Ahead of their forthcoming debut record ‘Black Light’’, New York City quartet Dakota Jones showcase the pulsating new track ‘Lord Please’ – a striking hymn for the misguided.

In an age where artistic merit is awarded to those who shout the loudest, Dakota Jones pride themselves on an unwavering ability to leave a lasting impression. Spearheaded by Tristan Carter-Jones fierce and unashamedly uncensored songwriting, the band’s fast-growing reputation as formidable live act has stamped Dakota Jones with the hell-hath-no-fury power of Chaka Khan, the wild spontaneity of Janis Joplin, and the honey-dripping sensuality of Marvin Gaye. Their debut album’s message of proud black heritage and triumphant queerness manifests itself in Carter-Jones’ ability to challenge norms of adulthood and femininity as she takes a deep dive into some of life’s most visceral emotions.

Tristan Carter-Jones: “I’m a black, queer woman expressing myself through love and music. Some folks still find that to be a transgressive act in and of itself. I work to fight that idea. I write a lot about my sexuality and the ways in which I express it. Songs about sex and love bounce back and forth between songs about heartache, hangovers and self-medication, and the pleasure and pain of truly finding yourself. I don’t think we get to hear these things from a woman’s mouth as often as we should.” 

Dakota Jones lead singer Tristan Carter-Jones 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've been singing for as long as I can remember. It's always been my greatest love, I was one of those kids who was singing before they could talk. I don't come from a family that plays instruments or anything, but both of my parents are huge music lovers, and there was always great music playing in the house. Some of my favorite memories are just of drives in the car with my parents, listening to old soul music, or even just cleaning the house on Sundays with Aretha Franklin blaring in the background.

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

There are almost too many, as you can imagine, but Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, Chaka Khan, and Aretha Franklin are some major influences of mine. My dream collaborators in the future are Frank Ocean, Tyler the Creator, and Moses Sumney, for sure.

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

My biggest issue at the start of the pandemic was just trying to find inspiration. I felt so bogged down and, frankly, depressed, by everything that was going on. But eventually, last summer, the band was able to get together. We lived together for nearly a month and ended up making a ton of music together, a lot of which ended up on "Black Light."

4. How would you describe your sound?

I think the sound of Dakota Jones is an amalgamation of our influences, with a modern edge to it. We’re rock, soul, the blues, R&B, sometimes hip hop. Most people find it hard to put us in a box. I grew up on Marvin Gaye, Led Zeppelin, Chaka Khan, Rakim - classic soul and rock, and a lot of old school rap. Scott, our bassist, grew up on rock and roll and soul music, you can’t get him in a room without mentioning Stevie Wonder at least once. And Steve, our drummer, is an alternative rock and rap kind of guy. Our music blends what we love, and we all come from different musical backgrounds and tastes. So, I think we know we have a solid song when we can all get equally excited about it.

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

Honestly, completing "Black Light" during the pandemic is a hugely proud moment for me. There were many moments where it felt like we were making this album against the odds, and I can't wait to release it, and share my story with the world. I've never been more proud of a project, and I hope that this music really connects with people on a deeper level.

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

Don't create what you think people want to hear, just create for the audience in your head. Make music that you love and feel proud of, feel connected to. I find that's the best way to connect with listeners in a real way.

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

If you're not listening to Moses Sumney, Nicole Bus, and Jazmine Sullivan, add those folks to your playlists immediately. They're some of my favorites in the game right now, and deserve absolutely all of the hype.

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

For some reason I cannot stop listening to "Fulfillingness' First Finale" these days. I've always loved many songs from this album, but for some reason it's having a renaissance with me right now. I find a message in each and every song on the record, and I think it's Stevie Wonder at his best.

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

I'm a voracious reader, sometimes books are a bigger inspiration for me than even music. I read, I box, I try to keep busy to quiet all the noise in my mind. Boxing especially helps me clear my mind to make space for the music to come through.

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

Aaaallll of the honey, tons of tea, and ABC Bars from Trader Joes.