Contributing Writer
London-based songwriter and lover of soul and jazz, JONES returns with one of her most affecting and groove rich tracks in the form of “Hard To Be Happy”. Written in collaboration with Dutch artist Benny Sings (Collabs include Mac DeMarco and Rex Orange County) – It’s a track with an upbeat, joyful production juxtaposing the somber lyrical content provided by Jones, who explains that “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.
An artist from the start, JONES’s childhood was surrounded by music, as she explains “I feel like my mother pumped music into the womb, essentially,”. She soon found herself taking up music at school and college, developing her performance, production and songwriting skills. Soon, she had her first dip into the industry with 37 Adventures (home to Rosie Lowe, Deptford Goth and plenty more). The signing soon led to performances on Later.. WIth Jools Holland, as well as collaborations with the likes of Tourist, Cazzette, Claptone and plenty more.
Jones’ impeccable ability to infuse soul with pop and elements of Jazz, led to critical support from the likes of The Line of Best Fit, CLASH, Notion, Wonderland, Chanel and well in excess of 100 Million streams on Spotify. Now returning with some of her most soulful, joyous work to date, “Hard To Be Happy” showcases the next evolution for the talented London songwriter.
“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.” – Jones
Stream the collab single from JONES and Benny Sings in full HERE