Artist Spotlight: Discover Neo-Soul Artist Kiara Jones

Kiara Jones

Kiara Jones was crowned the winner of our "iMusician Listener's Choice" competition in December 2021. Since she was your top pick, we caught up with her for a quick interview.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got started writing music?

My project is deeply rooted in both sound and visuals, weaving together elements of neo-soul, electro-pop, jazz, and alternative R&B. I’ve always been immersed in a rich artistic environment—surrounded by musicians, filmmakers, painters, and stylists—which shaped my creative path early on. Although I’m completely self-taught, singing became my way of expressing emotions I found difficult to verbalise. Over time, my voice—my very first instrument—has taken centre stage in my compositions, with vocal harmonies playing a key role. I released my first track, “Black Garden,” in 2019, which I kept raw and true to its original form. That release was followed by “Sober” and “And I Feel The Same” in 2020, and two more singles, “Never” and “All The Lights,” in 2021, which leaned more into electro-pop.

You were recently awarded the Pernod Ricard Live Prize. Can you tell us about that experience and what it meant to you?

Out of more than 1,500 entries and over 26,000 public votes, I was honoured to be chosen as one of the 10 winners of the 2021 Pernod Ricard Live Prize—one of the leading platforms for emerging French artists. What made this experience special was the focus on discovery and artistic support rather than competition. Through the program, I was able to shoot a music video with Rod Maurice, record a live session at Gaîté Lyrique, and perform a DJ set at Hôtel Radio Paris. It also helped me grow my professional network and gain visibility, making it both a deeply human and professionally enriching experience.

What’s next for you, and how do you approach the visual and professional side of your music? Following the release of my debut EP Black Garden, I’ve been preparing for the launch of my second EP, Tada, which arrives on March 4, 2022, along with a brand new music video. This new project takes a sunnier direction, merging neo-soul with contemporary jazz, pop, and electro sounds reminiscent of early 2000s French touch. Visually, I strive to offer an immersive universe, taking inspiration from artists like FKA Twigs and Tyler, the Creator. I’m hands-on in all aspects—from music production to co-directing videos—and I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with artists and professionals who’ve worked with names like Dua Lipa, James Blake, and Disclosure. While I lead my project, I value teamwork and believe that being independent doesn’t mean doing everything alone. Social media, especially Instagram, has become a vital way for me to share my journey, connect with fans, and build a vibrant, engaged community.

Kiara Jones

We love your Spotify playlists. Can you tell us about your biggest musical influences?

Haha, thank you! I love sharing the music I’m currently obsessed with—tracks I have on repeat, new artists I’m discovering, and longtime favourites. Kaytranada is one of my go-tos; he's a pioneer on the neo-soul, electronic, and hip-hop scenes, with a groove that’s impossible to ignore. I also really enjoy the infectious rhythms of artists like Sango and DKVPZ—they never fail to lift my mood. Sampha is another major influence; his voice and harmonies are so emotionally rich, and his music resonates deeply with me. I also admire artists like Jorja Smith, Raveena, IAMDDB, Cleo Sol, and Chloe x Halle—each of them brings something unique and innovative to the evolving R&B landscape, whether through sound, visuals, or storytelling.

Speaking of Spotify, how do you feel about streaming platforms as an independent artist? Streaming platforms have definitely become a key part of music discovery—landing on a Spotify playlist can open a lot of doors. But realistically, unless you have strong editorial connections, it's tough to get noticed. With around 70,000 tracks uploaded daily, and a large chunk never getting a single play, it's a real challenge to cut through the noise. As an independent artist, I’ve learned that building genuine engagement with your audience is crucial—getting people to care, connect, and stay with you through your journey.

How has your experience been with iMusician, and what do you wish people better understood about the music industry?

I’ve appreciated using iMusician—they offer fair, flexible tools that grow with you, and they genuinely support the artists on their platform. It feels like a distributor that’s built with independent creators in mind. As for the industry, I think one of the biggest misconceptions is the belief that success only comes through signing with a major label or making rap music. Another is the underestimation of singing as a real musical craft—it’s often seen as “easy,” but the voice is an instrument that takes just as much practice and skill to master. If I could change one thing, it would be creating a more equitable system—one that values diversity, transparency, and merit. There’s so much incredible talent out there that deserves recognition.