Today we’d like to introduce you to Laia Jones.
Hi Laia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Laia is my name. It is a simple name with a strong meaning that I believe I live up to daily. It means “of fair speech or to talk well.” I believe God has given me a gift to communicate with people. I pray my words resonate in people’s souls and minds enough to bring about positive changes in the world. I am a myriad of things all wrapped up into one, strong, woman.
Hailing from the city of Memphis, I’m an artist with deep southern roots with musical styling influences ranging from gospel, soul, funk, and R&B. Although I love singing, I hope that I am also equally recognized for my work as a songwriter.
Like many southern children, my musical journey’s roots began with the church. Church made me a student that led me down the bright and fruitful path to becoming a multi-genred performer ranging from a worship leader and team member, coral ensemble singer, session vocalist, and live performance band front woman.
As a songwriter, my artistic expression adapts many voices. I embrace several genres which include Country, Americana, Christian, Soul, and R&B. I want music to be music without separation due to race or social statuses. I hope to create a sound that causes hate to cease and love to abound while reaching the hearts of many people no matter where they come from or who they are. That’s most important to me as a songwriter.
I also own and operate an apparel line, 66 And Change Apparel (66andchange.com). My apparel line takes quirky phrases and adapts biblical concepts encrypted inside of the t-shirt’s graphics. With everything that I do, I attempt to make love my primary topic of discussion and expression. In my songwriting and apparel line, I attempt to always find ways to display my love for mankind through art.
I am a daughter, sister, friend, and overcomer of many things. My artistry is an extension of the woman that I am and hope to be.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was not an easy road. While still working to achieve many of my goals between May 2017–December 2017, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent an arduous chemotherapy treatment. I decided to continue moving forward because I was still alive and still believed I had work to complete. I pressed through pain to get to what God had promised.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a singer-songwriter working to keep the sound of R&B and great feel good music alive. I am most known for The Tape Decks & Diaries series: Tape Decks & Diaries Vol. 1-The Laia Way and Tape Decks & Diaries Vol. 2-The Playlist. These projects were mostly produced during COVID alongside producers Byron Morrow (Eleven 21 Music) and Antjuan “Kyd Dynomyte” Johnson (Viatuan Music). During a time when things were shut down around the world, we decided to make the silence and solitude work for us.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I am avid listener of the podcast “How Married Are You?” I listen to entirely too many Apologetics podcasts to name.
Contact Info:
- Website: Laiajonesmusic.com
