JG Shadid is a composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and educator. He has been featured in The New York Times, People Magazine and Consequence of Sound, topped the iTune charts for his original composition for acclaimed documentary The Pedal Movie, and received an Emmy nomination for his original score for the documentary series Seeing Brave.
Shadid's music ranges from cinematic folk, to minimalist piano, to ambient/experimental soundscape, to neo-classical composition. This, alongside his passion for music education and his work with Reverb has earned him notoriety on the internet with millions of views, as well as taking him to Istanbul, Turkey, where he taught a music program to Syrian Refugee children through the KARAM FOUNDATION.
He has toured all over the U.S. Europe, UK, and Japan and is a pillar of the Chicago music community as co-founder/curator of DIY listening venue - The Red Room, and owner/proprietor of Gentle Bear Studio - both located in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood. Shadid has released 4 records in the last 3 years in a variety of disciplines. His piece STRING QUARTET NO. 1 “NOVA DECO” had its world premier in 2024, and his upcoming record "The Art of Speaking Softly" is set for release July 11th, 2025.
Part of JG Shadid’s expression is through the lens of minimalism. Inspired by mid-20th century composers, JG is drawn to repeating patterns, ambient textures, surrounded by cascades of color, and wrapped in felt piano phrasings.
His latest release in this realm ~ nil contend ~ contains two pieces, composed alongside meditations of the TAO philosophy of “not contending.”
Enjoy.
JG SHADID’s debut in this style was the 2021 release of the full length LP “HOLDING PATTERNS”
JG Shadid’s latest record of songs ~ FOLK CINEMA ~ was released in August of 2024, followed by a tour in Germany, Czechia, and Austria.
“a dreamy record of reflection and reckoning that aches with the warmth, weight, and wonder of life itself.”
- ATWOOD MAGAZINE
JG SHADID’S performances range from piano and synth ambient textures and loops, to nylon string guitar soft and intimate songs with vocals. From museums and art galleries, to songwriter clubs and cafes. Each performance is vulnerable, weaved with story-telling and humor, and dedicated to the very moment.
December 2 - Hamburg, Germany - Warenwirtschaft
December 5 - Düsseldorf, Germany - Café Kultus
December 11 - Teplice, Czechia - TepJazz Club
December 12 - Jindřichǔv Hradec, Czechia - Dada Club Kasper
December 13 - Linz, Austria - Sofar Sound
December 14 - Brno, Czechia - Stará Pekárna
December 15 - Veseli nad Moravou, Czechia - Cinema Morova
December 16 - Vyškov, Czechia - Besedni dům
December 17 - Leipzig, Germany - Horns Erben
December 18 - Lübeck, Germany - Tonfink
December 19 - Berlin, Germany - Artliners
JG SHADID’S String Quartet No. 1 “NOVA DECO” was recently recorded and performed, thanks in part to being funded by a Chicago Arts Grant. The studio recording will be released worldwide and on vinyl in September of 2025.