Hidden Gems: Meet Jessica McDevitt of Amplify Services

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica McDevitt.

Hi Jessica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Like many of us in entertainment, we typically found a nontraditional path to entry as did I. Looking back, the pathway to entrepreneurship seems very much written into my journey without even fully realizing it.

When I was 16, I organized a benefit concert in my hometown to amplify mental health awareness. When I was 17, I student-directed the school musicals. At 19, I founded the first mental health organization on my college campus. At 20, I was given a dream role to spearhead GRAMMY U New York leading over 30+ events alongside artists and executives. Over COVID-19, I created a podcast, More or Less with Jess to amplify the conversation around entertainment & wellness.

I grew up in NJ with a short train ride to NYC and while most teenagers were at the mall or partying, I was at a concert. Being a fangirl is ingrained in my DNA and I chased the highs I felt being at shows. When I attended undergrad in NYC, I dove in my first semester – scoring an internship at RCA Records with little experience but stars in my eyes. Once I learned you could actually WORK in music, the world felt limitless and something clicked for me. I went on to try every sector of the music business – touring, radio, publicity, you name it – I wanted to learn it. I am especially grateful for my time at the Recording Academy as I was encouraged to unlock my full potential with an endless number of doors opened.

Today, I firmly believe every high and low has led me to this very moment in time. I tend to always come back to my favorite book, Oh The Places You’ll Go — “You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go…”

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m gonna drop another Dr. Seuss quote here if that’s okay— “When you’re in a Slump, you’re not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.” I have openly struggled with mental health challenges hence many, many slumps.

In the entertainment industry, the highs tend to feel electrifying while the lows can really mess with your head. I still struggle to match the pace of the industry and tend to take things day by day. Not many folks talk about personal identity and maintaining inner peace in an industry that seeks to be 24/7. Own your energy and protect it and TAKE BREAKS! By doing so, you’ll show up energized, productive, and even better than before.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Amplify Services?
For a long time, I balanced my passions by working in music by day and volunteering for mental health non-profits by night which inevitably led to amplify.

Amplify services is a full-service social impact consultancy specializing in entertainment. After a year of ideation & market research, I launched amplify to bridge the definitive gap between music and philanthropy. Through our network of non-profits, we help clients identify causes they are passionate about, develop collaborative partnerships, and execute creative campaigns to make a positive impact.

Amplify connects fans & artists to initiatives driving impact and social good. In 2023, you can find us building ‘amplify the arts’, (bringing arts education to inner-city youth), expanding partnerships like our work with Seacrest Studios, and collaborating with clients on philanthropic strategy.

Since philanthropy departments typically aren’t found at record labels or corporate entertainment companies, we provide services where giving back doesn’t end up at the bottom of the music professional’s busy checklist. Our hope is that amplify provides an infrastructure for philanthropic elements to exist in every rollout, campaign, and tour.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think my drive has always been my superpower. Once I set my mind to something, I’m persistent on executing fully. I am a total empath (yes, a Pisces) which allows me to lead with my heart, but fully follow my intuition. When things get uncomfortable and challenging, I trust my gut to make decisions with intention and faith that will invite progress, evolution, and growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: letsamplify.net
• Instagram: @amplifyservices_
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amplifyservices/view

Image Credits
Kevin Jonas Image — Daniel Zuchnik