Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with JONES

UK pop standout JONES is mesmerizing listeners with her soulful delivery and elegance. But don’t take our word for it—just ask the twenty million listeners who have streamed her breakout singles, “Melt” and “Hoops,” as well as Sam Smith who’s touted his praise for the singer-songwriter.

This June, she made her major label debut with the release of “Giving It Up” and we caught up with her to learn all about it!

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
JONES: I don’t consciously remember the moment but have the earliest memories of knowing that I wanted to be a singer. I started writing songs at fifteen, and from there, it was always the focus. My mother was a soul music enthusiast, so there was always something playing at home.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
JONES: I was heavily influenced by the music of Little Dragon and Lykke Li for a long time. I was fascinated by their use of lyrics and quirkiness. It inspired me to be as creative as possible with my own lyric writing.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
JONES: Thank you! My proudest moments have been every sold-out show. That is always emotional for me—it’s so surreal. My appearance on Later… with Jools Holland is another one.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Giving It Up.” What inspired the song?
JONES: Both Fyfe (the producer/artist I worked on this with) and I were heavily inspired by old school Kelis and the Neptunes, so I mixed that with my diary-style lyrics, and the song was born. We wanted to make something that felt classic, classy, and soulful but modern.

PC: This is your label debut. What was the selection process like deciding which song would mark this momentous occasion?
JONES: [laughs] Actually it was pretty back and forth for a period of two weeks between my label, my manager, and I. We were changing our minds almost on a daily basis—there was another strong contender that we almost went with that is coming now further down the line.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
JONES: Old school Coldplay

PC: First album you bought?
JONES: Spice Girls

PC: First concert you attended?
JONES: N.E.R.D. at Brixton Academy. I lost my voice screaming at how much I loved Pharrell.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
JONES: Lykke Li’s Youth Novels. I had never heard anything like it; it moved me so much and got me to look at singing/writing in a new way.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
JONES: Any outdoor amphitheater!

PC: A must-have on the road?
JONES: Healthy food—I always bring an army of flaxseeds/chia seeds/fiber, as it’s so easy to just eat trash on the road!

To keep up with JONES, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify.