Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Ray.
Jessica, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Hi! My Name is Jessica Ray. I am a recording artist in Memphis TN. I also dance so I consider myself as an entertainer. I have been performing professionally since age 13. While attending University of Memphis, I was in a group on campus called Sound Fuzion from which I received a full scholarship. I graduated with both a Bachelors and Masters in Music Performance and Journalism before really diving more into my career as an artist. I now do this full time as a signed recording artist at MIME Records. I have performed at festivals, weddings, birthday parties, duet w/ Aaron Nevell and opened for Dru Hill. I hosted and performed at benefit concerts for the Exceptional Foundation and the Baddour Center in hopes of not only raising money but raising awareness for people with mental disabilities. My cousin has been a part of both organizations which is why it’s dear to my heart. But recently, I released my record/Visual “Whatever” April 10th and the Spanish version May 5th. I just released my latest record/visual “Lock” June 12th and will be releasing another record/visual entitled “I Bet You Will” July 24th. Being an artist has afforded me the opportunity to not only live my dream and do what makes me happy but also meet many different people from different walks of life. I performed in a show in Nashville for a college graduating class some years back and at the time I was singing cover songs.
I began to sing a cover tune called “Roar” by Katy Perry. As I was singing, I saw a mother starting to cry and she came up to the edge of the stage and started singing along. After our show, she made it a point to come find me to tell me how much that moment meant to her. Her son was supposed to graduate that year but a few months earlier committed suicide. However, her friend who also had kids graduating convinced her to come to celebrate his life. She said that “Roar” was his favorite song and that it felt like he was there and that it meant the world to her to hear me sing that song. That is what motivates me as an artist, the ability to reach the hearts of people. I look forward to sharing my heart and my growth as an artist and a woman in my upcoming EP 2021.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely been a challenging journey, but nothing I would change. From building confidence, to finding out where I fit in, to learning that I did NOT have to fit in, to finding my sound, dealing with financially taking care of everyday business as well as funding my career, definitely created some uncertainties, I thank God for the support of my parents. There have been friendships and relationships lost, self-doubt, as well as times where I thought about giving up. However, none of these were ever enough to make me quit. I absolutely love what I do and feel like these “struggles” have made me the person and artist I am today. I’m still learning and there are definitely still struggles but I feel that is what keeps me humble and thankful.
We’d love to hear more about your music.
Jessica Ray, Recording Artist at MIME Records, Singer/Songwriter. I’m Proud of my creativeness and my willingness to think beyond my limitations and environment. I believe what sets me apart is me. There is only one Jessica Ray, and I don’t mean that in a conceited way but only that God made me uniquely. My personality, voice, and movement are all unique to me. It took me awhile to accept all of me, flaws included. I’m very proud to be me.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I will be releasing three more records this year including a Christmas song. I plan to release my first EP 2021 and hopefully a tour will follow if it is safe and the world is in a healthier state to do so. I would also like to get involved in movies, commercials, getting endorsements and continuing to build and grow my brand.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @iamjessica_ray
- Facebook: Jessica Ray Online
- Twitter: @iamjessica_ray
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/MissJessicaRay1
Image Credit:
Clyde @madebyglyde
Bnodd @b_nodd
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