Photo: Ryan Grant
We recently had the chance to speak with neo-soul artist, LOONY, who teamed up with Mick Jenkins for her new single, ‘royal flush’. Born and raised in Toronto, LOONY fuses components of jazz, gospel, hip-hop and R&B to forge a sound that is as pure as it is easy to listen to. Her new single, ‘royal flush’, describes the feeling of mutual interest between you and your crush. She says “It’s like, I feel like we both have a winning hand here and if we play it, the world could be ours, but we’re both not ready yet.” The bouncy instrumental pairs beautifully with LOONY’s silky vocals and Mick’s smooth flow. Keep an eye out for her forthcoming EP, soft thing, which is set to release this June. Check out what LOONY had to say below!
BTS: Your music draws elements of soul, jazz, gospel, hip hop and R&B, which has produced a sound that is uniquely LOONY. What fueled you to make music in this realm?
LOONY: I think it’s just all the stuff I grew up on, making its way out. I think the music that really moves you just sort of gets absorbed and then ultimately becomes a part of your sound without you even realizing. And then you work and collaborate with other people who go through their own version of that, and it just becomes this big beautiful thing.
BTS: If you had to choose an ideal scenario for someone to listen to your music in, what would it be?
LOONY: It really depends on the song, I think. Each song is it’s own little world. ‘raw’ would be best when you’re waking up beside someone you love, and it’s real sunny out, and you’re about to go make a cup of coffee or whatever and just feeling real grateful for that person you’re beside. ‘royal flush’ is prob best on like a hot summer day in your neighbourhood and someone’s having a cookout and everyone shows up, including that person you been crushing on.
BTS: We’ve had your single ‘raw’ on repeat, do you want to talk a bit about what inspired it?
LOONY: I was just thinking about how scary it always seems to be just really in the moment with someone, to be just open and vulnerable and imperfect. And how often we avoid doing that and how often people avoid doing it with us – especially when it’s someone you’re interested in romantically. But really, it’s like the most pure, brilliant thing ever. I kinda had one of those moments recently, and it really stuck with me, and it just kinda poured outta me next time I was in the studio writing.
BTS: You just released ‘royal flush’ ft Mick Jenkins – how did that collaboration come about?
LOONY: It all happened really fast. I think my manager just sent it over to his team and he kinda instantly connected with it. All of a sudden we got sent this verse from him and it was just like, ‘oh, shit, let’s go’. I think he added something really unique to the song, he’s dope.
BTS: Are there any artists or songs that you’ve been digging lately?
LOONY: That new Anderson Paak x Bruno Mars collab crazy. I’m really excited to hear more of them together. I’ve been listening to the latest Jazmine Sullivan project too, I know I’m late. I also recently just saw Hamilton and am finding that I’ve been playing some of the soundtrack lately, when I’m showering or whatever.. again, I’m mad late. Mostly I’m just really in my own world.
BTS: What’s next for LOONY?
LOONY: Getting outta my city and starting to perform again the second things open back up. Continuing to create – I’m really excited to see what I’m gonna make next. It’s gotta be really good.
Stay up to date with LOONY!
- Get to Know: Zanski - October 1, 2021
- Get To Know: Arrested Youth - June 25, 2021
- Get To Know: ford. - June 8, 2021
