Tito Ortiz

The youngest of four children born to Ecuadorian parents, Tito is a first generation American singer-songwriter.  He grew up in New York and at an early age developed an appetite for blues and classic country.  It was the music legends of old — Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins and Elvis Presley — who seeded in him a passion for writing songs steeped in rich imagery.

In the late 90s, Tito formed the Latin rock band, Ernesto and quickly became a staple of the eclectic music scene in New York’s east village, packing clubs and gaining notoriety as an explosive live act. The band was noticed by Josh Deutsch and Leigh Lust of Elektra Records who gave him his first production deal under the guidance of producer, Ed Tuton.

Tito continued to expand his creative aspirations and moved to Los Angeles where he found success as an actor, but it was his sense of story that would shift his career from acting, to film & TV development.  He worked for producer, Mark Gordon (Grey’s Anatomy, Criminal Minds) and later went on to become VP of Development at Universal Pictures’ Illumination Entertainment (Producers of the Despicable Me franchise and Minions). 

In the summer of 2010, Tito met Nashville-based producer, Chris Donohue who was touring with country legend, Emmylou Harris.  After listening to a demo, Donohue invited Tito to Nashville to record his debut solo record, Lonesome Rider.  The album featured some of the top talent in music city including:  Grammy-winning producer Steve Fishell on pedal & lap steel guitar (currently touring with Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell); Tammy Rogers King on violin & mandolin (recorded & toured with Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood); Pat Bergeson on harmonica (credits include Lyle Lovett, Alison Krauss and Dolly Parton); and Ken Lewis on drums (credits include The Civil Wars, Vince Gill and Trace Adkins).  In addition to producing, Donohue played bass, electric guitar and keyboards on the album, which was recorded entirely at Yackland Studios in East Nashville.

Tito lived in Nashville for a year with his wife in 2013, before an opportunity in film development brought him back to LA.  It was then that he met producer, composer and founder of Bosshouse Music, Stephen Phillips.  The compliment of styles led to their first track, Bad Things which tells the story of innocence lost in the deep south.  They followed up with the ethereal, High Above and the rock & blues infused, Will the River Rise.  Ortiz and Phillips' continued partnership has seen their music featured on major networks including Fox, CBS and SHOWTIME.

Tito continues to develop and produce projects for film and TV.  He has worked with Notes for Notes, a non-profit that provides music mentorship to teens in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and volunteered with The Art of Elysium, a foundation which brings music & art to children in hospitals throughout Los Angeles.

Contact: titoortizmusic@gmail.com