We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Ray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
As a young girl, I grew up around music. Everyday there was music from every genre blasting through the house and although both of my parents loved music my Dad is where my musical creativeness came from. He was a bass player who played on many hit records and he would teach me about the art of entertaining. Pursing being an artist started off being an interest sheerly through the love of music and the special bond it gave my Father and I. Once I become a little older I realized how creative I could be in this world. I’ll never forget watching Michael Jackson’s tour in Bucharest on VHS. It changed my life. He’s ability to create a visual, musical and emotional connected experience blew my mind. From then on I always challenged myself on how far I could push things in a creative space. However, just being creative and loving the music alone wasn’t all to me choosing an artistic path, it also became an outlet. I went to a public elementary school and I was bullied regularly and I also went to a majority white private middle and high school where I felt like an outcast and didn’t belong. I felt like I had no control over my emotions, how people treated or viewed me nor how I allowed them to treat me without even standing up for myself. Yet in music and in creating shows as well as brainstorming and executing photo shoots and videos, I became self aware, more confident, and more in control. In my creative space I was safe and I was protected. Being an artist gives me the freedom to express myself however I see fit and feels so good. Pursing an artistic direction was the best thing I could have ever done.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an R&B/Pop Singer and Dancer. I was bored and raised in Memphis, Tn which in my opinion sets me apart off top along with of course there only being one me. lol Having the opportunity to create freely and show the world what goes on inside my brain is something I look forward to but some of my post proudest moments are working with the children at the Stax Music Academy as a choreographer. I truly enjoy watching the young adults thrive in a none judgmental space. It’s rewarding being able to pass along information that I have gained over the years. Some of the most important ones being Professionalism and Owning who you are. Being able to master those, amongst other lessons, allowed me early in my career to book consistent gigs, write for other artist, sing with and for major artist and untimely being signed to a deal. This road is definitely not an easy one with long late nights, time away from family, lack of a social life, and let’s just say (especially starting off) money should NOT be a driving force for why you do what do you. The drive and passion is what continuously gave me the strength to overcome obstacles as they came. Many nights of self talks, mediation and prayer held me together. Now being an independent artist I’m able to fully share my journey and hopefully help other young aspiring artist become more confident with who they are meant to be without approval from anyone else. I pray that I can leave a legacy of hard work, great music and an abundance love.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
MY PARENTS!!!!!

If anyones knows me they know that Ray and Claudia Griffin have done nothing but hold me down from the very beginning. From dances class, to voice lessons, the best education, you name it, they were there no matter the day or time. But for me the best part is how they have supported me through my journey. Being an artist isn’t an easy road, matter of fact its tough as hell! But being that my dad was a musician and my mom was married to one their level of patience and understanding has being nothing short of beyond amazing. They have never turned their back on me, they have never not supported my career nor have they ever made me feel as though they needed to be recognized or paid back for what they have done. There is absolutely nothing I can do to show them my gratitude, but rest assure I am going to do my very best!

Website: https://www.iamjessicaray.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjessica_ray/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-bounds-314796210/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamjessica_ray

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaRayOnline

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOkd1a2NpcfqjcCiMecVhqQ

Image Credits
Brandon McCoy ( @BNodd) Clyde ( @madebyglyde)

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