Jhené Aiko

Can you tell us about your sound and what it means to you?

I think my sound is a reflection of who I am, where I’m from and where I am going. My sound is introspective, imaginative, and grounded. My sound is intentional and thoughtful, aiming to soothe and comfort. Never forced or forceful. It can be whimsical and silly at times, but always sincere. Like myself, my sound is constantly growing, evolving and going at it’s own pace.

What inspires you to make music? Can you tell us about your personal touch?

I’m inspired by life, nature and my family. As I journey through life and make tons of mistakes (lol) I also learn so many lessons. As I share my experiences and lessons learned through my music, I’m inspired by the connections I make with the people who listen to it. I’m inspired to continue to create when I see I am not alone in what I experience. I am also inspired when I know I am helping someone feel less alone on their journey. 

I’ve always been very sensitive to sound and energy, so I try to create music that I personally find pleasant and not too disruptive to the nervous system.

I started writing poetry and short stories as a form of expression as soon as I learned to read and write. Songwriting came naturally when I combined my love for sound and writing. Every song I create is infused with my personal stories, feelings, ideas and dreams.

Do you have any artists that inspired you when you were growing up?

Growing up my 2 older sisters were in a singing group and they were the first artists I looked up to. I always admired their smooth sound, laid back style, natural beauty, and work ethic. We listened to the radio often so I grew up on a lot of 90s Hip Hop & R&B; Brandy, Mariah Carey, TLC, Snoop Dogg, Tupac, Biggie, etc.

 I also remember writing my first rap when I saw Raven Symone rapping as a child!  As I got a little older I got into Fiona Apple, Sade, Spice Girls, Destiny’s Child, 702, Alanis Morriset, India Arie, Kim Burrell and John Mayer… just to name a few! 

Can you tell us about your creative process? Do you prefer to write the lyrics first or do you prefer to get the sound to inspire you to write? Do you prefer to working during the day or at night?

My creative process is constant. Whether it be a poem, a story or just a thought; I am constantly writing things down. I hear melodies in my head all day, so I’m always recording voice memos in my phone. 

Sometimes the words come first, sometimes the melodies come first. But my favorite is when the melody and words come to me at the same time. 

A lot of my songs are free-styled, meaning I sit at the mic with an instrumental and sing whatever is on my mind or in my imagination. If I hear an instrumental I love, but have no words or melody that come to me right away, I refer to my notebooks of poems/lyrics and voice memos of melodies.

I prefer to create when the Sun is up. 

You had some amazing creative collaborations so far like H.E.R. , Future, Miguel, John Legend, Nas to name a few. How do you choose your collaborations?

My collaborations usually come about very naturally. I meet an artist in passing , we express how we would love to work with one another and then we make it happen! 

Sometimes I’ll record a song and think, “who would sound good on this?” or “who would understand the sentiment of this song and be able to add their unique perspective?” then I reach out to the artist I have in mind and send them the song or they come to the studio and we vibe. 

You are the first artist to intersect sound healing, meditation and music on a large scale incorporating stripped-down vocals and crystal alchemy bowls for an overall healing experience in Chilombo. What it means to you to have power of healing in your music?

With Chilombo, I wanted to infuse every track with healing tones because the creation of that album was very healing for me. I wanted to share how sound healing through the use of crystal alchemy sound bowls has helped me on my journey, in hopes that it would help others. 

As I continue to make music and learn the science of sound, I feel it is my responsibility to be more intentional with the vibrations I put out into the world. I believe sound can be used as medicine.

What message do you want to get to your fans?

I want my fans to know they are never alone. We are all reflections of one another. We are all worthy of love. To love ourselves is to love all. We are protected. It is okay to feel. It is healthy to cry. We are more than our emotions. All we have is the moment. Be present. Be patient. Be kind. Laugh often. Take every day as an opportunity to learn. Stay curious. Stay open. Life is a gift. Stay grateful. Love unconditionally. Forgive often. Take it easy. Slow down. Drink water. Get rest. Breathe deeply. 

Can you tell us when the first time you heard yourself on the radio? How was it and where were you?

The first time I heard myself on the radio I was in the car with my friend, Krissy. The radio station was playing “The Worst”. We turned it up loud, rolled down the windows and sang along! It was great.

If you had a chance to collaborate with anyone present or not present all-time greatest artists, it doesn’t matter what genre, who would it be if you had a chance to collaborate? Any legend that you would pick?

I would love to write a song and sing with Bill Withers. 

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?

Become a mother.

What are your hobbies?

I love to sleep and dream in my free time!! haha. I also enjoy cooking, driving, doing makeup, researching astronomy, stargazing, taking solo road trips, traveling and hiking. Taking photos and making trippy edits of them is one of my favorite hobbies. I have a passion for cats and have fostered 2 litters of kittens so far. Working with animals is something I want to do more of. Although I do it for a living, writing is still something I enjoy and do for pleasure, especially writing short stories and poetry. 

How often do you meditate?

I strive to go about my everyday life in a meditative state. I meditate all through out the day. 

Focusing on my breath is a simple meditation I try to do throughout the day to help me stay calm and centered. 

Lately, prayer has been my favorite form of meditation and “Thank you” has been my favorite prayer.

Many of your tattoos follow a spiritual or nautical theme. Do you have any tattoos that mean specially more to you?

Many people mistake the wheel on my shoulder as a nautical symbol. The wheel on my shoulder is actually a Buddhist symbol called the “Wheel of Dharma”, which represents the “Eightfold Path” ( Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration.)

I got most of my tattoos when I was going through emotional turmoil. They remind me of the mistakes I have made and the lessons I have learned. 

As the ambassador of Mental Health Services by the City of Los Angeles you dedicate yourself to this cause. Can you tell us more about your mission?

Mental Health is health. I want to help people realize that. I want to help others feel less alone on their journey. I want people to know they are not alone in how they feel and that it is okay and very human to feel.

I want people to know they have support and access to mental health services. I believe there is no coincidence we’ve been put on earth with billions of others. I believe we are all here to help each other.

Did you enjoy working with/being photographed by Mike Ruiz? Can you tell us about your experience?

Mike is a legend. He is amazing! He doesn’t waste any time. He works fast and I love that! He gave me great direction and made me feel very comfortable. I would love to work with him again. 

If you had a chance to give your younger self advice, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self not to get so many tattoos if she wants to be an actress! lol. I would tell her that she doesn’t need to be anything other than herself to be loved. I would tell her not to worry so much about finding love in a partner and to focus on loving and getting to know herself first and foremost. I would tell her to slow down, eat healthier, play a sport, take singing lessons, take dance lessons and learn an instrument!  

I would also advise her to avoid tweeting or using any social media while under the influence (yikes!). I would advise her to stay away from drugs and alcohol all together! I would let her know that life is an adventure and it isn’t something that needs to be figured out, it is something meant to enjoy.