London-based neo-soul/jazz singer-songwriter JONES releases her new single, “Hard To Be Happy,” a collaboration with Dutch artist Benny Sings.
JONES explains, “I feel like these lyrics are universal and I would be surprised if most people had not felt this way at some point. I don’t know if it is because we are never satisfied, or that there are constant reminders of other people who are more successful and seem to be happier, or if it’s just the human condition to be sad sometimes, but this is how I was feeling at that time, and it was captured in this song. Silently sad from something I couldn’t define but getting on with life. The acceptance of putting a name on those feelings was freeing.”
JONES, who grew up immersed in music, shares, “I feel like my mother pumped music into the womb, essentially.” At school and in college, she developed her performance, production, and songwriting skills. Signing with 37 Adventures, she started performing, followed by collaborating with artists such as Jools Holland, Tourist, Cazzette, and Claptone.
JONES’ talent for blending soul, pop, and jazz resulted in a unique, alluring sound, as well as features in elite media outlets and more than 100 million Spotify streams.
Talking about the genesis of “Hard To Be Happy,” JONES says, “I had been speaking with the artist Benny Sings and one of his pieces of music that he had sent really resonated with me. Silently sad from something I couldn’t define – the words “sometimes it’s hard to be happy” came out and I immediately felt the words were saying something true. The acceptance of putting a name on those feelings was freeing.”
“Hard To Be Happy” rolls out on a luscious rhythm, featuring a fat bassline and tight, crisp percussion as JONES’ plush, evocative voice imbues the lyrics with pensive savors. Soft, radiant harmonies add translucent misty tones. Upbeat and undulating on contagious harmonics, the lyrical content diverges into suggestions of melancholy.
Simultaneously graceful and irresistible, “Hard To Be Happy” highlights the sumptuous, crème de la crème voice of JONES.
Follow JONES Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify