JONES
London-based singer/songwriter JONES released her latest single “Giving It Up” on May 15th.
Produced by Fyfe, the soulful Summer tune tells the story of a new relationship and wondering where it would go.
JONES released her debut album in 2016 New Skin. The record included her successful songs “Melt” and “Hoops”, which have both gathered over 20K streams on Spotify. Influenced by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, the English singer/songwriter has toured and recorded with HONNE and performed her song “Indulge” on “Later… With Jools Holland”.
Signed to BMG, the artist recently released a remix by Joe Hertz and an unplugged version of “Giving It Up”.
“Giving It Up” is now available worldwide.
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
I'm from East London, the product of a superwoman single parent mother! I've been singing for ever and I always say that my mum pumped music into the womb - music (her record collection) was just always on and around me. It was my dream and life goal to become a singer and as I grew into adolescence I started songwriting and becoming an artist. I used to play open mics around London hoping to be spotted and eventually that paid off, plus I was putting weird psychedelic homemade videos on YouTube of cover songs (they're gone now sadly..)
You recently released your new single "Giving It Up" - what's the inspiration behind this song?
It was a diary entry type of song, a story of a new relationship that I was working out in my mind, wondering where it would go. It was heavily influenced by the feel of summer and The Neptunes.
Who helped you create this particular song?
I worked with the artist/producer Fyfe on Giving It Up, it was our very first writing session and just worked out so well. We struck a musical synergy out of chance and just kept bouncing off of each other - I remember the day well!
What did you feel when writing this song?
I was feeling curious, excited, elevated and had the sense that something great was happening.
What do you like the most about the remix you released with Joe Hertz?
I love that it really captures the feeling of summer and makes you nod your head, it's got a cool little vibe to it!
What does it mean for you to be an artist?
Ha...that depends on the day! Today, I'd say that to be an artist is to be a person that is deeply in tune with the art form of connecting sound and language to emotion, in a concentrated way. I'd say that artists need to have a certain sensitivity to be able to do this - which is both a blessing and a curse. I also feel that on some level an artist should be a reflection of the times and culture, or their interpretation of that...
What's the hardest part about being an artist? And what is the best part?
The hardest part is the lack of stability that comes with being on this journey, you never really know what the next 6 months will look like (at least that's what it's been like for me), being confronted with rejection is tough too. But on the other side of that, there is an incredible sense of growth and accomplishment - and freedom.
What biggest lesson have you learned since the beginning of your career?
It's a cheesy one, but I'd say to believe in myself - if I don't then no one else will!
What are your thoughts on today's current fight against racism and the Black Lives Matter movement?
I think that it is no coincidence that the flame of the movement has burned brighter and more fierce while people have been in lockdown and outside of their normal routines - it's almost as if Nature has forced us to stop and take time to reflect deeply on all of the changes that need to take place. I know there has been some controversy within some of the comments but I do support the movement and agree that there should be more money spent on social and educational systems to tackle crime as opposed to more policing.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
I think if all world leaders/heads of state took guided psilocybin sessions as part of their inauguration that they would become more in touch with their humanity and make better decisions for the people they are supposed to represent!
What message do you want to give to the world?
Love yourself, love others and just keep on learning.
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