Phoenix Mendoza — singer, writer, artist

8/6/2025

Musician Phoenix Mendoza’s multi-dimensional career spans from songwriting, performance, and recording to visual arts and charity concerts. 

Mendoza will perform in Des Moines on Aug. 28 at Jasper Winery. He and Josh Leo, along with their band, play a charity concert benefitting Mary’s Meals. Kitty Steadman also performs. The concert is presented by Heartland for Kids and is a free, family-friendly event.Mendoza began performing at age 17. He has done solo endeavors and was also formerly with the band High South. 

He sings and writes original music. He plays music inspired by the Eagles and Bob Seger, which contains open chords, storytelling and a good rhythm section. 

“We get rocking and have a slamming tight set,” he says.

Wherever Mendoza is, lyrics appear in everyday life. When he was in the gym, the tempo often matched the steps on his feet. He once had a conversation with a fellow songwriter who posed the question, ‘If you could get $5 million, but never write a song again, would you do it?’ “I’d be sneaking off in three days. I couldn’t do it,” he says.

In addition to songwriting and concerts, he is a visual artist. When deciding his career early on, experts told him he couldn’t do both artistic endeavors and still make a living out of it. Yet, when the COVID pandemic hit and he was in quarantine, he ramped up his painting.

“I brought Bob Ross, whiskey and a bag of weed and picked up a paintbrush,” he recalls.

After that, he began selling his paintings. Again, he struggled with conflicting thoughts — do I paint or do music?

Now, he melds the two. His paintings are based on the songs he has written and his life on the road. Images, or words in the song, make it to the canvas. He sells prints at his concerts that pair with his original music.

“When I put the kids to bed, I either write a song or work on a painting. I’m fortunate to be able to pay the bills and see the world (because of this career).”

He has played his favorite venues, including the Grand Ole Opry and Boston Symphony Hall. On his musical bucket list is to play Red Rocks. Yet, his biggest goal is to simply write great songs. 

“I want to show my children that dreams can pay the bills,” he says.

One reason why he is passionate about his musical career is about connecting people through music. 

“Every single human, we all have a favorite song, music they recall growing up. It’s a heck of a language, and it’s an awesome way to get paid,” he reflects. 

Mendoza says defining success and weighing attributes, such as honor, compromise and success, are a challenge. 

“Music should be uncompromising, Joni Mitchell once said that a musician should define success BEFORE a musical career starts. Where does happiness lie? Is it a hit record? Some people aren’t happy with that,” he reflects. “So many people lose it and flush it down the toilet.” 

Besides writing songs and performing, his goal is simply to be true to himself. 

“If you do it for money, good luck,” he says. “You have to do it for yourself. The most difficult part is maintaining a sense of self in your career.”

Mendoza has been performing at Mary’s Meals benefits concerts for 10 years. He says the organization, along with the concerts, has raised more than $100,000 for hungry children. 

“I have always loved the organization and like that it’s all about feeding the kids. It’s always a good time and a good cause,” he says.

Catch Phoenix Mendoza and Josh Leo on Aug. 28 at Jasper Winery. On Aug. 29, Mendoza performs at The Cellar Winery in Madrid. ♦