We Meet Jones | Everyone From BBC Radio 1 To Wonderland Has Been Talking About | We Talk Breaking Into The Industry & Single 'Camera Flash'

JONES’ brand new single ‘Camera Flash’ has confirmed her place as one of 2020’s breaking UK R&B talents. Contained soaring disco synths, pulsating electro-pop and sparkling flashbacks to the ‘90s R&B golden era.
 
‘Camera Flash’ is a strong statement from an artist who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to say so. It’s a topic that so many people will be able to relate to: wanting a relationship when everyone seems to be just casually hooking up.    
 
‘Camera Flash’ underlines why JONES also appeals to artists across the sonic spectrum. She’s previously toured with HONNE, regularly collaborates with Joe Hertz and even shared a table with Tom Jones when she performed on Later… with Jools Holland.
 
The reaction to JONES’ previous single ‘Giving It Up’ has included support from Radio 1 (Clara Amfo, Greg James andScott Mills), Radio 2 (Trevor Nelson and Jo Whiley), 1XTRA and Capital XTRA, alongside key playlists at Spotify, Appleand Deezer. Add wide-ranging media acclaim plus live Instagram performances for Fearne Cotton’s My Happy Place Festival and Wonderland, and it’s clear that everything is falling into place.
 

She was raised by her mother in Aldgate to a soundtrack of Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder and Bob Marley. She first discovered her love of songwriting as a teenager, with a nearby community arts centre the focal point of her early creativity.

HOW DID YOU BREAK INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?

I was discovered singing at an open mic in London, I was also posting cover videos on YouTube and a record label found those.

Is being a singer something you have always wanted to do?

Yes it's always been my dream and I've been singing as long as I can remember! 

WHAT ARE YOUR MUSICAL INSPIRATIONS?

My inspiration comes from all of the things I experience while moving through life, friendships, relationships, observations. Listening to other artists too - I get inspired by hearing great music that makes you think wow that's cool - like when I listen to Tame Impala or Girl In RED.

HOW DO YOUR STRONG VISUALS AND THE USE OF NEON COLOURS IN THE VIDEO RELATE TO YOUR MUSIC?

There are parts of the song that are psychedelic sounding together with the directors Franklin and Marchetta, we thought that using these lights would work really well for it.

WHAT GENRE OF MUSIC DO YOU LIKE WORKING WITHIN?

In my mind it's Soul/Pop or Electronic Soul/Pop...soul, R&B and Pop music were the things I grew up on and what feel most natural to me.

HOW WAS THE EXPERIENCE OF RELEASING A SINGLE DURING A PANDEMIC?

It's been incredibly bizarre, it's quite challenging not being able to play a physical show and actually see people or see the response but I have been enjoying using social media a lot more and connecting with people that way so it's not all bad! 

HAS THE PANDEMIC AFFECTED YOUR CREATIVITY?

For sure, it's been very up and down and at the start I definitely felt quite creatively blocked but finding myself in a much better flow with it now. 

ARE THERE ANY NEW PROJECTS YOU’RE WORKING ON THAT YOU CAN TALK TO US ABOUT?

I can't name any names yet but yes I'm working on some exciting collaborations and also finishing off my album, watch this space...

DO YOU HAVE ANY DREAMS IN THE DRAWER MOVING FORWARD IN YOUR CAREER?

Many! It would be a dream to do a proper world tour and also to spend more time touring in the states and there are lots of people I'd love to collaborate with.

DO THE LYRICS OF “CAMERA FLASH” REFLECT YOUR PERSONAL OUTLOOK ON RELATIONSHIPS?

Yes, very much, I was writing about my frustration from a few years ago where I felt like I only met people that wanted disposable relationships where I was always looking for something deeper.

IS THERE ANY ARTIST YOU WOULD LOVE TO COLLABORATE WITH?

Yes, in a dream world I would love to work with Tame Impala!

DO YOU PLAY A ROLE IN THE ART DIRECTION OF YOUR MUSIC VIDEOS?

I do, I usually have a sort of direction that I want to go in with the videos, write a small brief and then send this out to a bunch of directors. It often evolves into something different but I always make sure that it's a direction I want to go in.

FROM YOUR INSTAGRAM FEED, IT LOOKS LIKE YOU’RE AN ART ENTHUSIAST. DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE ARTIST?

I enjoy vibrant colourful things, I love scouring through Instagram and finding new art accounts to follow that I find inspiring. I love an artist called Lynnie Z right now.

YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA SHOWS YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THE BLM MOVEMENT. WHAT ROLE CAN MUSIC PLAY IN CHANGING THE SYSTEM?

I wrote a song about this and I hope to be able to release it at some point...I'm not sure that music can solve it but I feel it's the responsibility of artists to at least to comment on it, be a social commentary and try to provide support through music.

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Interview by Sara Cillerai