Meet Jamirae

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

Hi Jamirae, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued career as a singer and music artist at the early age of 13 because of my passion for music and the arts. It was a Jr High talent show with my good friend piano player Mike Kirchner that gave me a taste for the stage. I was 13 Mike was 12 and he played The Rose on piano for me so we could enter the talent show. We didn’t win but the crowd loved us and I was on a mission to become a singer after that night. The rest is history. My drive to express myself creatively and connect with others through my music played a significant role in my decision. Music has the power to evoke emotions, tell stories, and bring people together, and my talent and dedication to my craft have enabled me to make a meaningful impact as an artist. I love how music is a universal language and can touch people in ways that you don’t even understand. Music always helped me through difficult times of my life and I just want to be able to help others the same way, through music, if I can

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My music is deeply rooted in my personal experiences and emotions. Music, for me, is a way to connect with others on a profound level. What sets me & The Blindsiders apart is the raw authenticity and vulnerability we bring to our music. Each song on my album, Gotta Find A Way, is a piece of my soul, reflecting my journey, struggles, and triumphs. I’m most proud of the resilience and passion that shine through my performances, especially now since they are fueled by the memory and inspiration of my late son, Dalton who lost his battle to brain cancer.
Professionally, my journey in the music business has been far from easy. It required a lot of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. The challenges were numerous—navigating the complexities of the industry, facing rejection, and balancing my personal life as a wife & mother of 3 with my professional ambitions. But with each setback, I found strength in my passion for music and the support of my loved ones.
Overcoming these challenges involved a combination of self-belief, continuous learning, and staying true to my artistic vision. I also had incredible mentors, like my junior high music teacher Todd Chadwick, who encouraged me to explore my talents.
The most important lesson I’ve learned is the value of authenticity. Staying true to oneself is crucial, both as an artist and as a person. It’s also essential to surround yourself with people who believe in you and your vision. The Blindsiders are a huge part of my vision.
I’d like to introduce The Blindsiders, the talented musicians who bring our music to life. Chris Smith from Colorado plays rhythm guitar and background vocals, Patrick Searle from Illinois is our lead guitarist and background vocals, Paul Frederick from California handles the bass guitar, and Dave Barnard from Staten Island (New Yorks forgotten Burrough) is on drums and background vocals. Their combined skills and passion help create the unique vibe we’re known for. The Blindsiders, are incredibly talented musicians who play a crucial role in creating the vibe and sound I’m striving for. Their skill, creativity, and dedication bring my vision to life, making our music truly special. The synergy we share allows us to craft performances that resonate deeply with our audience. We are The Blindsiders because we “blindside” all the cover songs we play with a unique twist that make them our own.
Through my brand and story, I want the world to see that it’s possible to overcome adversity and achieve your dreams. I want to inspire others to find their voice and share their truth through whatever medium speaks to them. I want to let young people know they have to chase their dreams because their dreams won’t chase them. Nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough and work hard to achieve it. The Blindsiders and I strive to create music that resonates with people on a deep emotional level, offering solace, joy, and a sense of connection.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have lived many places in my adult years but I am an Arizona native. Being an Arizona native I know all the great places to go. While one week is not enough time to capture all there is in Arizona here is an itinerary focusing on activities in the East & West Valley in one weeks time:
Day 1: Arrival in Phoenix
– Morning: Arrive in Phoenix and check into your hotel.
– Afternoon: Visit the Desert Botanical Garden to see unique desert flora.
– Evening: Explore downtown Phoenix and dine at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Scottsdale
– Morning: Visit Old Town Scottsdale for boutique shopping and art galleries.
– Afternoon:Relax at a resort spa.
– Evening:Enjoy live music at the Rusty Spur Saloon, a famous Western-themed bar with local bands.
Day 3: Tempe and Mesa
– Morning: Head to Tempe and visit the ASU Art Museum.
– Afternoon: Stroll along Tempe Town Lake and enjoy paddleboarding or a boat ride.
– Evening: Catch a live performance at the Marquee Theatre, a popular venue for various music acts. Then head over to The Chill Room for some great coffee and/or herbal tea while listening to great music from local artists.
Day 4: Phoenix – Music and Culture
– Morning: Visit the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) to explore instruments from around the world and enjoy interactive exhibits.
– Afternoon: Explore the Heard Museum to learn about Native American cultures and art.
– Evening: Enjoy a concert by the Phoenix Symphony at Symphony Hall or a show at the Crescent Ballroom, known for its eclectic music lineup.
Day 5: Chandler and Gilbert
– Morning: Visit downtown Chandler and explore local shops and cafes.
– Afternoon: Head to Gilbert for a walk along the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch.
– Evening: Enjoy live music and dinner at a local venue like The Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert or SoZo Coffeehouse in Chandler, known for its intimate performances.
Day 6: Glendale and Peoria
– Morning: Visit the historic downtown Glendale for antique shopping.
– Afternoon: Explore the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in Litchfield Park.
– Evening: Catch a show at the Arizona Broadway Theatre in Peoria for a dinner theater experience.
Day 7: Relaxation and Departure
– Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a visit to Papago Park to see the Hole-in-the-Rock formation.
– Afternoon: Relax by the pool or indulge in a spa treatment at your hotel.
– Evening: Depart from Phoenix or stay another night to catch an early morning flight.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to two incredibly important people in my life: First and foremost, my husband and best friend Chief Jeremy Judd of the USCG. Jeremy is A significant part of my journey. His belief in me and my music has been a constant source of strength and motivation. Jeremy’s encouragement and understanding have helped me navigate the ups and downs of the music industry, and his presence in my life has been invaluable. His support allows me to pour my heart into my music, knowing I have a solid foundation to lean on. My husbands support and belief in my talent pushed me to continue chasing my dreams, even when it felt impossible after the loss of our eldest son.
Jeremy allows me to be my authentic self and he continually inspires my music. Jeremy’s love and dedication are the driving forces behind my passion and creativity. I am endlessly grateful for his presence in my life and his steadfast belief in my journey.

Mr. Chadwick is the other person I’d like to give a shout out to, he was my jr high music teacher at Queen Creek Jr High and he pushed me to explore the depths of my musical talents, from playing many different instruments to singing, and even acting in plays. He made music and the arts fun and would often hand me an instrument and say, “Okay, play.” I didn’t realize I had the ability to just pick up an instrument and play something, but he saw that in me. One memorable example was when our marching band was preparing for a Christmas parade. My main instrument was the clarinet, but the morning of the parade, the snare drum player didn’t show up. Mr. Chadwick walked over to me, put the snare drum on me, and said, “You’re playing drums today in the parade.” Even though I had never played drums before, I didn’t hesitate, and it worked. From that moment on, I trusted him completely and did whatever he told me to do. That belief he had in me when I was just a young teenager is what gave me the courage to go after all my dreams as a singer.

Website: https://jamirae.bandcamp.com/album/gotta-find-a-way-2018

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblindsiders?igsh=MTJyeG9vOGpwMWxq&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiraenasser

Twitter: @officialjamirae

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblindsiders?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@theblindsiders?si=XyoOY6YR-rS0dXr7

Other: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theblindsiders?_t=8ns2QQRGWXm&_r=1

Jamirae IG

https://www.instagram.com/jamiraemusic?igsh=bTBvN3V5MGRyb2xo&utm_source=qr

Jamirae FB

https://www.facebook.com/JamiraeMusicCo?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Mark Boelter