About
Starsign is a 13-piece progressive jazz-funk-fusion ensemble based in San Diego, California. Known for their electrifying live performances and fearless genre-crossing compositions, the band creates an immersive soundscape where jazz, funk, rock, classical, and global influences collide. Their sound has drawn comparisons to Snarky Puppy, Steely Dan, and Tower of Power—yet their voice remains unmistakably their own.
Formed by a collective of genre-diverse musicians, Starsign brings together an award-winning funk guitarist, a pianist shaped by Miami’s Latin and techno scenes, a drummer rooted in metal, and a powerhouse horn section fluent in everything from Miles Davis to Herbie Hancock. Their newest additions—a violinist and cellist—bring fresh orchestral textures and harmonic depth to their already expansive sound. This convergence of musical backgrounds results in dynamic arrangements that feel both wildly innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.
In 2024, Starsign was nominated for Best Funk Album at the San Diego Music Awards. They’ve since grown into one of Southern California’s most adventurous and ambitious jazz-fusion collectives, debuting new works at packed venues like St. Michael’s Jazz Festival, the Escondido Music & Art Company, and Wild Seeds Ranch.
With a second album on the horizon and a reputation for transforming every performance into a communal, genre-bending experience, Starsign is not just a band—it’s a musical constellation all its own.
Joel McCullough
Keys, Composer, Bandleader
Joel McCullough is the bandleader, keyboardist, and lead composer for Starsign. Originally from Miami, Florida, Joel began his musical journey at the age of five and has since evolved into a genre-bending artist with deep roots in jazz, classical, funk, and electronic music. A graduate of UC San Diego, where he studied under Grammy Award-winning producer Kamau Kenyatta, Joel’s compositions and arrangements are the creative core of Starsign’s sound—blending intricate melodies, bold harmonies, and rich textures across a wide spectrum of styles.
Outside of the band, he has composed and produced original music for websites, videos, and commercial projects, and received the Southern California Jazz Society Award for his 2024 composition Dream of Mushroom. With a unique voice on piano, organ, and synthesizers, Joel leads Starsign with a vision that is cinematic, inclusive, and constantly evolving.
cory cameron
Drums
Mike McCullough
Bass Guitar, Bass Synthesizer
Raised on rock, infected with the funk, and seduced by jazz, Mike McCullough is a San Diego composer and multi-instrumentalist who covers the bass clef for Starsign. He has performed and recorded with many artists including including Keller Williams, Changing Day, The Substitutes, Red Glass, and Electric Rooster. He is also the bassist and main writer for the San Diego-based prog-jazz sextet Sweater Weather.
Jonah Esser
Guitar
Sahar Malik
Percussion
Gino Calgaro
Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Synthesizer
Max moore
Trumpet
Josh Phillips
Trombone
Ben Sachs
Soprano Sax, Tenor Sax, Flute, Clarinets
Ben Sachs has been performing professionally as a multi-instrumentalist for almost a decade now. In this time, he has a honed a unique sound on the saxophones as well as flute, clarinet, and bass clarinet. He has performed in a huge range of genres from traditional jazz to electronica, and recorded on over a dozen projects. His versatility on multiple instruments makes him an essential part of the Starsign sound.
Connor Stratman
Alto Saxophone
Connor Stratman, Starsign’s alto saxophonist, has been with the group since its inception in September 2021. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Connor’s saxophone style was influenced by his teacher of 8 years, Tom Griesser. Connor’s sound has been shaped by alto players like Cannonball Adderley, Art Pepper and Sonny Stitt. During his time at UCSD, Connor was guided by the great Kamau Kenyatta, serving as his assistant director for the UCSD jazz ensemble for Connor’s senior year.
Christian Gaytan
Tenor Saxophone
Christian Gaytan, Starsign’s tenor saxophonist, brings a dynamic energy and a wide range of influences to the band. Influenced by renowned saxophonists such as Michael Brecker, Bob Reynolds, and especially Chris Potter, Christian has developed a distinctivley big and bright voice on the saxophone that captivates audiences.
During his senior year of high school, Christian joined forces with the funk band Ambassadors of Soul, collaborating with fellow bandmate Gino Calgaro. This experience helped shape his musical prowess and deepened his understanding of groove and rhythm. Throughout his time at UCSD, Christian played with the campus’s jazz ensemble, where he further refined his skills under the guidance of Grammy-winning saxophonist Kamau Kenyatta.
Ryan Jeffers
Violin
Ryan Jeffers, Starsign’s violinist, has been playing violin for 15 years. Born and raised just outside of New York City, Ryan has spent much of his musical career training and performing classical repertoire. In high school, he was a two-time concertmaster of his school orchestra and was nominated to the New York All-State Symphonic Orchestra in 2021.
Since beginning his studies in economics at UC San Diego in 2022, Ryan has been an active member of the UCSD Chamber Orchestra, serving as concertmaster for three semesters. He is also a founding member and the current president of the UCSD Room 264 Chamber Music Organization, as well as the conductor of the Student Symphonic Association. In his time at UCSD, he has performed in numerous concerts covering a wide range of classical literature in various ensembles.
Seeking to expand his musical horizons and explore his interest in jazz, Ryan joined Starsign in 2024 and has been contributing his violin expertise to the band ever since.
Katelyn CHu
Cello
JR GALINDEZ
Photographer and Videographer
JR Galindez, a San Diego-based videographer and photographer, brings his creative vision and technical expertise to Starsign as the director of video and social media content. A graduate of SF State Cinema, JR's passion for capturing captivating visuals and telling stories through his lens is evident in his work. With his skills in videography and photography, JR Galindez adds an artistic touch to Starsign's visual presence, ensuring their music is complemented by stunning visuals that resonate with audiences. Connect with JR on Instagram @jrvidio to explore his portfolio.
Darwin
Producer
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