Jesus Villa Live at SoLu

After immigrating from Mexico at age five, Jesús grew up in a small town in southeastern Wisconsin. His house was always filled with music, and he began playing guitar at age 10. By high school, he was writing music and performing professionally.

 

For a while, Jesús’ artistic ambitions took a backseat to other callings as he pursued his education and built a career in employment law and diversity advocacy. But he never left music far behind. Jesús led several bands that performed regularly around southeastern Wisconsin, including the Front Porch Rockers and The Unrulies, with whom he still plays.

 

In 2017, Jesús co-founded the Kangaroo Lake Songwriters Collective and began writing and recording new material. He started Dad’s Red Chair Music publishing company, and in August 2020, he released The Lone Pine Sessions, his first solo EP – performed and recorded by himself in his basement and at a friend’s cabin. Soon after, he formed The Unrulies to perform his original songs with a full band. The Unrulies released their first album, “Songs About Leaving”, in May 2025.

 

Jesús continues to write, perform, record, and release original music. His songs dance between folk, indie pop, traditional country, and classic rock. He is a Wisconsin Music Ventures Green Room member and has been featured on Wisconsin’s Amplified Artists Series. He has been featured on the Wisconsin Music Podcast, and his songs have been played on independent radio in Wisconsin and around the world.