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Music Interview with Todd Siff


Monterey, California–based singer-songwriter Todd Siff is known for his heartfelt lyrics, thoughtful storytelling, and easygoing melodic style. Rooted in the classic singer-songwriter tradition, his music blends folk, pop, and gentle rock influences to create songs that are both reflective and accessible. With welcoming vocals and a message-forward approach, Siff invites listeners to connect deeply while still enjoying a catchy, uplifting sound. His upcoming album, Keep Dreaming, arrives in summer 2025 and features the inspiring title track produced by Matt Johns. Inspired by artists like Coldplay, Damien Rice, and Kacey Musgraves, Siff crafts music for those seeking light, connection, and meaning.

Was there something or someone who was the "catalyst" for you to go into music? I am named after my great-grandfather, Tevya, who passed away just a few days before I was born. He was a violinist from Poland and played on Broadway and at the White House under FDR. The family story is that when he passed away, he passed the musical genes to me. I began teaching myself piano and guitar around 5 years old. Began writing songs around that time as well and it's been a life in music ever since. I also have to thank my music teacher in Middle and High School, Tom Gress, for encouraging me to continue my passion in music. I was lucky enough in my adult life to play in a band with Tom.

Let's get this out of the way. What is the craziest thing that has ever happened in your music career? I was on tour with my band Freerunner (@freerunnermusic on IG) in 2018 and we stopped at Sun Studio in Memphis, TN on New Year's Eve. We simply went into Sun Studio to get a tour of the historic spot. The person at the front desk happened to be the studio engineer and he said to us, "Hey, do you guys want to make a recording here tonight? I'm bored and no one else is coming in today." We then proceeded to spend 4 hours recording a live-studio album at Sun Studio. It was incredible to play the same piano as Jerry Lee Lewis and the same guitar as Johnny Cash and to be in a historic environment doing what we love.

What has been the highlight of your music path? I've been very lucky to travel around the world making art, both in music and theatre. To me, the highlight is in collaboration with other artists. I love nothing more than jamming with other musicians and creating something new that didn't exist before. I've been lucky to produce records that included Grammy award winning musicians and producers. But the simplicity of working with another group of humans to create art is what I do this for.

How do you approach songwriting or what is your creative process like? Songwriting for me starts with a melody. I tend to find a melodic line in my head through improvisation. Then I grab a guitar or sit at the piano and find a chord progression that fits around the melodic line. I then improvise for 10-15 minutes on that melody/progression and record the improvisation. Then I go back and listen to the improvisation session to see what goodness lies within it. From there, I begin to put the elements of the song structure together—verses, chorus, bridge, solo, etc. Once the structure of the song exists, I then improvise lyrics to see what comes out naturally. Then I listen back to the lyric improv sessions and start to write the lyrics completely. Then it's studio time. Typically, I record a demo in my home studio and then I do the album version in a professional studio.


Do you have a new release? Tell us about it. Keep Dreaming is my latest release. It is the first track on my new album also called Keep Dreaming.

West Coast singer-songwriter Todd Siff is set to release his new single, “Keep Dreaming,” on June 13 ahead of a summer album inspired by a gentle mix of folk, classic rock, and catchy pop styles. Produced by Matt Johns, the breezy new track blends melodic lyricism with an anthemic pop-rock sensibility, offering a hopeful message for listeners seeking light in uncertain times.

Rooted in true singer-songwriter tradition, “Keep Dreaming” focuses on the emotional weight of its lyrics and a memorable, sing-along-ready chorus. The dreamy instrumentation and Siff’s welcoming vocals create an easy listening experience, kindly prompting reflection on our inner beliefs and hope for a better world.

The music video for the single takes viewers on an escape to Big Sur, one of the artist’s favorite spots for connecting with the wonders of life. Glistening waves push and pull as Siff reminds us that we can always choose kindness, unity, and love. “The world of this song is about becoming one with nature,” the singer-songwriter said. “Take a step back to calm ourselves and be at peace in the world.”

Inspired by artists like Coldplay, Damien Rice, and Kacey Musgraves, Siff balances storytelling with uplifting, meditative energy. The single also serves as the title track of his upcoming album, coming later this summer. With its universal themes and approachable melody, “Keep Dreaming” is aimed at listeners who seek meaning in their music. “I hope people walk away with the mantra of the chorus echoing in their mind,” he added. “To keep dreaming, especially now.”

If you could share the stage or a song session with an artist, who would it be? For me, it's Coldplay. From my early life, I've always admired the band's songwriting and genre-bending. They have been able to stay on top of the musical world for over 20 years, which is quite a feat. I've been lucky enough to produce an album with my band Freerunner, with one of the engineers who worked on Coldplay's album X and Y. In that studio session, Keith (the producer) brought out a signed Wurlitzer piano used by Coldplay in the studio. We placed that Wurly on our record and I think of it every time I hear it.

For fans who have never heard your music, how would you describe your sound? West Coast singer-songwriter Todd Siff is set to release his new single, “Keep Dreaming,” on June 13 ahead of a summer album inspired by a gentle mix of folk, classic rock, and catchy pop styles. Produced by Matt Johns, the breezy new track blends melodic lyricism with an anthemic pop-rock sensibility, offering a hopeful message for listeners seeking light in uncertain times.

Rooted in true singer-songwriter tradition, “Keep Dreaming” focuses on the emotional weight of its lyrics and a memorable, sing-along-ready chorus. The dreamy instrumentation and Siff’s welcoming vocals create an easy listening experience, kindly prompting reflection on our inner beliefs and hope for a better world.

What is your favorite part about being an artist? Is it songwriting, performing, producing...something else? To me, the best part of being an artist is about sharing the art with an audience. In live performance, I love to teach the crowd harmonies and have them sing along. As an arts educator, teaching both Theatre and music at the college level, I love to inspire others to find their own creative energy. Inspiring others to be in touch with their creativity is why I do what I do.

When you are not doing music, what else do you enjoy doing? I love creating Theatre as well. My career is as a Theatre Professor. Currently, I teach at Monterey Peninsula College in Monterey, CA. We produce 4 plays per year and I love to inspire the next generation of artists.

I also love hiking. The music video for Keep Dreaming takes place in Big Sur, which my wife and I hike often. To me, music and nature go hand in hand.

What is coming up in the future for you? This summer is a big musical time. Keep Dreaming the single is released June 13. The album is released July 18th. Then I am heading out on an Album Release Tour. Dates currently booked in New York City, Boston, Nashville, Miami, and California. Looking forward to hitting the road and playing music with friends. Connect with Todd Siff:




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