THE RISE OF KOBI REESE – BREAKING GROUND – ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
At just 15, Kobi Reese has fronted more than 30 adult bands, released original songs, and is presently touring Germany. While most kids his age are figuring out algebra, Reese is busy planning setlists. His story isn’t just about precocious talent or early fame – it’s about navigating adult creative spaces with a rare emotional fluency.
Mentors and Family
Kobi Reese‘s mentors and family play a crucial role in helping him handle the attention that comes with early fame. While he enjoys the recognition, they keep him grounded, making sure he balances his music career with the everyday joys of being a teenager. “I love getting attention, but I also live a normal 15-year-old life – riding bikes, going to the arcade, playing board games with my family, and being a master at pickleball!” he says.
Kobi Reese credits his family for instilling kindness and humility, and their support enables him to stay true to himself. He especially enjoys being recognized as a musician, drawing energy from interacting with fans. “I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of it. The coolest musicians are the ones who are always available to take a selfie, even if they’re out to dinner. I wanna be like that.” For Kobi, being in the spotlight is more than just fame – it’s an authentic part of his identity. When his schedule gets overwhelming, his parents help him manage stress and prioritize deadlines, keeping him balanced.
Mentorship
Eric Singer from KISS is more than just a famous drummer to Kobi – he’s a true friend and mentor. “He’ll FaceTime me just to check in and make sure I’m doing alright,” Kobi says. Eric even gave him a pair of his stage-worn leather pants, encouraging Kobi to choose looser, comfier clothing for performances. That kind of support has helped Kobi feel more confident and professional in the music world.
Turning Point
Kobi’s first acoustic set at a David Z Foundation event in Avalon, California marked a turning point in his journey as a musician. At just 13, he stepped onto the stage not only to perform, but to support a cause that meant a lot to him. The foundation, led by his mentor Paulie Zablidowski, honors the memory of David Z by creating opportunities for young artists. For Kobi Reese, these performances are more than charity—they’re a chance to connect with other musicians, share stories, and see firsthand how music can bring hope and healing to a community.
Staying Grounded
With guidance from industry pros and his parents, Kobi has learned to set boundaries, listen to advice, and make choices that feel right for him. He respects everyone involved in his shows – from bandmates to crew – and values open communication. These influences have helped Kobi Reese stay humble and kind, even as his recognition grows.
Origins
The release of BREAKING GROUND isn’t just a milestone in Kobi’s career – it’s the culmination of a journey that began long before he ever stepped into a recording studio. To truly appreciate the depth and authenticity of his latest work, it helps to look back at the moment his passion for music first took hold. At age seven, after years of pleading with his parents, Kobi Reese was finally allowed to take drumming lessons. That moment sparked the dream that would shape his life. It’s proof that believing in yourself can take you farther than you ever imagined.
Balancing School and Music
As Kobi’s musical ambitions grew, so did the challenge of managing everyday life as a teenager. He sometimes drums out melodies on his school desk, but admits that tougher coursework makes it impossible to even jot down lyrics or melodies during class. “I try to get ahead of the school workload,” he says, highlighting the difficulty of balancing academics and music. When the pressures of performing and schoolwork build up, Kobi finds relief by retreating to his music room, where he plays just about every instrument – often building a song from a single melody, beat or lyric.
When organizing the track list for BREAKING GROUND before ordering the vinyl and CD’s, Kobi and his guitarist Dallas realized they were one track short. Kobi’s mother suggested they head to the studio and stay until they wrote the missing song. With just three days to write and record, they created “Dreaming”– now a favorite for the band to perform.
Career Decisions
Kobi’s maturity shines in how he manages his career. While his parents offer guidance, he makes all decisions about his music and creative direction. Early on, he was approached by an industry professional interested in managing him, but since that person lacked experience with young artists, Kobi Reese declined. “I choose the direction I want my career moving in,” he says.
Creative Boundaries
He’s learned to set boundaries, especially with producers who want to change his music to fit their style. “Now when I go into the studio, I listen to suggestions but only make changes if I feel it’s right for me,” Kobi says. By staying true to his instincts, he’s begun developing a sound that blends rock, pop, and country. “I want to be known for creating something unique and timeless that appeals to everyone – just like Jon Bon Jovi,” he adds.
Proving Himself
Being the youngest in the room, Kobi Reese often finds himself needing to prove his abilities. “I feel like I spend my whole life trying to prove myself,” he admits. “People see my age and don’t want to give me or my band a chance. It isn’t until after I perform that people usually apologize for not giving me a shot.” These experiences have shaped Kobi’s determination and resilience, driving him to continually earn respect through his performances.
Growth and Transition
As Kobi’s skills developed, he realized his growth was being limited at his music school. After six years, he felt the directors were no longer supporting his progress, so he made the difficult decision to move on and focus more intently on his career. This transition wasn’t easy, but it opened new doors. After years of fronting adult bands, Kobi Reese realized that forming a group with musicians his own age would help them stand out and be more marketable. Now, his band is made up entirely of teenagers, bringing fresh energy and opening new doors for all of them.
Managing Pressure
Of course, success brings its own pressures. Balancing school, rehearsals, and performances can be overwhelming at times. Fortunately, Kobi’s parents are always there to help him manage stress and prioritize his commitments. “My parents can tell when I’m starting to get overwhelmed, so they help me focus on the things that have the soonest deadlines to make everything more manageable,” he shares. Facing obstacles both on and off stage has shaped Kobi’s approach to leadership, teaching him the importance of clear communication and mutual respect.
Leadership and Respect
As the youngest of five siblings, Kobi Reese learned early how to get attention. This experience shaped his leadership style within his band, where he confidently assumes the role of leader and primary decision maker. “I set boundaries with my bandmates, but everyone’s voice is heard. At the end of the day, I’m the executive decision maker,” he shares. Kobi respects everyone involved in performances, including the sound crew and support staff, making sure rehearsals run smoothly and everyone’s time is valued.
That truth – how he earns respect, how he sets boundaries, how he stays present – is what his story is all about. Kobi Reese doesn’t just share the stage with adults; he commands it. Whether he’s fronting a metal band or trading solos with seasoned players twice his age, he’s not there to be cute. He’s there to be good.
“I don’t get special treatment,” he says. “They expect me to show up like everyone else.”
But that expectation carries weight. In rehearsal rooms where experience is currency, Kobi earns his place with preparation. He listens more than he talks. He learns fast. And when it’s time to deliver, he does.
Life Beyond the Stage
At school, Kobi’s journey is as unique as his music career. Friends sometimes tease him by playing his first music video in class, and he stands out with his long hair and unconventional clothing. Though he’s sometimes seen as the “weird music kid,” Kobi remains secure in his future and has learned important lessons about trust. “There are great people in the industry who are truly happy for your success, but others can be jealous,” he reflects. Through it all, he stays grounded, embracing both the challenges and the support.
Kobi’s experiences outside the spotlight have inspired him to use his talents for a greater cause.
Giving Back Through Music
Kobi’s commitment to music extends beyond his own career. The David Z Foundation holds a special place in his heart, inspiring him to use his talent to help others. Much of this inspiration comes from his mentor, Paulie Zablidowski, whose guidance has shaped Kobi’s outlook on both music and life. To honor his brother David, who was tragically killed in an automobile accident while on tour, Paulie founded the foundation to keep David’s spirit alive through music.
For Kobi, performing at the foundation’s events isn’t just about giving back—it’s about being part of a community that believes in the healing power of music and the importance of supporting young artists. If you’d like to learn more or help make a difference, you can visit davidzfoundation.org.
Paulie’s Influence and the Foundation’s Mission
Paulie Zablidowski’s mentorship has shaped Kobi’s outlook on both music and life. Through the David Z Foundation, Paulie not only honors his brother’s legacy but also champions music education and emotional well-being for young artists. Kobi Reese credits Paulie for teaching him that success isn’t just about talent or ambition—it’s about remembering your roots, supporting others, and maintaining balance between career and personal life. The foundation’s work inspires Kobi to give back, reminding him that music can be a force for good beyond the stage.
Paulie taught him the importance of working hard for your dreams, but not at the expense of family, health, and relationships.
Creative Choices and Memorable Moments
Kobi is fiercely protective of his creative choices. “If I was told to take a track off the album, I would fight to keep “Take Control”. It’s my favorite song because it’s super upbeat and super rock. It was extremely fun to write,” he says. Despite his success, Kobi feels he’s not yet known to all industry giants—he’s convinced they’d love his music if they heard it.
He recalls performing with Gene Simmons in a sold-out arena when the audio failed. Gene told him to tell the crowd a joke, and Kobi’s quick wit – “Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the Gene Simmons concert” – had everyone laughing, turning a stressful moment into an ice breaker.
Another memorable moment was performing at the Spyglass Winery at age ten in front of thousands of people. That morning, his mom had to calm him down because he was so nervous. She convinced him he was talented enough, so after getting on stage and taking command of the audience, he performed “I Want You Back” by Michael Jackson and “blew it out of the park.” He still runs into people who attended the show that day who comment on that performance. “That was the day I realized this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”
Facing Misconceptions
Success has brought misconceptions—some assume his family is wealthy and that opportunities are bought, not earned. “We have a large family, and my parents struggle to pay for all the things I need to keep my music career going: recording time, buying vinyl and CDs, merchandise, music videos, and now touring in Germany.” Reese is candid about the sacrifices his family makes to support his career, dispelling myths about the industry supporting his career.
Kobi also feels bad when fans approach him in person, expecting him to recognize them from frequent chats on social media. “I have thousands of fans—I couldn’t possibly know all of them,” he admits. “But I feel horrible when I can’t.” It’s a challenge unique to growing up in the public eye, and Kobi’s empathy shines through even in these moments.
Looking Ahead
With dreams of performing in stadiums and a clear vision for his future, Reese is determined to be a “lifer” in music. He’s already opening for major acts and is committed to building his career step by step. Next month, Kobi and his band are going on tour to Germany supporting Bonfire and soon, opening for Lynch Mob, Great White, and Slaughter.
Concert photographer, Mark Weiss is quoted as saying, “I feel someday you will have a Grammy.” Hearing such praise at such a young age is incredible. “Mark has always believed in me and was one of the very first people to recognize my talent,” Kobi says. “The pressure to achieve this goal does not bother me. I know it will be hard work, but it’s what I want, and I will keep moving ahead until I get there.”
Final Thoughts
The dream began in his childhood bedroom, banging out tunes with a set of chopsticks. Today, Kobi Reese is living proof that betting on yourself is the ultimate power move. He’s got the heart of a dreamer, the soul of a rock star, and the business savvy of someone twice his age. If you’re looking for the secret to making it big, just watch Kobi: he doesn’t just play the game—he rewrites the rules.
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