The music industry offers many career opportunities that go far beyond performing on stage: Careers spanning from songwriters and composers, production and sound engineering, music distribution and promotion, business and management, music publishing, music journalism, marketing and social media, to touring and beyond. These industry professionals are the backbone of the music world, ensuring the music we love thrives through their contributions to its creation, production and distribution.
A guitarist is vital for shaping the sound and energy of a band, often serving as the backbone of rhythm and melody. Their presence on stage enhances live performances by capturing the audience with their sound and showmanship.
From the small town of Herkimer, New York to playing some of the biggest stages in pop and alt-rock, guitarist Jordy Sommer has become a sought after live guitarist for a growing roster of genre-blending artists including Sueco, Los Angeles Power Disco, Royal & the Serpent, Sophie Powers and Jager Henry. Before he got his big break as a musician, Sommer did engineering for Fab Factory Studios in Los Angeles as well as running front of house at music venues for several different artists. From a young age, Sommer has always felt connected to the guitar.
“I’ve been playing for as long as I can remember,” he shares. ” “I think I was 10 when I got my first guitar. I still have it.”
That same guitar even made an appearance at When We Were Young Festival. “My first guitar and I got to play it in front of a massive crowd. It was so sick,” he says.
Over the past year, Sommer has been incredibly blessed in his career, reaching milestones he once only dreamed about. He is now in the position to pass along job opportunities to others, offers he never thought he’d turn down. The guitarist was given the opportunity to play the 30th anniversary of Warped Tour in Washington D.C. alongside a few artists, with one of the most unforgettable moments being his work on Sueco’s set, where he not only performed, but also served as the creative force behind the entire production.
“All the classic things from Warped Tour were there and it felt so wild to see it all again,” Sommer says. On top of that, he had the honor of opening for former One Direction member Zayn on his first ever solo headline tour, performing with his band Los Angeles Power Disco.
Because of the opportunities he has been given, Sommer has met some pretty incredible people along the way. “I’m lucky because I can’t choose a favorite,” he says. “But every time I get to play a gig, I get to meet really cool people.”
Though he has connected with multiple artists, Sommer states that playing for Sueco has been a standout, describing the dynamic as “A bunch of friends playing magic cards and rock ‘n’ roll.” He also credits Royal & the Serpent for giving him his real start as a professional guitar player.
“It it weren’t for Ryan [Santiago] taking a chance on her fucking sound guy, I wouldn’t be able to do what I want to do,” Sommer says.
With all the moving parts that come with life on the road, the New York native swears by Ableton, a music software used for production, live performances and DJing, to keep things running smoothly.
“It’s got a learning curve, but if you get past it, there’s a reason why it’s designed the way it is, because it just works. I don’t understand how anyone uses anything else,” he says.
Ableton is something that he incorporates in his everyday life, regardless of if he is on tour or not. “Ableton is so quick that it in itself becomes an instrument.” His days are jam packed with a mix of creativity and collaboration — whether he is writing new songs, producing tracks or jamming in the studio, he is fully immersed in the music making process. Being on tour has given Sommer the freedom to let go and be his full, authentic self.
“It’s the only time in my life where I’m able to shut it all off and be myself. It’s worth every second of the work.”
The guitarist’s biggest piece of advice to aspiring musicians is to treat playing like a job, right from the start. He puts an emphasis on the importance of professionalism — showing up prepared, respecting the people you work with, and taking your craft seriously.
“Always let people know what you want to do and where you want to go, but make sure you have the chops to back it up,” he says. “Be intentional with every opportunity and always do what is asked of you…Sure, we have a cool job and you get to live out your dreams on stage, but that can easily be taken away because you didn’t pack your stuff up on time or you missed bus call or you are just straight up disrespectful. All those little things add up to being a professional guitar player.”
