Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessie Demaree. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jessie, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
Looking back, I’d say my career took off at the perfect time—though it totally caught me by surprise! I had just gotten back from an adventuring Colombia and Peru, where I was hoping to join a sustainable living community. While my partner and bandmate, Chris Del Favero, and I were volunteering down there, it felt like every time we got near a city, performance opportunities magically appeared. And then when we came home, venues were reaching out to book us! I didn’t study business or management, but lately, I’ve been feeling drawn to an MBA to pick up some more skills. So far, I’ve navigated things like contracts and marketing without formal training, and I’ve always told myself, “hey, you figured out the hard stuff—like mastering your musical skills—so now it’s time to learn the ‘easy’ stuff, like writing contracts or designing logos.” Even with the challenges, I wouldn’t change a thing about the timing. My career still feels like it’s on the way up, and as long as I’m growing—both personally and with my band—that’s what matters most. Some bands burn out too soon, but I’m all about the long haul.
Jessie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a freelance clarinetist and music writer with a passion for diving into all kinds of music through travel and cultural immersion. Two of my favorite personal projects are Jerusafunk (JFUNK) and Desert Breath, where I get to explore unique sounds and push those creative boundaries. Beyond my own projects, you’ll catch me collaborating with local and national acts, whether live on stage or in the studio. When I’m not performing, I’m all about organizing and promoting events that spark creativity and make a difference, like Symbiotic Creation and the Music Merch Market. These events bring artists together and fuel positive change in our community. I absolutely love our local valley music scene and am dedicated to amplifying its unique artistic voices. If venues and promoters don’t get it, no problem—we’ll create our own welcoming spaces where originality can thrive! As an additional tidbit, my role as the market manager for Blue Sky Organic Farms I think ties perfectly into this passion for organizing alternative spaces that encourage both economic and creative growth. It also reflects my deep commitment to sustainable living and farming, which continues to inspire my work within and beyond the arts.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the opportunity to deviate from the norm and challenge the status quo. In a world where so many jobs prize uniformity and conformity, music allows me to unapologetically question and redraw the lines—over and over again. Without musicians, writers, painters, and other creatives pushing the limits of what’s considered acceptable, society risks becoming more intolerant and rejecting what is different. I take pride in knowing that my work contributes to expanding the space for diverse voices and perspectives. Ultimately, my reward is seeing more people and their creations accepted and celebrated for their uniqueness.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
To truly support artists and creatives, we need to get more involved in our local scenes in tangible ways. Share show flyers, spread the word about gallery openings, and talk about local happenings with friends and family—it’s a simple yet impactful way to build excitement and draw attention to the arts. Normalize attending live shows, gallery events, or cultural gatherings regularly; imagine if making these outings a weekly habit became the norm! It’s also essential to raise kids to appreciate the arts as vital to a free-thinking society, ensuring future generations value and engage with creativity. Better yet, why not take an art or music class yourself? Picking up a creative practice fosters a personal connection to the arts and a deeper understanding of the work behind them. Above all, we need to advocate for fair compensation for artists and musicians. Creative work is not just a passion—it’s a profession that deserves a living wage, just like any other job. Everyone can help build a thriving, sustainable creative ecosystem where artistry is woven into all facets of our little lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jfunkworld.com
- Instagram: @jfunk.world @desertbreath.wav @musicmerchmarket
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-demaree-5aa62553/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jfunk_world
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jfunkworld
Image Credits
Chel Hicks
Michael Buckius
Frank C. Photography
Jessie Demaree
Chris Del Favero