We recently connected with Dominique Jessie and have shared our conversation below.
Dominique, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Honestly, I don’t force it , I just stay open to it. A lot of times I’ll be at work or out somewhere, and a melody will pop into my head out of nowhere. When that happens, I grab my phone and hum it into a voice note before I lose it. Later, I’ll bring it to my computer and start shaping it , usually on sax or piano. The melody almost always shifts once I start adding drums, bass, or other layers, but it all starts with that original hum.
I think creativity stays alive when you’re paying attention to your surroundings, your feelings, and those random sparks that come out of nowhere.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a multi-instrumentalist — I play saxophone, drums, piano, and bass — but saxophone is my main instrument. I’m also a bandleader, and my group is called DomJess & The Vibe. In addition to performing, I arrange music independently and also teach music through an incredible organization called Jail Guitar Doors, where we use music as a tool for healing and transformation.
Honestly, I’m just a musician exploring all the paths available to me. Who knows what else I’ll dive into? What excites me most is helping other artists bring their vision to life — whether that means playing in their live shows, recording sessions, or just being a listening ear. I never take a phone call or a collaboration for granted. Showing up for people through music is something I deeply value, and I give it my all.
When I’m performing with my band, there’s nothing better than seeing people come together, smile, dance, or tell me afterward that the music moved them or brought them peace. That’s the heart of my mission — to create music that brings peace, love, and joy into people’s lives.
I’m currently working on my album, and while I write from my own perspective, I’m always thinking about the listener — what might bring them comfort, clarity, or inspiration. Music has that power, and I just want to share it in a way that uplifts others.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three things that have been most impactful in my journey are kindness, being a multi-instrumentalist, and discernment.
Kindness stands out because when I first started, I didn’t always experience it. I’d reach out to people for help or guidance and often got brushed off or pushed away. That stuck with me. So now, I make it a point to be kind to anyone who’s coming up — no matter what kind of music they make or what skill level they’re at. I never want someone starting out to feel dismissed like I once did.
Being a multi-instrumentalist has also played a big role, especially as an independent artist working on my own album. I didn’t have a big budget, so being able to lay down different parts myself — from drums to bass to keys — really saved me. Later on, I brought in other musicians for certain live elements, but that foundation gave me the freedom to shape the music before anyone else touched it. I truly thank God for blessing me with that ability.
Discernment has been just as important. While it’s good to be kind and generous, it’s also necessary to be wise. This industry can be tough, and people will take advantage if you’re not careful. That doesn’t mean stop being kind — it just means be mindful, and let each experience teach you how to move smarter in the future.
I’m still learning and growing in my journey, but for anyone just starting out, my advice is this:
1. If you don’t have a relationship with God, I encourage you to start one (Proverbs 3:6). That’s your foundation.
2. Always lead with kindness — it says a lot about who you are.
3. Learn everything you can about your craft. The more you know, the more creative freedom you’ll have.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
Man, where do I start? I was truly blessed with the most loving parents. Just their presence alone meant everything to me. Growing up, I always wanted to impress them — and even now, there’s nothing like hearing your parents say they’re proud of you and that they love you.
I thank God that they spent time with me, showed up to my recitals and games, and supported me even in things they didn’t fully understand or think were “my thing.” They were always there, every step of the way. That kind of love and consistency truly shaped me.
More than anything, they modeled kindness. I saw them love people, serve others, and give generously — and that left a lasting mark. Growing up in a two-parent household and seeing them love not just others, but also each other, is why kindness and love are such a big part of who I am today. I learned from them that how you treat people matters — and that you’re not just representing yourself, but also your family and the values they raised you with.
My parents were that example. They taught me to carry myself with integrity, love, and grace. I could write a whole book about how awesome they are — but to keep it simple, I’ll just say: I thank God for loving and supportive parents. I love you both!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/domjess_music
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/domjess_music/profilecard/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9_CpTUzdrBaXPaw5Py5nV-04kGgvJQat&si=pShJHSjWftAXWzZa
Image Credits
Photos: dee_intanet_edits
Photos: shot_by_lg
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