Live Shows, Little Voices, Big Heart: How Mom-DJ Jessie Ray Is Building Community Through Music
Interview by Heather Anderson
Photo by Loren Hansen Photography
Jessika Speer, founder of Jessie Ray Music (JRM), is on a mission to bring unforgettable live music experiences to events across the Bay Area. With a background as a musician, DJ, and music educator, Jessika has built JRM into a dynamic entertainment company that offers everything from live bands and DJ services to music mentorship. We sat down with her to talk about her journey, the inspiration behind her work, and what makes live music so special.
What inspired you to start Jessie Ray Music, and how did your journey as a mom, songwriter, and performer shape this vision?
Music has always been a huge part of my life. I started in choir, played in bands, and was always drawn to performance. But when I became a mom, music took a backseat. For a while, I ran an in-home daycare so I could be with my kids, but eventually, I realized I needed to return to my passion. I started a band, and from there, things snowballed. I had this moment where I thought, "I could DJ weddings!"—it just made sense given my love for music and curating the perfect song for any moment. That idea grew into what JRM is today: a company that provides high-quality live music and DJ experiences while also fostering a supportive community for musicians.
“Live music creates an immersive experience. It brings people together in a way that a playlist just can’t. When I perform, I get into this zone where I feel completely connected to the audience, and I bring them along with me.”
Can you tell us more about your band, The Vinyl Countdown? What kind of gigs do you play, and how has it influenced your work with JRM?
The Vinyl Countdown is a 70s, 80s, and 90s cover band. We play everything from Madonna and Pat Benatar to Journey and Alanis Morissette. It started as a passion project, but it’s helped me expand JRM into booking live entertainment for all kinds of events. We’re open to community events, private parties, and weddings—really anywhere people want great live music. And I’m also excited to be working on original music, which I hope to share soon!
Your company offers a blend of services, from live music - both covers or originals - to DJing. How do these elements come together to create a unique experience for your clients?
It’s all about options! Whether a client wants a live band, an acoustic duo, or a DJ, we can customize entertainment to fit their event. My partner and I even offer a smaller, more intimate live music option for venues that don’t need a full band. And for clients who want the energy of a live performance but the flexibility of a DJ, we can seamlessly blend both elements. It’s all about crafting the right vibe for the occasion.
You also collaborate with other musicians and DJs. What do you look for in a collaborator, and how do you ensure they align with the high standards of JRM?
I work closely with Heart of Gold DJs, an amazing collective of women and nonbinary DJs in the Bay Area. They have been incredibly supportive and have helped me grow as a DJ. When I collaborate with other musicians and DJs, I look for people who are talented, professional, and genuinely passionate about creating incredible experiences for clients. JRM is all about high-quality performances and positive energy, so I’m careful about who I bring into the fold.
How did your experience with Heart of Gold DJs help jumpstart your DJ career and influence JRM?
Heart of Gold DJs played a huge role in my launch as a DJ and continues to foster my growth. They welcomed me in, mentored me, and provided opportunities that allowed me to develop my skills. What I love about them is that we’re all independent, yet we support each other. There’s no competition—just a shared goal of creating amazing events. This collective inspires me to bring that same spirit to JRM.
You still teach music classes through Music Together. How has that influenced your work as an entrepreneur?
Yes! In 2024, I became a licensed Music Together director in Brentwood, and I now teach at three locations: Brentwood Community Center, Bee Exceptional, and The Playhouse. Teaching has been a constant in my life, and I love how it connects me with families and the next generation of music lovers. Seeing little kids light up when they engage with music reminds me why I do what I do. It’s also helped me develop patience, communication skills, and the ability to tailor musical experiences to different audiences—skills that are invaluable when performing at events.
What’s the most unexpected song request you’ve ever received as a DJ, and how did the crowd react?
I once got a request for "It’s All Coming Back to Me Now" by Celine Dion, which isn’t the most unusual request—but the crowd’s reaction was fire! As soon as I played it, the entire room started belting it out at the top of their lungs. Some of the guys even took off their shirts and waved them around. It was a full-on moment, everyone loved every second of it. That’s the magic of music—you never know how impactful a song can be.
How do you think live music impacts the atmosphere of an event compared to other forms of entertainment?
Live music creates an immersive experience. It brings people together in a way that a playlist just can’t. When I perform, I get into this zone where I feel completely connected to the audience, and I bring them along with me. Whether it’s a DJ set, a live band, or a solo performance, music has the power to transform an event and create lasting memories.
Can you share a memorable moment from one of your performances or bookings through JRM?
One of my favorite moments wasn’t actually from a gig—it was from one of my music classes. A mom told me that her daughter set up a "music class" at home, arranged all her stuffed animals in a circle, and started strumming her ukulele while singing hello to them, just like we do in class. That was such a beautiful reminder of how music sticks with people and becomes a part of their lives.
What’s next for Jessie Ray Music?
I’m expanding! We’re bringing more live music to the Bay Area, and I’m working on writing and performing original music. I’m also looking to bring more musicians into the JRM family to help connect artists with gigs. And, of course, I’m continuing to teach and grow our music classes in Brentwood. My ultimate goal is to open a School of Rock in Brentwood!
How can interested artists or clients get involved with you and Jessie Ray Music?
If you’re looking to book live music or a DJ for your event, or if you’re a musician looking for gigs, you can connect with me in a few ways:
Visit MTW Entertainment to learn more.
Reach out via email or phone both listed on our website.
You can also find Jessika Speer (aka DJ Jessie Ray) on The M List, The Mamahood’s searchable database of mom-recommended resources, or connect and collaborate with her inside The Club membership for women founders.