I remember when my fiancée at the time (now husband) and I had a meeting with the event planner and the “DJ”. All I knew was we were going to go over things such as the music selection etc., and I did not even know the name of the “DJ”. I recall DJ Jess first introducing herself, and I had the thought “OMG! I am intrigued that she is a female!” I knew she was going to be perfect for the occasion because not only is she professional, but she was willing go against the traditional wedding grain.
The venue we had chosen, gave us this form for the DJ to follow prior to our meeting. I wrote really big on the bouquet toss section NO WAY! DJ Jess saw that and busted out laughing! I knew from that point on she was cool, and was going to give us what we wanted. She really did an outstanding job!
Needless to say, we now follow each other on social media, and I saw her post this picture (right) With the caption:“I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy, but most importantly, music. For the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning” -Plato
“Shout out to my mom and dad for putting on the music, giving me the headphones, and setting up the trampoline so I could move. These are my DJ roots.”
During the interview, I had asked DJ Jess about the that picture and caption, and she told me...
DJ Jess: The seed that grew the roots was most definitely planted when I was a little girl. I grew up in a very musical family, which mainly trickled down from my father. He was in a band from the time he was a little boy. As a husband and father, he played in a wedding group called The Harmony Band. I can still remember the dates I had with my mom when he was out at a gig. How ironic is it that my husband does the same thing with our children?
There was always music playing in my childhood home, and one of my favorite things to do while the sounds filled the air was to put on my parents’ headphones and jump on the trampoline. I can still remember how I would get lost in the instruments and vocals. I loved it loud and I still do!
Over the years I have had the privilege to see how your career has progressed. Are you a sole proprietor of your business?
DJ Jess: Yes, it’s just me! Sometimes my home office is lonely, but at least I get to work in my pajamas.
I know you have done events such as Women Who Rock, Las Vegas, opened for a national artist, radio jockey, participated in the Pride Parade. Can you go into detail about these events?
DJ Jess: Could this list be any better? You just named a few of my most favorite events I’ve performed. Although I specialize in weddings, I adore traveling to DJ and working iconic functions.
Most recently I did the Pride Parade aboard the Tito’s float. A company from California reached out via email and I couldn’t respond quickly enough. I managed to rock an upbeat set and create a club atmosphere all while the float traveled through the slightly bumpy streets of downtown. My usual dance moves were really just me falling back as the float stopped.
Women Who Rock was a beneficial concert at Stage AE for Magee Women’s Research Institute. I found it on Facebook and reached out to the organizer to offer my services. The collection of talented women artists in attendance was mind blowing; Lyndsey Smith, Melina Bowser, Women’s A Capella, Sweet Adelines International, and of course, Shelia E. My opening set was a little over an hour and featured women artists from Aaliyah to Alanis. I played at least 60 different female artists, so it was quick mixing!
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| Photo Credit: Jake Klein Photography |
As for Vegas, that was one of the most groundbreaking gigs. Mainly the 2018 performance, where I was part of The Peavey DJ Takeover. I had 15 minutes to perform, and even though my hands shook the entire time, it went perfectly. I’ll never forget how I felt when I got down off of the stage. It was the turning point to seeking out and making it a goal to do the events we’ve reviewed.
Could you tell me about the hard-work side of being a DJ? I know it can't be all fun.
DJ Jess: One of the most enticing features of starting my own company was and still is the ability to make my own schedule. I’m a mom and a wife, and my children are growing so quickly. I don’t want to miss a thing, if I can have a say in it. Work/life balance is a priority.
With that said, I do get consecutive days off where I can plan the best activities. I wake up with my children every morning and put them to bed most nights. But-that time off means sometimes I have to hustle-hard. I’ll book back to back 12-hour days. I’ll grab a random Thursday gig on top of planning my radio show. Events and monumental performances seem to come in clusters. Being mobile means I bring everything an event needs for the performance. This means anything from a ceremony set up, regular DJ set up, and up lights. It’s just me and it’s a lot of physical work. That’s the part that gets me sometimes, how incredibly tired I am after working insane hours.
Jess, I was honored to do this interview with you! I can’t wait to see what else you do in the future!
DJ Jess: Thank you for having me, this was so fun! You can find my work at the following links:
YouTube Channel
DJ Jess' Website
Natalie is the author of The Many Colors of Natalie, a book of poetry. She holds an associates degree in Specialized Technology Le Cornon Bleu Pastry Arts and in her spare time is an artist and percussionist.
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