Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Ortiz.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Promotive began as my side project while playing with other bands. Because I was primarily playing with heavier bands, this was my outlet for the softer, more emotionally charged music that was truly on my mind and heart. After enough projects fell through, I came to realize that, through all of these projects, I was continually putting myself and my needs on the back burner. So, I decided to launch Promotive full-time, along with the help of my bandmates, Mel Torres and Michael Palma.
Currently, we are a little over three years into this project, and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. We have released our debut EP, completed two tours, and a series of shows opening for larger bands such as Boys Like Girls.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think the biggest challenge we face as a band is doing the job of an entire creative team but as three people. Nowadays, making good music isn’t enough to really stand out as a band. There’s the music, the social media push, doing all of our marketing and promotion, and booking our shows and tours, all while trying to ensure that we effectively and efficiently execute every task that we have in front of us while not overlooking or missing any details. It can be overwhelming.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Outside of Promotive, I am also a freelance songwriter, producer, graphic designer, content creator, music teacher, and session/touring musician. Out of these, I would say I’m most proud of my songwriting expertise. I find that being able to work with other musicians and help them really bring their track(s) to life is incredibly fulfilling, both for myself and for the artist!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My bandmates have been quintessential to our success, primarily our drummer Mel. I really don’t know where we would be without him. Alongside that, there are so many great people who have supported us throughout the years, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. We’ve been honored to work with some of the best engineers out there! Sam Pura, Stephan Hawkes, and Joe Scaletta have all given our music the incredible sound it has now.
Not to mention the promoters who have gone out of their way to help get us on the road and/or in front of people! Promoters like Eric Dill of Breakthru, Jen of Socal Indie Music, and Brandon of Kondor are all very responsible for so many incredible Promotive shows!
Finally, the incredible bands we get to play with. Special shout out to our friends in Every Other Year, Cultivate, and Frequency Within, to name a few!
Contact Info:
- Website: promotivemusic.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/promotiveca
- Facebook: facebook.com/promotiveca
- Twitter: x.com/promotiveca
- Youtube: youtube.com/c/promotiveca
- Other: tiktok.com/@promotiveca
Image Credits
Matthew Saunders
Cassie Cacao
Jamie Kaufman
Eric Quiros
Nathan Marriott
