Jonesing For Elliot.
by Q Review Staff
Photos by Justin Gilbert @Jussy
Young in years but wise in approach to music, Elliot Jones is part of the new face of the surging wave of LGBTQ artists taking over the pop music world. With a gentle and inviting voice that gives you those oh so good Shawn Mendes vibes, Elliot Jones is about to become your newest obsession.
His new single ‘Emotions’ has been released. It’s infectious, relaxed luvvy pop that will give you daydream smiles. Sweet like sugar and warm like melted butter, Elliot Jones is the real deal talent. The voice is on point for pop music. Hints of boyish vocals are rolling all over the track. It immediately hooks you. As an artist Elliot Jones is pure charm. The eyes, the smile and the boy next door impression make you want to like him. And you will.
‘Emotions’ is a radio friendly, young love croon that you’ll play every chance you get. It’s the nervous butterflies in the presence of your secret crush. It’s the song you strategically make sure is just starting to play when that same crush gets in the car, just in case its magical qualities (that you truly believe in) kick in and create that moment when you lock eyes and he finally sees you. It’s the song that may just become your song of the summer. And that’s a song we all want.
We caught up with Elliot to find out more about this young emerging artist and where he's headed.
You're a young new artist, so for those readers out there who aren't familiar with you, describe yourself in 3 words.
Creative, driven, passionate.
How would you describe your music style?
It's definitely pop! Which is now a more general term than ever but my pop is the kind that makes you dance and watch the music video over and over again.
How long have you been making music? How did you get started?
I was always an artistic kid so I was always writing songs and like little poems and had musical ideas for as long as I can remember. But I really started taking these ideas seriously when I was about to graduate high school. A mix of my own ambition and naiveté convinced me to move to New York and just figure out a way to make it work, so that's what I did. I was taking trips out to LA every summer to work on music, and then I finally decided that it was time to actually live there so that's how I ended up in LA!
Elliot, you’re from Los Angeles and there seems to be a burgeoning young LGBTQ music movement happening. Is there a lot of competition? Or is everyone more helping one another get their music out?
I'm not actually from Los Angeles! But I love the community that I've found in LA. My friends here give me so much support, inspiration and motivation, which is so important as an artist. Within any minority group, when it feels like there's limited spots and not many chances, it can easily get competitive for logistical reasons. But I really feel right now that the LGBTQ community in LA and everywhere is understanding that we will only reach our goals through supporting people like us; rather than competing against one another.
Who are your musical influences? Who are you inspired by?
When I was in high school, I was obsessed with Amy Winehouse, Frank Ocean, Lana Del Rey and I still am. You don't really hear any of their influence in Emotions but recently, I've really been diving into those initial inspirations for guidance in my music.
Who are you currently listening to? Who do you have on repeat?
I'm in a very summer mood right now: Get Stupid by Bulow is on repeat, love the new Lauv and Lizzo's new album is absolutely everything to me! I actually have a summer playlist on my Spotify that I'm just going to keep updating with my favs these next few months.
You've just released your single "Emotions". How would you describe the song? What inspired it?
"Emotions" sounds like summer to me because it has that really chill vibe but the chorus is still full of excitement. There's something really dreamy about the production, that sounds like falling in love. Like it's your first crush and you've caught emotions and it's just a whole new world.
I was in a situation that I was very conflicted about. I thought that we were just keeping it casual but things got heated pretty quickly and I think it caught us both off guard. When I came into the session, I really didn't think that the result would end up as flirty and relaxed as "Emotions" is, which was such a welcome surprise.
Photos by Justin Gilbert @Jussy
Young in years but wise in approach to music, Elliot Jones is part of the new face of the surging wave of LGBTQ artists taking over the pop music world. With a gentle and inviting voice that gives you those oh so good Shawn Mendes vibes, Elliot Jones is about to become your newest obsession.
His new single ‘Emotions’ has been released. It’s infectious, relaxed luvvy pop that will give you daydream smiles. Sweet like sugar and warm like melted butter, Elliot Jones is the real deal talent. The voice is on point for pop music. Hints of boyish vocals are rolling all over the track. It immediately hooks you. As an artist Elliot Jones is pure charm. The eyes, the smile and the boy next door impression make you want to like him. And you will.
‘Emotions’ is a radio friendly, young love croon that you’ll play every chance you get. It’s the nervous butterflies in the presence of your secret crush. It’s the song you strategically make sure is just starting to play when that same crush gets in the car, just in case its magical qualities (that you truly believe in) kick in and create that moment when you lock eyes and he finally sees you. It’s the song that may just become your song of the summer. And that’s a song we all want.
We caught up with Elliot to find out more about this young emerging artist and where he's headed.
You're a young new artist, so for those readers out there who aren't familiar with you, describe yourself in 3 words.
Creative, driven, passionate.
How would you describe your music style?
It's definitely pop! Which is now a more general term than ever but my pop is the kind that makes you dance and watch the music video over and over again.
How long have you been making music? How did you get started?
I was always an artistic kid so I was always writing songs and like little poems and had musical ideas for as long as I can remember. But I really started taking these ideas seriously when I was about to graduate high school. A mix of my own ambition and naiveté convinced me to move to New York and just figure out a way to make it work, so that's what I did. I was taking trips out to LA every summer to work on music, and then I finally decided that it was time to actually live there so that's how I ended up in LA!
Elliot, you’re from Los Angeles and there seems to be a burgeoning young LGBTQ music movement happening. Is there a lot of competition? Or is everyone more helping one another get their music out?
I'm not actually from Los Angeles! But I love the community that I've found in LA. My friends here give me so much support, inspiration and motivation, which is so important as an artist. Within any minority group, when it feels like there's limited spots and not many chances, it can easily get competitive for logistical reasons. But I really feel right now that the LGBTQ community in LA and everywhere is understanding that we will only reach our goals through supporting people like us; rather than competing against one another.
Who are your musical influences? Who are you inspired by?
When I was in high school, I was obsessed with Amy Winehouse, Frank Ocean, Lana Del Rey and I still am. You don't really hear any of their influence in Emotions but recently, I've really been diving into those initial inspirations for guidance in my music.
Who are you currently listening to? Who do you have on repeat?
I'm in a very summer mood right now: Get Stupid by Bulow is on repeat, love the new Lauv and Lizzo's new album is absolutely everything to me! I actually have a summer playlist on my Spotify that I'm just going to keep updating with my favs these next few months.
You've just released your single "Emotions". How would you describe the song? What inspired it?
"Emotions" sounds like summer to me because it has that really chill vibe but the chorus is still full of excitement. There's something really dreamy about the production, that sounds like falling in love. Like it's your first crush and you've caught emotions and it's just a whole new world.
I was in a situation that I was very conflicted about. I thought that we were just keeping it casual but things got heated pretty quickly and I think it caught us both off guard. When I came into the session, I really didn't think that the result would end up as flirty and relaxed as "Emotions" is, which was such a welcome surprise.
How long did it take to write? Was it a long process or did it come together quickly?
We wrote the song in a day so I wouldn't say it was a challenging song by any means. It came to us pretty organically. We weren't ever smashing our heads against the wall trying to get the next lyric out.
How would you compare it to your previous releases?
This is going to be my strongest release. I'm just more sure of it conceptually, visually and as an artist. I know that listeners will understand it more than some of my other releases.
If you were going to collaborate with another artist, who is on your dream list?
Wow... where do I start. I think Frank or Lana would be some dream collaborators of mine but my music is way more pop than either of them. I guess that might make it kinda cool to see what would happen. Also - Rihanna. Just had to drop that in.
This is definitely a moment in music that feels very exciting for LGBTQ artists. As a young LGBTQ artist, do you feel it's harder to get your music heard or break into mainstream?
I think it's hard for anyone to get their music heard and break into the mainstream. I don't want to say that it's harder for the LGBTQ because I do believe in the power of thought; like if we keep telling ourselves its hard, it won't make it easier. So, I always try to be very positive about it and think how being LGBT didn't stop the success of Frank Ocean or Sam Smith or many others. And even outside of music, there's so many LGBTQ people finding success being themselves online, doing drag or makeup or fashion. I really like to believe that the possibilities are endless, rather than limited.
As an artist just getting started, what are you finding to be the biggest challenges?
There are so many hurdles that take so much time so I've really just learnt that I'm going to have to have a lot of patience if I want to be an artist. Understanding myself artistically is a process that has taken me a lot of time, and that's a challenge that's always going to be there. I'm always growing and changing so I'm never fully satisfied with my most recent material.
We wrote the song in a day so I wouldn't say it was a challenging song by any means. It came to us pretty organically. We weren't ever smashing our heads against the wall trying to get the next lyric out.
How would you compare it to your previous releases?
This is going to be my strongest release. I'm just more sure of it conceptually, visually and as an artist. I know that listeners will understand it more than some of my other releases.
If you were going to collaborate with another artist, who is on your dream list?
Wow... where do I start. I think Frank or Lana would be some dream collaborators of mine but my music is way more pop than either of them. I guess that might make it kinda cool to see what would happen. Also - Rihanna. Just had to drop that in.
This is definitely a moment in music that feels very exciting for LGBTQ artists. As a young LGBTQ artist, do you feel it's harder to get your music heard or break into mainstream?
I think it's hard for anyone to get their music heard and break into the mainstream. I don't want to say that it's harder for the LGBTQ because I do believe in the power of thought; like if we keep telling ourselves its hard, it won't make it easier. So, I always try to be very positive about it and think how being LGBT didn't stop the success of Frank Ocean or Sam Smith or many others. And even outside of music, there's so many LGBTQ people finding success being themselves online, doing drag or makeup or fashion. I really like to believe that the possibilities are endless, rather than limited.
As an artist just getting started, what are you finding to be the biggest challenges?
There are so many hurdles that take so much time so I've really just learnt that I'm going to have to have a lot of patience if I want to be an artist. Understanding myself artistically is a process that has taken me a lot of time, and that's a challenge that's always going to be there. I'm always growing and changing so I'm never fully satisfied with my most recent material.
What’s next after Emotions? Will there be a video?
Possibly ;)
What does the next 2 years look like for you in terms of music?
The next two years looks like a lot of hustling. I have so many songs and ideas that I need to share with the world - I wish I could record & release music as quickly as I write it!
What’s something on your music career “bucket” list?
Release an EP, release an album, go on tour.
What do you get up to when you're not making music?
This is the most random answer but lately I've really been into making smoothies for myself ahah I'm like a one man Jamba Juice.
If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would you go and why?
I would go to Japan or Korea because I'm dying to get a taste of that culture. I love the imagery and the styles that come from those places.
What’s one last thing you want listeners to know?
Life's what you make it so let's make it right.
Follow Elliot on Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / Spotify
Possibly ;)
What does the next 2 years look like for you in terms of music?
The next two years looks like a lot of hustling. I have so many songs and ideas that I need to share with the world - I wish I could record & release music as quickly as I write it!
What’s something on your music career “bucket” list?
Release an EP, release an album, go on tour.
What do you get up to when you're not making music?
This is the most random answer but lately I've really been into making smoothies for myself ahah I'm like a one man Jamba Juice.
If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would you go and why?
I would go to Japan or Korea because I'm dying to get a taste of that culture. I love the imagery and the styles that come from those places.
What’s one last thing you want listeners to know?
Life's what you make it so let's make it right.
Follow Elliot on Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / Spotify
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