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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The piece of cake tonight revealed we’re having another Boy! The ultra sound image shows he loves to suck on his thumb. This has all been an amazing surprise for us. We’re grateful for the gift of life!

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“Time to write some hits!!!!”

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 grew up in rich Mexican culture while in Chicago. My parents came to the US from Mexico and became citizens. My Dad came here to work and make a better life for our family. Reina’s family is from Puerto Rico, throughout the years I have also learned a ton of the Puerto Rican culture as well. I love their history their beautiful Island. Being a Mexican American living in the US,  it is very easy to grow more accustom to the American culture and slowly begin to eliminate our ethnic one. From language to foods, celebrations to much more.  Chicago is pretty well diverse when it comes to Latinos &  Cultures, so was Miami. Especially within the artists communities. The Latino presence of artists is well represented in Cities like that. That is what I love about Chicago and Miami. I am hoping Nashville joins in too!

I realize I was not born in Mexico, but the culture is very important to me. It has always been a huge part of my life and my desire is that it becomes part of the lives of my children and their children  The stories & journeys of my family name are some that I need to re tell to my boys. I want them to learn about the Mexican and Puerto Rican culture and history. It is who we are and we should be proud of our heritage. Our culture is not just about Mexican food or an exotic Island with lush beaches…It goes alot deeper than that.

When we first arrived to Nashville we wondered if there was a Latino presence in town. We were so used to cities like Chicago and Miami that Nashville seemed different. In a city full of artists, actors, dreamers, designers, etc… I seemed the Latino artist was not well represented. As we spent more time here we realized there is a huge Latino population in the outskirts of Nashville. I am curious to know how many amazing artists, songwriters & creatives are not stepping in and making a Latino mark in that scene. But I am also curious to know how many really are!? We’re still new in town, tell us where you are!  My Dad always told me to be proud, be strong and work hard. “People like us need to work harder.” 31yrs later I get what he was saying.  I am a proud Latino artist. I am not trying to belittle any other cultures, but I spoke strongly about mine. It’s where I come from.   My desire is that more Latinos step up, create art and be a voice in this country. We have tons to offer!  Yes it’s true, we’re different. We talk different, live different, celebrate different, eat different but it is what makes this Planet beautiful…Diversity. I’ve read so many articles about immigration policies, family’s being torn apart, racial barriers, hate groups, the list can go on… It pretty much sickens me. I wish it wasn’t like this.

We are all God’s children created in his image. We are all broken human beings walking thru this temporary planet called Earth trying to figure out this thing called life. I think we can all be honest enough with ourselves that at one point or another we’ve seen ourselves as superior to others. Whether it be based on race, social/economic status, color or culture. Am I right or wrong? You know you’ve looked at me different? Or cracked a Mexican joke. Right? Or laugh at the fact that Reina and I add an “s” to every Super Market name! (Krogers) LOL!

There is so much we as merely humans can learn from each other!

What are your thoughts about the Representation of Latino Artists in your Community?

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“Donde estan los creativos y artistas en Nashville!?”

I remember it was a Friday when the Dr. told us there were complications with the pregnancy. They said they could not find the embryonic sack. The Dr. said they had no other choice but to terminate the pregnancy. I remember praying with Reina and trusting God for a miracle. I remember all of our friends and family coming together to pray for us on that Sunday morning in Homestead Fl…

Today we’re celebrating a miracle… We’re celebrating Zion Max Santoyo’s 2nd year of life! It has been an adventure! Zion is such a huge blessing. His smile keeps me going, his curiosity keeps me dreaming huge dreams, his energy keeps me in shape, his courage has strengthened me, his unconditional love has taught me how to be a better husband, father and friend.  Happy Birthday Zion, Papi,Mami and your big brother Diego love you so much. We are so thankful to God for the gift of Zion.  So glad  you are part of the crew Zion! I Can’t imagine our lives without you! May you grow up to be the man, the leader, the friend, the artist the husband and father God created you to be…For now just be 2 and live up!

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Sometimes I sit back and over analyze things.  Sometimes I wonder if there is other Raza in East Nashville? Sometimes I look around the room at 3Crow and wonder what life is like for the strangers all around me. Are they singers, writers, actors?  I always hear of all these picture perfect family trees. Father was a touring musician and now you happen to be a touring musician. Parents were both Doctors and now you are on your way of becoming a Doctor. Father was a Pastor and a preacher and now you inherited the pulpit. Or maybe you were given an inheritance worth 2 life times. My parents came to Chicago with the clothes on their back, worked in factories and city jobs just to make ends meet. They never really said I could be anything I put my mind to. They never really told me to dream. They never really knew I loved music till I was about 18.  They did teach me one thing. It takes hard work and dedication to be successful at anything you put your mind to. Even tougher when you are a latino.  Tough love was the only love I knew…

When I came to Nashville I was warned of the overwhelming amount of singers and songwriters that are here. I was told one of 2 things would happen, I will either work my tail off and become the best songwriter/artist I can be or I will quit. I knew I needed to be in a city where art and music flourishes and dreamers dream the impossible.  I would be lying if i said I don’t get intimated by the amazing talent here in Nashville, but as a song writer myself, I believe I have something worth sharing thru my music. Something happens in a town like this though… You can easily be swallowed in the status quo culture that exists amongst a few. In Chi town that gets old, I am sure it does here to… You’re cool by who you know and not so much by what you can offer.  I realize that sometimes you need to know the right people to enter the music ent/social pipeline but I truly believe the best ground work for a successful artistic career is staying true to YOU.  Don’t buy into the hype nor lose yourself to it. Be who you are and create what is in your mind, heart and soul.  I enjoy being inspired by those who have worked hard and have overcome the challenges of being a new artist. I always reach out to those that are influencing our culture today in hopes that I can learn… Some will reach back out, frankly others don’t give a crap…

I don’t have a glamorous background nor a wealthy family tree but I do have  simple dream. A dream I’ve carried inside  since I can remember. Growing  up in the Pilsen  was pretty tough on the soul. It was hard to dream, but I knew inside there is always something more then the hood.  I’ve been blessed with some amazingly talented and genuine individuals that have encouraged  me & my crew on this new journey in Nashville. With just a year into Nashville, I was ready to bail on why we came here in the first place. But I am forever grateful for the friendships that continue to pour life into who we are as creatives here in Nashville. I’m also grateful for those who haven’t given me the time of day! You are the fuel that keeps me going.  I wouldn’t have it any other way…

For all the young artists out there in pursuit of a dream like myself, don’t be discouraged nor afraid. Do what you do best! You may feel lost in the city where you dream, but it’s meant to be that way for a season. You can’t find something that isn’t lost. I’ve been knocking on the wrong doors and hitting up the wrong crowd… As long as you do the work of creating, sometimes you just gotta let God orchestrate your steps and the people that are meant to be part of your journey.  It really works out better that way. I am learning that as I go. I am so glad to be lost in the city of Nashville! I love this town.

Hasta la Victoria Siempre…

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My heart dropped to my ankles and every cuss word in the book danced in my mind.  Had he listened to me when I clearly told him to put away the train tracks this never would’ve happened. Disobedience always  comes with an expensive price tag. All I could see was $700.00 flushing down the toilet. What I really wanted to scream was, “You better pay for this!!! Diego is only 4yrs old so I wasn’t  sure how to discipline him for something like this! There was a valuable lesson that would be taught for him… and for us too.

The fact that Reina and I took time to  save money to buy this TV and  our  4 yr old son accidentally shattered it within seconds really burned me up inside. As he stood there with tears in his eyes, my heart shattered.  Right then and there I  realized how much I love him. Our love for him overpowered any wrong doing or accident. Of course he faced the consequences to his disobedience as a 4yr old, but after everything was said and done, we all laughed together, joked together and told each other how much we love each other. We even went out for ice cream together (he didn’t get his own of course he hated that!

The lesson for me? Well, for a few seconds I realized how materialistic I can be when I saw that TV digitally shattered.  I stopped and realized what really matters in moments like this. You always hear of things like this happening to other people, so when it hits home it sucks and stings! I realized how much I love my son and I really felt what God’s love for his children is like. We screw up so much, shatter tons of things in our lives and yet he never holds it against us.  It doesn’t change the fact that he is our father and we are his sons and daughters. In fact he holds us closer and reminds us that his love is not like ours! Sometimes it takes moments like this to really feel what true love is and  where our treasures are!

A few hours after Diego’s world crumbled to the ground, Diego danced around the room at Sweet CeCe’s as if nothing ever happened. My lesson and challenge? React the same way when it seems that my world may be falling apart around me! I really needed this moment last night!  I know Diego will hate the fact of no TV for quite some. He may forget this all ever happened as he gets older, but I really  hope he at least remembers the love he felt from Mom & Pops.

I love my Crew and the beautiful mess we are sometimes!  Thanks for reading!

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The new musical journey for me has begun. I am heading to the studio to start recording what will be my first ever Acoustic solo project. I’m beyond nervous. This is the first time I record an EP on my own without an actual band. I’ve been writing songs for this project for almost 2 yrs now, and I am finally going to record them and hope you guys support & enjoy them I am excited to have some great friends collaborate with me to help make this project a reality.  That’s about all I can say for now, so please stay tuned and join me on this Adventure.

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