the LIFESTYLE

Yo, here we go—here we go—here we go again. Hope everyone had a great week. We at the LIFESTYLE are hosting Veronica Jones today as she explores her identity within music as well as in her professional pursuits. Through a blend of soulful sounds, icons, and inspiration, Veronica shares her thoughts on and relationship to Reflection and Response through music. She also names a few great artists to look up and plug into if by any chance you haven’t already. We especially want to take the time to thank Veronica for making space for us in her schedule and wish her the absolute best in her pursuit of Law. That’s enough from us; lets dive in!!

Reflection & Response in a musical context means that you are taking a really personal, introspective look into your feelings, your life, your relationships, and also taking time to empathize with & understand the lives of others.

– Veronica Jones

Leading off with some basics, where are you from? And where are you at?

VJ: Hey, I’m Veronica, I’m 25 y.o. and was born & raised in Houston, TX (like Beyoncé!!!!) but I am currently living in New Orleans attending law school at Loyola New Orleans College of Law. After law school I am not sure where I will end up or what type of law I want to practice, but considering practicing criminal law, business law, international law, or entertainment law.

What does Reflection and Response mean to you?

VJ: Reflection & Response in a musical context to me means that you are taking a really personal, introspective look into your feelings, your life, your relationships, and also taking time to empathize with & understand the lives of others. After taking time to really understand your emotions and also see all kinds of conflicts & joys that occur in life, you are able to meaningfully convey your experience, or the experiences of others through music.

How does your music fit in with that definition?

VJ: Although I have not recorded any of my original pieces, I am a fan of jazz and have recorded a few jazz standards (Mood Indigo, Lullaby of Birdland & Fever). Also, while living in Spain I recorded a song called “Let the Music Play.”

“Mood Indigo” is a very melancholy song. It is about a person whose lover left them and is now dealing with loneliness. This song fits perfectly within the theme of Reflection & Response because when it comes to someone you love you have to first recognize your feelings with the situation and understand them and only after that should you decide how to react to them.

“Fever” is pretty self-explanatory, but just focuses on how a guy is giving her that special feeling.

“Lullaby of Birdland” uses a metaphor about birds singing to describe how she feels about the one she loves. Sometimes being direct about a situation is not the best way to explain how you feel.

“Let the Music Play” is all about losing your inhibitions and just experiencing the music and having a good time.

What else have you been working on recently? What are you looking to work on next?

VJ: Sadly, recently, I have not been working on anything. Since I am in my first year of law school, I find myself too busy to be involved in recording/gigging. But I certainly do sing around my house in my spare time!! Looking forward; I plan on staying in New Orleans for the summer & hopefully finding opportunities to gig/record while here.

Who or what inspires you?

VJ: My family inspires me so much, in particular my mother. She is one of the most generous people I have ever met, and has been supportive of my musical talents since I was a child.

Also I feel that my life experiences and those of others inspire me to think about situations more in depth and convey them in a way that really expresses the true meaning of a song.

Musicians that influence and inspire me are Beyoncé, Lauryn Hill, Ella Fitzgerald, Amy Winehouse, Bob Marley, The Weeknd, Adele, Brandy, and Lianna La Havas.

In particular Beyoncé inspires me because she has some of the BEST vocals known to man. Every album she puts out shows her progression and she has not been afraid to venture outside of her comfort zone.

Amy Winehouse inspires me because of the pure emotion she can put in a song with her voice. Its gritty, rough, soulful, and at the same time relatable.

Lianna la Havas inspires me because she has a very pure tone and uses tons of acoustic guitar, which I love. Her voice conveys tons of emotion as well.

Is there anything else you would like the Collective to know?

VJ: Just want to say that I have grown so much from my experiences and have come to realize that music can be very personal. When I was younger, I never understood that, but now that I am older, and singing about topics and situations that have affected me or my loved ones, I know that it takes courage to be able to be so transparent and share your stories with so many people you don’t know.

Shout out to…

VJ: Just wanna give a quick shout out to Peter for asking me to do this. I appreciate the involvement! Also, to my supportive/loving family and friends. And a shout out to New Orleans, for being the city which is my first stepping stone to becoming the successful lawyer that I want to be!!

Reflection and Response.