though. She is a strong warrior momma! I know God knows everything, I know the world is in God’s hands, I know God is a healer and I know God is God and I am not.

As a son though, It is super tough seeing my Mom go through this. It’s super though seeing my Dad go thru this. It’s super tough knowing my momma is sick and there is nothing we can physically do to maker her better, It’s a pretty helpless feeling.  Despite the circumstance though, there is always an element of beauty and a lesson being learned in the process. I know God has heard all of our prayers and his will shall prevail.

Life is fragile my friends.

Hasta la Victora Siempre,

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Whether it’s a new job, a new city, a new village, a new movement, a new calling, a new____________ that you will be part of. Remember, Learn the culture. Learn the language, don’t try to change it. Don’t try to fix something that isn’t broken. If you are in the business of creating culture within culture, let it happen naturally. Change from within is always embraced.

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Focus! Focus on the lyric with most potential. Focus on the melody that keeps looping in your head. Focus on the chorus that makes your life feel like a movie soundtrack. Focus on your strength. Too many times we walk away from our strongest efforts to save those not ready for the public eye or ear. But if you focus on your strengths, it is inevitable… In due time, your weakest ideas will gain momentum and rise to the top. Often times your strength is someone else’ weakness and vice versa.  That is where collaboration is a beautiful thing! Focus on what you know, rather then beating yourself up for what you don’t.

It’s not about knowing everything, it’s about doing something with what you know. Fuerza!

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At just 15yrs old, my nephew CJ is already creating a buzz amongst several baseball programs in Chicago. He’s already played on multiple travel teams, attends various training camps throughout the year and plays for St. Rita HS.

Seems like just yesterday CJ was walking around in diapers with a Football helmet on his head, a winter glove in one hand and  a baseball glove in the other. Early on we knew there was something special about him. Sports was encrypted in his DNA. It wasn’t something the family forced on him, but rather a passion he was born with.

CJ is a lefty and plays all outfield positions.  The one position that has stood out for many coaches and trainers is CJ’s pitching ability.  CJ’s target and precision is impeccable with speeds ranging from 70-85mph. Velocity is always great but  the technique and mechanics CJ has  for his age is all the reason for conversations about College offers and a potential career in the Major Leagues someday. CJ will be a Sophomore this fall at St. Rita high school where he has excelled academically and athletically. This Summer CJ tried out for St. Rita’s varsity team, but it is still too little early to determine if he will choose to play varsity or not.

We all witnessed early on in childhood that CJ had a passion for baseball. Going into his 2nd yr of high school CJ already has his heart  set on going to Vanderbilt University in Nashville TN to continuing his athletic journey and career. If I were a recruiter or a Pro Scout,  I’d be all over this kid now!

My brother Carlos has done an amazing job at leading CJ in all areas of this life. My brother is a teacher for the Chicago Public School system but is also a Pastor of a church in the South side of Chicago. My brother himself has an amazing story of never giving up on your dreams and CJ is a reflection of his Dad’s leadership. I expect nothing but great things for them all! I’m super stoked and proud for my nephew CJ. It’s always surreal for me to see him play. I begin to think how once upon a time I held this kid in my arms and fed him is milk bottle and now he’s traveling city to city displaying his God given athletic talent on the baseball field.  I’m a tough love type of dude so I keep it real with CJ every time I see him. My pep talks consist of the following,

“You have to really want this! There is always someone out there who wants it more then you. He’s practicing more then you. He’s running more then you. So what are you gonna do?” I’m tough on the outside but inside I’m leaping for joy for him. I believe God gives us all special abilities and talents. He gives us a blank canvas, and let’s us create a masterpiece story…

Below is an email I recieved from CJ describing the past few weeks of his traveling team & tournaments.  He said he got small taste of what in his mind being a Pro is like…

“The coach just called me and said I was already on the team! I played all three outfield positions and pitched. We beat St Louis, Milwaukee and Minnesota. lost to the White Sox. making us go 3-1 in the tournament. We had to beat Minnesota in order to go to the championship so coach told me I was pitching. I pitched giving up 2 hits 1 walk, and 2 runs but i struck out 12. I pitched the whole game and took the team to the championship by winning 10 to 2 but then in the championship we lost to the White Sox again 5 to 1. We stayed at the hotel where they gave us new hats new uniforms and practice clothes. At the end of the game a guy from St Louis came up to me and asked if I could sign a ball for him. This is the first time someone actually did that to me. It was awesome! I got the taste of being pro for a weekend. I got back to the hotel and after I showered the coach of the older team called me over and told me he wants me to practice with his team so I can play for him next year. He told me when we win next year the team goes to the world series and we get to play at a Pro stadium where College coaches and Pro scouts attend.  He said he’s gonna get us a Pro tryout next year, the first day we get there. Then he left it by saying that he’s never seen a 15 year old throw the baseball the way I did, and that was it. I’m returning next year with the older team to play and hopefully  get exposure.”-CJ

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2 nights ago I worked on the set of a TV film Pilot for FOX called “Outlaw Country.” We were shooting in a remote area in Watertown TN. Basically out in the middle of nowhere. It was a ton of fun though. The production on a Pilot like this one is pretty darn amazing. We were out in the country wilderness surrounded by Trees, but because the set was so well lit, it felt like we were in a stage set.   I can imagine the location is usually pitch black when a massive Film crew is not inhabiting it. Without giving out details pertaining to the scene I will say this, I was asked to be smoking a cigarette as a prop. After about 5 takes, I was tired of puffing that darn cigarette.  I think the last time I smoked a cigarette was in High School…It tasted just as bad as I remembered it would. It was one of the longest night shoots I have been in. I left my apartment at 5pm and got back home from the shoot at 530am. The life of a dedicated & aspiring actor, functioning on 3hrs of sleep.

My EP process is moving along. 4 songs have been tracked and there is 1 more to go. My good friend Jeremy Larson has done an amazing job writing and composing Live strings. The EP vibe will be quite simple yet complex…at least I think so.  My acoustic guitar, my vocal and an ocean of live strings behind them. 1 track out of the 5 will have a totally different vibe then the rest! You’ll just have to wait to listen to it… You’ll dig it, I promise! We’re looking at a Fall release date. Details coming soon.

Jesse Santoy0 LIVE. I’ve started to do a few live shows in town and testing out my EP songs. Thanks to the world of social networking I met Erika Hastings. Erika is a talented Cellist here in town. We met thru mutual networks and within a day or so from our initial contact, we were already rehearsing together. We’ve managed to put a few shows under our belt already and plan on doing some more & a potential tour next year. The chemistry is been very natural. The songs sound awesome with just an acoustic guitar and Cello. It’s made for a unique  & eclectic experience thus far. Our plan is to continue rehearsing together, sharpening out the details and really crafting out these tunes.  You should definitely plan on being at our next show.

When Reina and I moved to Nashville the 1st thing on our to do list was to find a church community we could connect with. It’s always difficult with so many churches and so many options. Kind of like the menu at the Cheesecake Factory. That probably wasn’t the best example.  We knew about Cross Point Church way before we lived here. So when we arrived to Nashville we gave it a shot a few times and The Santoyo’s felt like this was a community we wanted to be apart of. Cross Point is a pretty big church, so for a while it felt overwhelming and we felt lost in a sea of white people. It felt like we were probably the only Latinos at Cross Point for sometime. Nevertheless we enjoyed it and our boys did too. Within a few months of making Cross Point our home we started a community group and that was the best thing we could have done. The church we knew as a huge multi site church now became a small community of people just like us. We’ve made some great friends in the process.

After being at Cross Point for about a year I was asked to serve as a Campus Coordinator and help launch the new Downtown campus at Rocketown! So now I wasn’t just attending and volunteering, I was actually part of the staff! It has been a journey I could have never orchestrated on my own! We took on the role and did our best to help create a Cross Point Community in Downtown Nashville for College students.  From day one of the launch to taking a summer break, it has been an amazing learning experience and journey. The friendships we made?  priceless! The young community in the making? Beautiful! First time  Christ followers & baptisms? Amazing! The Cereal Bar? kick Ass!

With every new and fresh opportunity comes a tough decision.  During the summer break was when I felt in my heart the need to transition out of the Downtown Campus Coordinator position.  A decision that was insanely tough for me. I love the church, I love the staff, I love the DNA of community, but I felt I needed to refocus on the direction I was taking my personal journey & our family during this season. For weeks  I battled on making the decision but I knew it had to be done sooner then later. Working for Cross Point church was a huge blessing for our family on so many different levels, we can’t thank them enough for making us part of that season. I don’t know if this was a good decision or a bad decision…Maybe both…But at this point and time it feels right. I never thought I’d be working in Churches. With Cross Point being the 2nd ministry job, it totally reconfirms alot for us as a family and our future in full time ministry. I am start prepping for it!  The Santoyo’s are so grateful for Jenni Catron who’s been an amazing leader and support as we made the decision. Special thanks to Justin Davis for helping us fall in love with Cross Point when we knew no one.  We are not planning on leaving Nashville nor leaving Cross Point. Cross Point is our Casa and we’ll continue to devote our time to serving the Nashville & Downtown community.

Since my trip in 2009, my heart has been locked to return to the country of Cambodia. After countless hours of sharing the story of Cambodia with Reina, she’s fallen in love with a place she has yet to see. When she finally see’s it I know it will surpass any expectations she currently has! We are passionate about music and art and are finally in the works on finalizing a collaborative effort with a Nashville organization in Cambodia. We’ll give you the scoop on them very soon!!! Reina and I have established “The Anthems Project.” A movement of art & love for the people of Cambodia. Everything starts with movement! We’re taking our talents and efforts and working  on making a difference in beautiful country  We’ll have details very soon, and how you can get invloved with us too

Thanks for Reading!

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I usually dread the question, ” So what do you do?” It should be an easy answer right? Well, it’s kinda tough for  me. I came to Nashville to surround myself with other singer/songwriters to become better at it or maybe realize I suck at it. So far it’s been a great journey of growing in the art of music. I definitely enjoy performing my music live at local venues. Then I get this question, “So do you sing christian music?”  The reason I get this question is probably because I serve my church as a coordinator for one of our campuses and I really love being part of ministry.  Truth is I don’t really ever sing or perform at a Church. When I do perform you will most likely find me a the local bar or club singing to my friends and a few random strangers. I just prefer it that way. I don’t ever try not to be one or the other…I write what’s in my heart and my mind and play music to it.

My wife and I are actors. We have a few auditions that we go to monthly. Sometimes we score the gigs and sometimes we don’t. Our kids recently started auditioning as well. It’s just something we’ve always enjoyed doing and probably always will. Like many people, we have regular day jobs to pay the bills and our boy’s school. These are just a few of the many things  we do.

The problem is I get so wrapped up in the world of what I do sometimes, that I Identify myself by it. I am an actor, I am a singer/songwriter(like everyone in Nashville), I work for my church, I’m a blogger, I am this, I am that…Then BAM. I forget who I really am…Don’t get me wrong, I am not hating on what I do, I freakn love what I do, but it is not who I am. Sometimes I feel like I am back in High School. I am working hard to get noticed and in hopes to hang with the cool kids of the school. Become what I do, so I can enter the circle of social popularity. I realize networking  and marketing is a vital tool for any organization, company, product and movement.  Without a good solid plan, well… nobody will ever know what you do.  But I am learning  that what I do is not who I am. My true identity is found in the beginning of this journey. I am a regular dude, that loves God, love’s family and is grateful for life. I grew up in broken streets dreaming to someday be somebody. I am still trying to figure what that really means…  I get so lost in my projects  sometimes that I steal time from those I really love. Time I will never get back from my beautiful wife and my awesome boys.

A few nights ago I promised my boy I’d tuck him in to bed, but I got so tied up in what I do, that his eye’s closed before I could do so.  Every extra effort I put into what I do, was not worth missing out on that moment with my son. I love the genuine lessons  I learn from my kids. I can be the greatest songwriter ever, the best actor ever, the best filmmaker ever, the best church leader ever, the best communicator ever, the best____________ ever. But in the eye’s of those I love and love me back,  I am just a son, a father, a husband and a friend, everything else is just gravy

What matters most is who you are, not so much what you do. When you remain genuine to that everything else falls in place.

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Last night Reina and I went on a “Hot date.” Literally, it was a super hot evening. East Nashville’s FooBar was our destination.  When we arrived we realized the AC may not have been working at that venue. So for about an hr or so  it was blazing hot inside! On a cooler note, we got to see a great Chi town friend who sings with the band “Cory Chisel & The Wondering Sons.” Always great to run into friends in a new city! Adriel Harris is not only beautiful but has an amazing&Chill voice with an amazing talent on the keys as well. We don’t know Cory Chisel, but the dude has the coolest voice ever and lyrics that take you on a journey in every song.I totally did their vibe on stage..I guess we’ve become  fans!

I’ve seen and heard the band online but never live. It was definitely one of the coolest Live duo’s I have ever seen.  If you haven’t heard their music you have to! It was Haunting, heartbreaking, Soulful and Beautiful!

What new band or artist have you discovered recently?

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If you could tie a ton of balloons to your house and float away, where would you go?

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