Interview: Angela Jones | LOUD Magazine

Interview: Angela Jones | LOUD Magazine

Posted on: 11 May 2020

This article was first published in the second edition of LOUD Magazine, 365Bristol's dedicated music publication. 



Read the second edition of LOUD Magazine on Issuu:LOUD Magazine: Cover DesignAngela Jones

 

Introspective and warm, Angela Jones makes music that evokes memories of days spent lolling in the sun. Drawing lyrical inspiration from poetry, Jones’ often acoustic sound is soulful and brims with vivid, idyllic symbolism handpicked from nature.  

 

Raised in Peterborough, Jones moved to Bristol to study music. And this summer, she’ll release her debut EP, Rosewater, with the help of Colston Hall’s artist development scheme, Home-Grown Heat.

 

A project supporting the city’s emerging artists and underground talent, Home-Grown Heat connects participants with industry professionals, who can provide mentorship, support and guidance. 

 

How did you first get into music? Name some early musical inspirations.

 

I started writing poems when I was younger, and I learnt to play the piano on an old keyboard. 

 

Lauryn Hill was one of my earliest inspirations when it comes to songwriting. I remember writing a letter to her when l was a kid; l was so inspired by the way she used her music to elevate social and political issues. 

 

I also loved Bob Dylan, Billy Joel and The Beatles; they all have a nostalgic, organic sound. It’s so timeless. 

 

From your song titles to your press shots, nature is a clear theme in your work. Why’s that?

 

It’s where l feel most peaceful. 

Angela Jones | Credit: Ellie SandyCredit: Ellie SandyAngela Jones | Credit: Ellie SandyAre there any places of natural beauty in Bristol that have inspired you? 

 

In my first year of university, l always used to visit Brandon Hill. It has really pretty gardens, and at the top, you can see so much of the city, but feel like you’re far away from it at the same time. 

 

You draw lyrical inspiration from poetry. So who is your favourite poet? 

 

Maya Angelou is one of my biggest inspirations. Not only as a poet, but as a person; she was so intelligent and resilient, but also open and sensitive to her surroundings and towards other people.

 

She always advocated humanitarian sentiments in her poetry. I would love to be able to sit down and talk to her - I feel like I could gush over her forever.

 

Ahead of your EP release, you’ve put out a new music video for the song ‘Rosewater.’ It’s beautiful. Can you tell us the story behind this song and its inspiration, in particular, its reference to botanical flowers and their uses? 

 

Thank you! Roses are symbolic of love, and rosewater is used for healing in a lot of cultures, both in a physical and spiritual sense. So the general idea for the song was about healing a hurt caused by loving someone. 

 

Not necessarily in a romantic sense; it can be understood as grieving the loss of someone you love, or being disappointed at experiencing a negative side to someone you love. 

 

The main message is that, even though these things are painful, it’s still better to be open and loving than to be closed off from feeling these emotions at all. It’s the most open and honest song I’ve written in a long time. 

 

 

Has Colston Hall's Home-Grown Heat scheme impacted you as a musician? If so, how? 

 

It’s been really good meeting new people; hearing their songs and influences. I’ve gained insights into my songs that I wouldn’t have thought of before. Having someone back and invest in you is so motivating, so I’m glad to be part of it.

 

Images: Ellie Sandy


Read more:

 


Article by:

Kate Hutchison

 


Kate Hutchison

Get in touch with Kate at kate@365bristol.com