The year is 2006. Anticipation is high at wild house parties across DFW, where the dance floor buzzes with energy and music spills from vinyl grooves. Jess Baroness is mastering the art of vinyl - a craft demanding patience, precision, and a deep respect for every beat and fine distinction. She curates sets that embody the funky, seductive energy of DFW’s legendary club culture, committing herself to the dance floor. She relies on a group of close pals to carry the hundreds of pounds of mixers, turntables, chords, records, and analog grit that powered her early performances.
“Today, I may arrive 15 minutes before my set time, while before, I would have to show up two hours early to the house party or renegade-covered parking pad in Deep Ellum to set up gear,” Jess says. “Becoming a USBJ was a truly freeing experience since most songs are an affordable download away. Back then, the dance floor had to hear my same 50 tracks all summer. We were always in Rainbow Country.”
As both a DJ and professional dancer, Jessica Parmer, aka Jess Baroness, has witnessed how the rise of EDM has transformed the dance floor experience.
“Music fans stand facing the DJ - watching the epic laser visuals and waiting for the occasional crowd unifying head-bang,” Jess explains. “I love it for them! It's VERY punk rock. In contrast, my sets galvanize a pace and sound that makes you turn around, face your people, and dance until you sweat. Looking behind the decks, you see me creating my dance floor- carefree, wildin'. My sets build around planned, efficient song transitions that allow me to get back to dancing with the floor.”
Roots, Vinyl & Dance Floor Philosophy
Jess Baroness’s sets are vibrant fusions of house, funk, and indie, creating a truly eclectic musical experience. Her approach seamlessly bridges electronic subgenres with tracks from iconic live bands like LCD Soundsystem while weaving in at least one classic gem per set. With a focus on preparation, punctuality, and production quality, Jess stands out by investing in high-quality music files, meticulously planning her sets, and committing to daily practice to deliver an unforgettable dance floor journey.
“I am not the kind of girl who ‘wings it’,” Jess says. “Procrastination does not come naturally to me. I save any last-minute energy that arises to add value to my party time - creating small gifts for friends, baking some tiny cupcakes, or adding a funny hat to my outfit!”
Jess Baroness channels the funky, inclusive, and high-energy spirit of DFW’s iconic EDM scene.
A lifelong dancer, she understands the rare communal joy of moments like “The Electric Slide” and the transformative power of losing yourself in the music. For Jess, the dance floor is a space to feel deeply, sweat it out, and move through hurt, confusion, and self-doubt - all in rhythm with the beat.
“I watch my dance floor closely and connect with the party people who are stomping, hair whipping, spinning, or generating "that" energy,” Jess says. “I stick with them assuredly by playing limited dead times before the drops, which is just enough time to rest your feet a second and take a sip. I always say, ‘I pledge allegiance to the dance floor’ because my mission is to serve the dancers.”
Jess Baroness’s Impact on the DFW EDM Community
Legendary venues like Lizard Lounge, Purgatory, Beauty Bar, and O Bar once defined the heartbeat of DFW’s dance scene. When Jess drives past the remnants of those iconic spaces, she raises her hands in gratitude, cherishing memories of waiting in line to support local legends like Red Eye, Kelly Reverb, and Blake Ward. Those nights on the dance floor instilled values that now shape her approach as a DJ and honor the spirit of a scene that inspired her journey.
“I learned that gigs will not always be perfect; it's a fools' goal,” Jess says. “Rarely will there be perfect mixes, outfits, hair, moves - I must be ready to conquer missteps and maintain my confidence quickly. We party people are not inherently the coolest people in our other circles, but LMFAO said it best: ‘This ain't a scene, it's a dancefloor baby’! The people having the most fun at the spot are the ‘coolest’ ones to me. I am a cheerleader who believes in the contagion of enthusiasm. I am an enthusiastic leader who gets the party started wherever I go.”
Jess Baroness has been vital to crews like Basshead Society and Girls Next Door and events like Top Notch Tuesdays and Jack’s House. A standout moment in her career came this past summer when John Wayne Presents, and Venus Collective hosted a series at The Rayleigh in Las Colinas featuring all-female openers. Performing on the venue’s massive sound and visual setup marked a milestone for Jess, showcasing her talent on an unforgettable scale.
“I felt like a superstar DJ!” Jess claims. “My residency for the Circus Bitties performance group has been so glamorous and fun, especially inviting local DJ friends to have fun and show out in costumes at the afterparties. I also treasure my times on decks and the go at EDM Tuesday at the Dirty Mule Bar in Arlington.”
What’s Next for Jess Baroness?
Jess Baroness is setting her sights on producing a series of two-minute tracks across various genres to deepen her understanding of different musical styles. Many of these tracks will pay homage to local party people and iconic venues, offering meaningful gifts that she hopes fellow DJs will incorporate into her sets. Partnering with the Funky Gold Network - a club for DJs aged 40 and up - Jess plans to collaborate with seasoned artists and event planners to share impactful projects and exciting events, aiming to make 2025 a standout year for the scene.
“I aspire to set an example by continuing to dance and cheer for my fellow DFW DJs!” Jess says. “I keep tapping into the sincerity of Mr. Rogers's Neighborhood, hosting my local DJ pals, and making the content and connections that help us all promote and enjoy dance music in DFW!”
Stay connected with Jess Baroness by following her on social media for the latest updates, mixes, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her journey. Don’t miss the chance to catch her live and experience the energy she brings to every set!
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