Lyric Jones – Better Now

By starrymag | January 7, 2025

By: Karen Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I’d describe my sound as pure ear candy, the kind that makes your ears perk up and groove, you feel me? It’s a flavorful gumbo of gospel, jazz, hip-hop and soul where every note tells my story.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) When it comes to songwriting, my influences are legends like Stevie Wonder, Pharrell [Williams], Stokley from Mint Condition, and D’Angelo – their vibes are magic. And, uh, as I’ve pivoted towards dance and house music, I’ve been vibing with Waajeed, DJ Spinna, Crackazat, Kerri Chandler and Terry Hunter. They’ve really helped shape this new energy I’m dancing to.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Better Now.”

 

A) “Better Now” marks my return after a nearly four-year break from music. I felt creatively stuck after releasing my album Closer Than They Appear during COVID. The turning point was connecting with my producer, OP!, in 2023. His production reignited my creativity, helping me overcome this writer’s block. “Better Now” reflects my journey back and signals the new sound and energy I’m bringing, emphasizing growth and the steps toward becoming healthier and happier.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I guess fans connect to “Better Now” on two levels. First, it’s a fresh side of me – up-tempo, vibrant and different, showcasing my versatility in a new and exciting way. On a deeper level, the song serves as an affirmation. The chorus, “OK, I’m better now,” is both a personal mantra and a reminder of the positivity I’m striving for. I wrote it as a form of self-encouragement, even when I wasn’t truly in that space yet. I think folks are drawn to the uplifting energy and the message of resilience, just happy to see me back in action.

 

Q) The remixes are amazing! How did you decide on who you wanted to work with to craft these?

 

A) Thank you! When it came to choosing collaborators for these remixes, I started with a wish list of producers I wanted from the gate. Ian Wallace, Zo! and Tall Black Guy were the ones who answered the call in time and helped bring the remixes to life. Working closely with them, along with contributions from Soul Clap and XL Middleton, added unique touches to each track. It’s all about fine-tuning those creative visions with friends and hinting at more collaborations on future projects.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) Absolutely, I need music before diving into the lyrics – it’s like a harmonious marriage between sound and words. Early on, I used to create rhythms and melodies in my head and just write to that, you feel me? But now, the musicianship of the track really guides me. It helps define the energy and directs the theme, whether it’s a love song, something introspective, or a cultural commentary. The tone, vibe, chords and drums – all these elements spark the creative decisions in my mind as a writer.

 

Q) You’re a music producer in your own right so how much of a hand do you have in the production of your own music?

 

A) I’m extremely hands-on in my music production; it’s just how I roll. Sometimes, producers send me a skeleton track or the initial idea and that’s where I step in. I love working on the arrangement, deciding which instruments come in and out and getting deeply involved. As a producer, I’m making those executive decisions about the track’s direction. Occasionally, I’ll play something or add samples, but mostly, I’m guiding the sound. It’s very much inspired by Quincy Jones’ approach.

 

Q) With “Better Now” and the remixes out are there any plans for a full album or EP to come in the near future?

 

A) Yeah, definitely planning on a full album or EP down the line – it’s in the works. But right now, I’m all about rebranding and rebuilding. The focus is on getting my name visible again through collaborations with dance, house and electronic producers and artists. I’m diving back into the industry, especially in the dance scene where I’m not as well-known. So, my energy is on collabs and singles at the moment. I’ve got a remastering surprise lined up for Fall 2025, but no solid dates for an album or EP yet. It’s all about the rebrand and making my presence felt right now.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) When it comes to favorite places to perform, Atlanta tops the list. It’s like a second home for me and really shaped the artist I am today. I cut my teeth in the Atlanta music scene and performing there always feels like a nod to my beginnings. Washington, DC, also holds a special place. The city’s appreciation for black music during my last visit made me feel incredibly welcomed. Chicago, with just one performance at Subterranean, left such a lasting impact that it’s on my bucket list to return. As for international gigs, performing in Prague at Hip-Hop Kemp stands out as a major highlight.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) On my bucket list for collaborations, Anderson .Paak is right at the top. I’ve bumped into him a few times in the LA music scene and it’s a desire to work with him. As both singers, rappers, drummers, producers and songwriters, I feel like I’m a female version of him in many ways, so creating a track with a nice bounce together would be epic. Producer-wise, Kaytranada holds a special place because his music, dating back to 2017-2018, got me hooked on this dance journey. Collaborating with him would be a full-circle moment.

 

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) Right now, I’m really into Close Counters. We hooked up on a track called “Feeling Takes Over Me,” and their sound just clicks with me. It’s got this amazing mix of jazz, house and dance that just feels real, you know? Also, I got my ears on Yaahn Hunter Jr, an awesome producer. We share a church background and Berklee roots, so his music just hits differently with all its rich vibes. Plus, I’m diggin’ Tall Black Guy. He’s on point with his music, bringing those authentic, feel-good chords and drum beats that just resonate with me.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) To everyone who’s a fan and supporter, big ups to you! Just know that riding with me means embracing the unexpected. I’m all about taking risks, so one day I might be rapping, the next I could be playing drums or DJing, maybe even dropping a jazz track or jumping on a house record. But whatever I do, it’s gonna be real and heartfelt. So, when you’re on the Lyric Jones train, you might not know where we’re headed, but trust it’ll be a fly spot where you’ll wanna chill for a bit. Thanks for the love, fam!