Today we’d like to introduce you to Sebastian Sidi.
Hi Sebastian, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I was born in Montevideo, Uruguay in 1975. I arrived to the United States with my family in 1982 at the age of 7. I began as a self-taught drummer at the age of 13 and performed in several bands, including my own Rock Band called “High Voltage,” which I started with my best friend Geoffrey Cassayre. I then began to fiddle around with a keyboard, again without lessons. I began to compose music for the band. As time went on, my playing became more and more intricate which is when I decided to make keyboards/piano my main instrument. I dropped the drums and began composing original instrumental music. Naturally, my music would have a high influence of rock. Once I had enough songs, I was able to get a gig performing for the first time in front of people at Shoreline Village in Long Beach. People seems to really enjoy the music, and I was making $200-$300 in tips. I immediately decided to record my first album called “Prelude,” eventually recording 4 more. I then decided I wanted to perform at as many outdoor venues as possible. Working as my own booking agent, I was ultimately able to reach that goal. I performed at venues such as Downtown Disney, Universal City Walk, Irvine Spectrum, The Block at Orange, Fashion Island, Horton Plaza among many others. I was also booked to perform at different County Fairs in California and Arizona such as the La County Fair, Orange County Fair among others including a few cruise lines as a Headlining Guest Entertainer.
During this time, I had the misfortune of losing my best friend and Mother, Miriam Sidi to Breast Cancer. This was a very rough time in my life as she was my top inspiration for composing and performing music. After 4-5 years I finally was able to jump back at full speed and move forward and tribute any and all successes to her.
Eventually, I put together an Ensemble group featuring Drums, Bass, Guitar, Violin, and of course myself on Piano. We sold out quite a few theatre shows at the Downey Theatre and OC Pavilion.
In 2008 I was able to air my very first Public Television Special that was produced by George Veras who also produced Yanni “Live at the Acropolis” My production, of course, was not nearly as big as Yanni’s, but I was excited for the opportunity none-the-less.
Unfortunately, my special aired during the big recession and completely flopped. The show’s success was dependent on viewer pledges. Obviously, people were cutting down on their donations which ultimately affected the results of my show.
Aside from my theatre shows with my band, I continued to perform solo as a street performer because it was a really great career and I was making a really great living.
In 2011, I decided I wanted to produce my very own Public Television Special which was part documentary and part live concert. “From Street to Center Stage” This documentary would highlight my life as a street performer, my struggles, and of course also performing on the main theatre stage.
I actually received a lot more exposure with my own production and my show aired in over 24 states.
Unfortunately, my show was still not successful enough to take me to the next level. However, I was getting a lot more exposure and was being recognized more and more when performing.
At this stage of my life, I was not really looking to “Blow Up” as an artist. I was just having fun producing music, producing concerts and was very grateful to have a career in music.
In 2016 I decided that I wanted to find another source of income as I knew that music eventually would end for me. So, with all the experience I had being in front of the camera, I developed a love for video production. I started my video production company, Sebaz Video Productions, and began to make my transition. During that time, I created a studio and performance center in my own home in Menifee and hosted many studio concert performances.
I decided I wanted to create yet another Public Television Special which was entitled “Sebastian Sidi, Welcomes You Home” which of course was filmed HERE at my home.
My special again aired on KCET Los Angeles and many other stations across the country.
Today, I have a super successful video production company, and I continue to perform. However, I am no longer a “Street-Performer”. I now just host and produce 3 to 4 concerts per year and invite many of my loyal fans to come and enjoy a night of music. I do perform a couple of songs every month at a Network Mixer I host with my good friend Jonathon Montanez “The Neighbors Monthly Business Mixer.” That helps me to keep my chops up, and I really do enjoying bring joy to those who attend the event.
I am currently re-recording some of my best original music and will be distributing all my music in the next year or so on all digital platforms such as Amazon, Spotify, etc.
It’s been a wonderful journey thus far. Although today as a 48-year-old man, I am no longer perusing that “DREAM,” I am still plugging away and working on my music and letting things just manifest naturally.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’d say my only struggle was the loss of my Mother Miriam. That was a tough time. It’s difficult to do something you are passionate about and something that is fed off of inspiration when that inspiration is no longer there.
Once I was able to move forward, I’d say the only other struggle for me was that I got to experience a certain level of local “Celebrity Status” and success which really put a lot of pressure on me to succeed on a nationwide level. That of course never really happened, and that really hits your ego a little bit. I really thought that through those Public Television Specials, that I would climb over that hill. =) Again, I still remained humbled and grateful just to be able to be my own boss and playing my piano for a living. I’m even more grateful TODAY that I now get to do both Music and run my Video Production Business.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a street performer, I was probably one of the most successful in California. Because I was performing SOLO, I needed to make sure that what I played was captivating. I needed to make sure that I stopped people. And that I did. My piano playing consisted of a virtuoso style of playing. So much so that I always had a camera and a screen so people could see my hands flying through the keyboard. Another thing that was captivating was my piano itself. My older brother Ernesto built a baby grand piano shell prop. My digital keyboard was inside, but it looked like I was playing a real piano. In addition, I had the piano on a hydraulic stand which allowed me to elevate the piano and performing standing up. If that wasn’t enough, I also had a fog machine inside the piano which I controlled with my foot, giving a “Smok’n Piano” effect. That REALLY made everyone stop to listen. Finally, the MOST important thing was the music. In addition to the dozens of original compositions I would perform, I also performed rock renditions of songs such as Phantom of the Opera, My Heart Will Go On, Chiquitita, and many many others. I would sell between 100 and 300 CDs nightly, bringing home $1500/$2000 per night. Of course, there were night that were considered slow where I would bring home $200-$500
My setup, presence, and music really did set me apart from most other performers.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Making others happy makes me happy… At the end of the day, it’s hard to argue that making others happy isn’t a selfish thing because it is. Whether it’s with my music or not, I love to help and make others happy.
This was how my mother lived her life, and this is how my father today lives his, making others happy. So, I will continue to pay tribute to her and him by doing the same.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sebastiansidi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sebastiansidi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sebastiansidimusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/sebastiansidi
