We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jamirae a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jamirae, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
As an artist, especially one performing live, there are so many moving parts, uncertainties, and sacrifices that come with pursuing this path. I love what I do—it’s my passion, and there’s nothing else quite like the rush of performing with The Blindsiders, connecting with people through our music, and bringing a song to life. I can’t really say that I’ve wondered what life would be like with a “regular” job, or about the stability that comes from clocking in, doing your work, and leaving it behind because growing up my parents always encouraged me to follow my dreams. My father was a successful entrepreneur and taught me that I can make a living by doing what I love and what I’m passionate about. My parents never told me to go out and get a job, they encouraged me to follow my dreams. However, recently there was a brief moment I thought about how much work it actually takes to be part of a band and the work it takes to get paying gigs. We were preparing for back-to-back shows, and everything was feeling a bit overwhelming. Between planning setlists, coordinating with venues, managing the logistics of the show, and taking care of my family and my personal life I was just exhausted. So I was driving home after a rehearsal, and it struck me how relentless it can all feel. I thought about what it would be like if my job didn’t require so much night work or if I didn’t have to hustle as much just to make everything happen. I even wondered if maybe I took things too seriously, but in that moment, I thought of my son, Dalton, who passed away from brain cancer at the age of 25 years old. Dalton was my biggest fan, he was such a huge believer in me and my music, and he always encouraged me to keep going, to create, and to connect with people in the way that I do. The thought of him brings me back to the purpose and passion behind what I do. Dalton was a talented musician so he understood what it takes to be in the music business. Remembering him, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The creative life I lead is demanding, but it lets me share my music and make a connection with others. That’s why, even in moments of doubt, I know I’m where I’m supposed to be.
Ultimately, I know that the creative life I lead isn’t for everyone, but the chance to share my music with others, to keep Dalton’s spirit alive through it, and to make each show somewhere for people to escape, have fun and create memories; those things make it worth it. So, whenever I have brief moments of doubt, I think about the joy that comes with the work I do, the way it lets me honor the people I love, and the connection it allows me to have with others.
Jamirae, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Jamirae, I’m an international recording artist and the lead singer of The Blindsiders. Music has been a huge part of my life since childhood. My junior high music teacher, Todd Chadwick, really sparked my love for it by encouraging me to explore different instruments and my voice. That early support, combined with the encouragement from my late son, Dalton, kept me going. After his passing, I took a break from music, but eventually, I felt a need to honor his belief in me. That’s when I formed The Blindsiders and started performing again.
With The Blindsiders, we offer a mix of classic rock, ’90s country, and southern rock covers, along with original music that explores themes like resilience, loss, and finding your way back in life. We strive to give audiences an experience, not just a show. Our live sets are high-energy, but we also include intimate, stripped-down acoustic performances where we can connect with listeners on a personal level.
The Blindsiders are made up of incredibly talented musicians who bring so much energy and heart to our performances. Chris Smith, from Colorado, plays rhythm guitar, and he’s a rock-solid foundation for our sound. Saultin Barrett, our lead guitarist from Illinois, has a unique style that brings intensity and emotion to each song. CAMERAn SHY, is our bassist from California—he has a smooth, laid-back vibe that perfectly balances our sound. Lastly, Dave Barnard on drums from Staten Island
keeps us tight and brings that driving beat that ties everything together. Each member brings something special, and together, we create the vibe that makes The Blindsiders unique.
What I’m most proud of is the authenticity we bring to our music. Each song has a story, and I want listeners to feel that raw emotion. I think what sets us apart is that we’re not just playing music—we’re creating moments. I want my fans to feel inspired and understood, especially those who’ve been through tough times and are trying to reclaim their lives.
At its core, my work is about connection, healing, and empowerment. I want people to feel like they have a place in my music and that it’s here for them to relate to, escape with, or find comfort in. Whether we’re playing a big venue or an intimate local spot, the goal is always to leave people feeling something real.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the connection it creates. There’s nothing quite like watching someone in the audience resonate with a song, sing along with me, or get up to dance. Knowing that my music can offer comfort, inspiration, or just a shared feeling is incredibly fulfilling. Music has this amazing ability to bridge gaps and bring people together, and it’s a privilege to be part of that.
I’m also moved by how performing allows me to keep the spirit of my son, Dalton, alive in each show. All of my children, and my husband, retired USCG Chief Jeremy Judd, always encourage me and has allowed me to follow my path, and every time I step on stage, I feel like I’m honoring them and their belief in me. That makes it all the more meaningful and rewarding. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support of my family.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Learning to manage the business side of music was eye-opening and essential for me as an independent artist. When I first started, I had this idea that talent and hard work were all it took. But the reality is that if you want longevity and control over your work, you have to understand the business just as well as the creative side.
Understanding royalties and how streaming revenue is distributed was a big step. Royalties can be complex—there are mechanical royalties, performance royalties, digital, and more. Registering with a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) like ASCAP or BMI helps you collect performance royalties, and platforms like SoundExchange cover digital royalties for streaming. The right knowledge means not missing out on income that belongs to you.
Another crucial aspect is contracts and protecting intellectual property. I had to learn how to read and negotiate contracts, as well as when to get legal advice, to protect my rights. Things like copyrighting music, understanding licensing, and navigating collaboration agreements with other musicians all became necessary to sustain a career.
Marketing and branding are equally vital. The internet offers so many ways to connect with audiences, but it’s easy to get lost in the noise if you don’t know how to promote yourself. Learning about digital marketing, social media strategy, and even basic branding concepts made a huge difference in building a fan base. Tools like social media ads, email marketing, and content planning are now things I use regularly to keep my music visible and engage with fans.
Understanding the business side was transformative for me, not just financially but creatively. It’s empowering to know that I can release music on my terms and reach the people who need it most without giving up control.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jamirae.bandcamp.com/album/gotta-find-a-way-2018
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiraemusic/profilecard/?igsh=bTBvN3V5MGRyb2xo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamiraeMusicCo?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiraenasser?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: @officialjamirae
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialJamirae
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/6J4HHsGCe7LpcUZt9
- Other: The Blindsiders https://www.instagram.com/theblindsiders?igsh=MTJyeG9vOGpwMWxq&utm_source=qrThe Blindsiders
https://www.facebook.com/theblindsiders?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Mark Boelter
Lexirae