Loony - 10 Questions + royal flush ft: Mick Jenkins (Single)

Toronto-based neo-soul talent LOONY releases her latest single ‘royal flush’ featuring Chicago rapper Mick Jenkins. Out on March 25th, the track will feature on LOONY's forthcoming third EP soft thing due out in June.

The first guest feature attached to LOONY’s own releases, ‘royal flush’ is about that period of time when you’re feeling someone, and you’re pretty sure they’re feeling you too. A refreshing slice of melodic R&B with notes of jazz, LOONY’s voice dances with the bouncy, KAYTRANADA-esque groove while Mick brings his trademark flow to add a fresh dimension.

LOONY explains - “‘royal flush’ is the stage before ‘be cool’. You know that period of time when you’re feeling someone, and you’re pretty sure they’re feeling you too? 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. There's also an element of okay great, if you’re not ready to do it yet with your chest, with your whole heart, it’s best that we don’t start this brand-new thing yet. Don’t play face down with me. When you’re serious, you’ll show me, and it’ll be great.”

Loony sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

I think like most people it was just pretty primal and immediate - I grew up in a house that loved listening to a lot of music, my dad couldn't wait to get me home from the hospital when I was born so he could see my first reaction to hearing a song. Then as I was growing up, writing songs and melodies just felt like a natural way to process my emotions and express myself.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I have my little holy trinity of Amy Winehouse, Erykah Badu, Alicia Keys.. but there's also Sade, Maxwell, D'Angelo, The Roots, Etta James, Lil Kim.. the list really just goes on. There's so much good music out there. I'd happily work with any of those that are still living from that list.. I mean, they're like the GOATs to me.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the coronavirus pandemic?

It's just been so much harder, or impossible, to get in the room with as many people as I'd like. Or, you're having virtual sessions and that just doesn't hit the same, creatively. Things overall just feel slower, which can be frustrating.. and it can lead to a lot of overthinking but not always in a bad way. It's given me the chance to take my time and question myself and make changes until it all feels right.

4. How would you describe your sound?

It's definitely an amalgamation of everything I grew up on musically, and my personal experiences. I always try to have each song have a very distinct feeling. There's a lot of time spent on little details, and lyrics are really important to me - even if they're simple.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

Having Elton John know who I am, and like a song of mine, that was pretty crazy. I called my grandma (she's on the cover art of that song) and we just screamed on the phone together.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

I'm still trying to figure it all out myself.. I'm finding that while it's obviously important to stay persistent, patient and hungry, it's actually more important to not lose sight of what made you start, and what you love about making/performing music, or else you're just gonna get so lost.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

Honestly, I've been a bit in my own bubble as I've been creating.. I've been purposefully not listening to too many people. But so many people from my city are going crazy right now. I'd definitely recommend Savannah Re, Dylan Sinclair, DijahSB, Sydanie.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

I needed a change of pace recently so on Spotify I've just been listening to a ton of jazz playlists. It's been actually really great so far.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I like to read, write, paint, garden. I'm a little old lady.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Coffee, my notebook, my laptop.

Photo Credit: Ryan Grant.