Redgrave Jones is a Los Angeles based songwriter and performer. Her sound is insanely unique drawing influence from early 90’s alternative and trip hop like PJ Harvey, Portishead and Nine Inch Nails as well as artists such as Billie Holiday, Etta James, Bach and Biggie Smalls. You never quite know what you are going to get with her music, but you can be sure to expect something emotionally raw, poetic and hypnotic – whether she’s rocking out or slinking into a deep dark psychedelic beat.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Redgrave Jones about the latest music, motivations, memories and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
What’s something you’d like readers to know about your latest project?
It’s my first official release since my EP in 2017. I collaborated with friend and producer Rocha (@_motiontracking on Instagram), and we were actually going to work on a track I had written and even recorded a rough demo of, but then ended up putting together something else instead. What ended up becoming, Run You Down. Which ended up being a super fun way to work. Plus it was our first time working together so I think it made sense to build something from the ground up as a pair.
How does this project compare with your other release(s)? Was there anything specific you were trying to accomplish?
My EP Luckiest Girl In The World was all songs I wrote on my own, then brought into the studio to suss out and arrange with Jason Lowrie (my producer for Luckiest Girl In The World). Some of those songs were old too… like 20 years old!
This song is different cause it’s like half Rocha and half me, really, which is why I think it’s so cool, and so different from my last EP. Also for the first time, I used a different friend to master it… he brought the depth, the meat of the track, to the surface. I’m so glad I reached out to him (Mike at Moosecat Recording Studio in Los Angeles).
What I was trying to accomplish? Just to write something that worked, that we both loved – but that still had my essential vibe.
What motivates you to create music?
It’s like a weird reflex. Something I need to do to communicate things I would otherwise be unable to.
What’s one of your first or most powerful music memories? Did that play any role in driving you to create?
My friend Erin O’halloran in highschool. She introduced me to PJ Harvey and songwriting. I may have already started writing songs… I actually wrote my first song lyrics in 5th or 6th grade now that I think about it, but I was definitely inspired by both of those ladies to write songs and perform like a badass.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
I would say Trent Reznor and/or Flood. Flood produced my two favorite all time albums, NIN, The Downward Spiral and PJ Harvey, To Bring You My Love. I think either one of them would really get my style and my vibe. I think we could create some really insane shit together.
What was the last song you listened to? And who is one of your favorite all-time bands/artists?
Haha. Well, I just listened to a new master of my new single, does that count? Also, I’ve had covid, so I Haven’t really been listening to much. I’ll tell you a new favorite song of mine though. IFUCKINGLOVEYOU by, Big Black Delta. It’s supposed to be all in caps too, which I appreciate. I’d really like to work with that guy. The guy behind Big Black Delta. Jonathan Bates. He’s a freaking genius. He’s @big_black_delta on Instagram.
Favorite all time band/artist: PJ Harvey. She’s my girl.
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
Probably Instagram. @redgravejones
Anything else before we sign off?
Just, you know, thanks for listening to my stuff. I really appreciate it.
