Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessi Leon
Hi Jessi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey in the music industry began 20 years ago, fueled by a deep passion for songwriting and performing. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to collaborate on numerous brand campaigns, crafting songs for iconic companies like Pepsi, McDonald’s, Dish Latino, Toyota, Telemundo, and Florida Blue. These experiences have shaped my career and allowed me to connect with a wide audience.
In partnership with my former husband, Periko, we formed the duo “Periko & Jessi Leon,” which led to an incredible chapter of our lives. We traveled across Latin America, sharing our music and stories, and achieving significant success.
In 2020, we decided to take our passion for music to the next level by founding our own record label, “PJ Records.” Our mission has been to develop and support emerging artists, and we have already seen amazing results. For instance, Tiare, an artist we nurtured, was nominated for Best New Artist at the Latin Grammys in 2022. We are also managing Salomon Beda, a talented Colombian artist who is on the brink of releasing a collaboration with Pedro Capo.
Balancing this rollercoaster of a career with building a beautiful family has been both challenging and rewarding. Alongside my professional endeavors, I am deeply committed to empowering women in the music industry, serving as a vice chair fundraiser for Women in Music. My journey has been a blend of passion, resilience, and a relentless drive to create and inspire.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has certainly had its challenges. Balancing family life with the demands of touring was a constant struggle, especially when the pressures of travel took a toll. There were moments when being away from home felt overwhelming, and trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for my family while constantly on the move was difficult. The evolution of social media also added another layer of complexity. We had to stay on top of posting and creating content, which didn’t come naturally at first. The emphasis on numbers and streams created anxiety as we navigated this new landscape, trying to balance our artistic integrity with the need to engage and grow our audience online.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in creating music that resonates deeply with both brands and audiences, blending my passion for songwriting with a keen understanding of what moves people. Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of working on a variety of projects, ranging from crafting songs for major brand campaigns to developing emerging artists through my record label, PJ Records. I’m particularly proud of the work I’ve done in this space, where my music has been featured in campaigns for iconic companies like Pepsi, McDonald’s, Dish Latino, Toyota, Telemundo, and Florida Blue.
What sets me apart from others is my ability to fuse authenticity with commercial appeal. I strive to create music that not only supports the brand’s message but also feels genuine and relatable. My work with Periko in our duo “Periko & Jessi Leon” is another highlight of my career. Together, we achieved great success touring across Latin America, and that experience taught me a lot about connecting with diverse audiences and staying true to our artistic vision.
Through PJ Records, I’m most proud of the success we’ve had in nurturing new talent. A standout moment was seeing Tiare, one of our artists, nominated for Best New Artist at the Latin Grammys in 2022. It was a validation of the hard work we put into our artists, guiding them to realize their full potential. Currently, I’m managing Salomon Beda, a Colombian artist with incredible potential, and we’re on the cusp of releasing a major collaboration with Pedro Capo.
What truly sets my work apart is my commitment to the artists I work with and the music I create. I approach every project with the same dedication, whether it’s for a global brand or an emerging artist. My journey has been about blending creativity with strategy, always pushing to deliver something that is not only commercially successful but also artistically fulfilling.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
One thing I’d love to share with your readers is the importance of staying true to your passion, no matter the challenges. The music industry, like many others, can be a tough place, full of ups and downs. But it’s those moments of resilience that define who you are as an artist and as a person.
I’ve also learned the value of collaboration and community. Working with others, whether it’s my former husband Periko, the artists at PJ Records, or the amazing women I meet through my role with Women in Music, has shown me how much stronger we are together. It’s not just about individual success; it’s about lifting each other up and creating something that has a lasting impact.
Lastly, I’d encourage anyone reading this to embrace change and growth. Whether it’s adapting to the digital age of social media or stepping into new roles, like founding a record label, these experiences push you out of your comfort zone and lead to incredible growth. Don’t be afraid to evolve, to take risks, and to pursue what truly excites you. That’s where the magic happens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/perikoyjessileon
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pj_music_records/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoB-Ms8tkl98aetuyWLG_2A
