Velkro

Jessie has always had a guitar somewhere within reach, but it was at 15 years old that he decided to dedicate himself to the instrument. Since then, he's developed a style rooted in heavy, progressive music, drawing inspiration from artists like Tool, Meshuggah, Dream Theater, and Deftones. While many guitarists chase the spotlight, Jessie prefers building the foundation that holds a song together. As Velkro's rhythm guitarist, he believes the strongest performances come from musicians who serve the song first.

One of his proudest memories came at 20 years old when he performed in front of more than 2,000 people at the Oregon Convention Center—an experience he still describes as surreal. Yet despite that milestone, Jessie isn't focused on chasing the next big moment. He'd rather stay present, keep improving, and let the music speak louder than his own recognition.

Velkro began as a garage project, growing from late-night ideas into the band it is today. For Jessie, the band has always represented more than making music—it's a creative outlet, a place to challenge himself, and an opportunity to build something meaningful alongside people he respects.

Away from the stage, Jessie has an appreciation for music that stretches well beyond progressive metal. Whether it's the technical precision of Meshuggah, the atmosphere of Deftones, or artists that might surprise people like Björk, he's always looking for inspiration wherever it can be found. That open-minded approach continues to shape both his playing and his songwriting. 

At the heart of it all, Jessie believes the best music finds the right people at exactly the right time. That's the kind of connection he hopes Velkro creates—one song at a time.