Exclusive | Yannie Jones Talks The Release Of Her Debut EP "Fazes"
“I just want to make music that helps people heal through their hurt.”
By: Omar Cook
Inglewood singer, Yannie Jones, dropped her debut EP titled Fazes. The EP has 4 hot tracks with features from P1, and Steve G. Lover III. From the jump, Fazes opens up with a dope upbeat vibe with her track “P1” and finishes with a laid back banger, “Temporary”. The EP definitely will leave you wanting to hear more from this upcoming west coast artist. artist.
“I am Yannie Jones and I'm from Inglewood, CA. I have my Bachelors Degree in Psychology with a concentration on adolescent development. I finished school after having my son, in 2017. I am a full believer in doing what feels right at the right time. My journey has taken me through some different detours, or Fazes if you will, but I am proud of where it has landed me. Entering my 3rd decade of life, I have crossed so much off my list of goals and plan to keep setting and reaching them. With years of content and life experience, I am so excited for what the future holds. God has given me gifts I wasn't able to see until now and I plan on using them for the rest of my days.”
Yannie Jones - Show Me (feat. P1)
We talked with Yannie Jones in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Yannie Jones: Well, I come from a family of music lovers, singers and musicians. I've been singing since I could talk. But, I recorded my first song when I was 15 years old. A group of my friends wanted to start a management agency; it was called “The Circle”, and I was one of their proteges. They booked my first studio session.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
Yannie Jones: My mom has always been my biggest influence. She was signed to Motown in the 80s and is the reason I love to sing. She would play Anita Baker, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Tamia, and Deborah Cox on our rides to and from school. She would drive an expedition full of girls who loved to sing and mainly because of how enjoyable she made it seem. It made us happy - still does.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
Yannie Jones: I really like Vedo. Other than his voice being beautiful, I respect his hustle and how he came up from covers and just showcasing his talent proudly. I also have to thank him for his song “You got it” … I went through a faze where I was really unappreciated in a previous relationship and my best friend sent me that song. I cried and listened to it on repeat for dayssss. It helped me out the funk.
What inspired you to create your EP “Fazes”?
Yannie Jones: I was actually working on an album. (I still am.) In the midst of that, I created “Fazes” unintentionally. ¾ songs were created in one 4-hour session. The 4th song was made the next day. They seemed to tell a very clear story of different moments in life and love and the idea of making it an EP just came to me. It made sense that it would be my “hello” to the music scene officially.
What is your favorite track on the project and why?
Yannie Jones: Honestly, it changes every day. Right now, I'd say my favorite is “Never Thought” ft. Steve G. Lover. The song is full of feelings I’ve had multiple times in life. I love remembering the writing process and how naturally it came together. Then of course the vulnerability in the lyrics. We’re always hopeful in the beginning but most of the time, it ain't what we thought it would be, right?
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
Yannie Jones: Typically I'll hear a melody on a beat or think a phrase would be a cool song concept and I go from there. I hate forcing things so I pray on them, let go and let God.
What motivates you and how do you define success?
Yannie Jones: My son, Nieko, is the biggest motivation I could ever dream of. After having him, I realized I could do anything. As long as I don't waste my time here on earth, use all of my blessings and never stop trying, I’ll be successful.
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
Yannie Jones: I would describe my music as relatable. I think when listening to my music, you know I wrote it and went through it. I don't know if that separates me but I don't really want to know. I just want to make music that helps people heal through their hurt.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
Yannie Jones: I guess it's proven that things have helped artists be successful - mainly money. But I always love to see it when talent is the reason behind someone’s big break! Not just a great marketing scheme. Like Bryson Tiller who borrowed $600 for a set up and changed his own life. No marketing scheme told him to buy that set up. That was meant to happen.
Yannie Jones - Temporary
Who is your greatest inspiration?
Yannie Jones: My family. In them, I have such a solid foundation. It's because of them I am not afraid to fail. I can make a million mistakes and fall down a trillion times and they will be there to pick me up and tell me to keep going. I need them. They will forever be my inspiration and reminder to focus on my own path.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Yannie Jones: I looooove me some Jhene! As a person, her genuineness is so beautiful. I've met Jhene a couple times just being from LA and being tied to a few of the same people but when I see her she is always so humble and greets me with love. Idk if she does that to everybody but I be feelin special. Lol. She sings her ass off. She's so relatable. She is movingly melodic. She's a mom. She’s a family person. She’s from LA! Yea, Jhene is my girl. Love her and all of her influence. Love to see her succeed and continue to rise.
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Yannie Jones: Passion is a good one! My mood changes so much, one beat can make me feel sad and another can make me feel excited and proud. But I am passionate about it all.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Well, I work 2 jobs. Im raising a 5 year old black boy and still investing in myself and my dreams. I know I’m just getting started but it's all been out of pocket and I'm doing it because I have a little person watching me. I never want him to give up on what he loves doing. No matter how long it takes. So the answer is time. I think time is the biggest sacrifice I’ve made. My journey is full of speed bumps and stop signs and Ima keep going. But I be tired. Lol.
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Hearing it back! Hearing what I wrote in the bathtub or the voice memo I made in the car on wax, that is the most exciting part to me. The discouraging part is when I hear counterproductive opinions. People can be so evil and not realize how sensitive artists can be. I’m working on not letting that affect me.
Yannie Jones - Never Thought (feat. Steve G. Lover III)
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Well for starters out of my email! I've been collecting the bounces of my studio sessions for 15 years and this is the first time I've dropped a project. I'm recording with intent and I want multiple No.1s! I also work in behavior therapy and as an outreach coordinator, so I want to expand that and have somewhat of a big brother big sister entity and curate events that will enrich the child experience to be more enjoyable and therapeutic. I think we all need therapy and should not wait until we're adults to get it.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Do what makes sense to you. And be honest with yourself. So when the going gets tough, you know why you're doing it and nothing can distract you or change what you already know is right for you.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
Album comin soooooon!
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