The word is buzzing around the gifted and talented vocalist, Jonét. Her soulful and jazzy sound is sure to put her on the map in the next year. We were lucky to hear her live during her performance at Angels and Kings in New York; we were impressed by Jonét’s original sound and her phenomenal cover of Etta James’s At Last. We also had the opportunity to speak with Jonét about her career, aspirations and what she does for fun. Check out our interview below:

1. Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in New York. I began working with world renowned voice coach Katie Agresta (Bon Jovi/Cyndi Lauper) at the age of 10. I would travel to her brownstone on 88th Street and sing while holding my tongue out for an hour. Her exercises helped me learn how to use my voice like an instrument — it was an invaluable experience. I did theater locally for 10 years, which became the foundation of my stage presence and the theatrics audiences can expect at my live shows. Being from New York opened me up to the best and worst parts of this industry, and now living in the West Village I am blessed to still be learning and growing as an artist.

2. When did you first discover you had a vocal gift?
Its funny — my parents have endless videos of me from the time I could speak singing and putting on shows in my living room. It wasn’t until kindergarten graduation when my teacher asked me to sing that they realized it wasn’t just normal “kids being kids” behavior. It was what I was meant to do.

3. Can you remember your first amateur performance? Where was it and how did it go?
Hmmmm…this is a hard one. I guess the most notable one was when I was 13 and performed at the Apollo. I won a nationwide tour Apollo hosted and a woman named Vanessa Brown invited me back as the “star of tomorrow.” I always joke and say to myself… “I think it’s tomorrow now!”



4. What is your major pet peeve?
Bad stage performers, because it’s a package deal. Just because our generation of performers can be airbrushed and auto-tuned to hide any flaw doesn’t mean we should be. There’s something raw and real about getting on a stage and connecting with an audience. Today when I see a performer hyped up to be the next big thing and they can’t sing two of their own songs on live TV (not saying any names) I don’t get it. They should go home and practice in front of the mirror some more.

5. Who are some major influences in your life?
In life…my parents, my friends and Bob Dylan.

6. Which artists influence your sound?
In music? Alanis Morisette. Janis Joplin. Etta James. Billy Joel. Alicia Keys. Lauryn Hill. Sheryl Crow and Bob Dylan. I went to a psychic once who told me my career would most resemble Bobs’. I had just finished reading “A Freewheelin’ Time” by Suze Rotolo the day before…needless to say it blew my mind and I prefer to believe in psychics.

7. If you had one last request on this Earth, what would it be?
One request? Can’t I have a few? Haha If I had one last day I always say I’d love to go out with a bang. Gypsy style if I can make a musical theater reference. I’d like to be belting out some soul music in front of the world and the people I love. A stage, a mic and the people who have made it all possible… that’s my request.

8. Are you a sports fan? If so, who are your favorite teams?
Sports are not for me. I love the UFC though. I’m a bit violent in the best way.



9. What is a broken black balloon?
When I wrote the album I had just moved into my apartment with my best friend. It was a dream I had since I was younger. I had all these thoughts on what life was going to be like at 22. It ended up a bit more complicated than that, but complicated in a good way. I heard a quote once that said, “sometimes your heart breaks in the right way.” That’s the best way I can describe it. Sometimes the hopes you have shatter, but what’s left are lessons. Those are the broken black balloons we all have around us.

10. What keeps you busy throughout the day?
Dreaming. My friends make fun of me when I say that, but when you’re an artist your mind never stops. It’s exhausting but I wouldn’t change it. Creativity is the source of everything I am. It’s also what keeps me constantly searching for satiability. And I’m a Sagittarius. Combine that with the dreaming and you get a never ending quest for never ending things. It’s a bittersweet symphony.

11. When can we expect the album to be released?
Right now I’m just focused on playing out and getting the album to the people who are going to like it the most. Along the way I’d love for the industry to pick-up on its depth and musicality. I think it’s a good testament to music still being entertaining with basic instruments and vocals. It’s a raw take on some of my favorite artists, influences and time periods.

12. What is next for you in this music industry?
Some videos, some shows and more music. I have a show April 18th at the Canal Room and May 7th at Mercury Lounge. This upcoming week I’m filming a video with the YouTube’s #1 dance channel, DanceOn (www.youtube.com/danceon). Overall though, I’m always looking to build contacts and combine my art with the art of other interesting people. I couldn’t tell you what’s next because a big part of me feels it’s not in my control. Oprah said in an interview that success is preparation meeting opportunity. I’m ready. I just hope life is on board to meet me.