Photo Credit: @sofiatpa

Over yonder on Golden Mixtape, I used to feature covers of songs I was loving at the moment. If that was still ongoing, Autumn Jones and her rendition of SZA’s “The Weekend” would’ve made the cut. Of course, then I would’ve been happy to share the rest of Autumn’s R&B ways with the world – which is happening…right…now.

The budding singer-songwriter dropped a new album this year, spent the summer playing throughout the tri-state area, and is now preparing for a big show at the end of the month in New York City. Before you get to the show though, see what Autumn Jones had to say about blooming emotions and more.

Kendra: There was a line I instantly fell in love with listening to “Soul Searcher” about being a “dream chaser.” When did you realize you were the type that couldn’t just sit around and wait, but had to get up and chase?

Autumn Jones: I realized how ambitious I was when I got to Boston and began studying at Berklee College of Music. I always tell people this, but when I got accepted to the school, I promised myself that I would go for any and every opportunity Berklee had to offer, being that it was a school with amazing opportunities. Now I feel addicted to being busy. I’m worried that if I sit, wait, or chill too long, I’ll miss a gig, a promotional or a networking opportunity. I’m constantly chasing this elusive dream of being a successful and well-known performer and songwriter and I love the chase.

Kendra: Every album comes from a particular set of emotions. Which emotion or emotions were steering the wheel when it came to Bloom?

Autumn Jones: I’ve been writing some of these songs since I was in 7th grade. Each song has a different set of emotions that relate to how I was feeling and what I was going through at the time. Emotional development has been my biggest growth and so the concept of Bloom is directly related to this emotional change in me. I realized that getting older is not exclusively learning new things, it’s discovering yourself through different moments in life that leave an emotional imprint on you; growth.

Kendra: If there is one thing that’s hard to do, it’s cover someone else’s song. Especially one from SZA. You did a wonderful job on “The Weekend” by the way but what was it about that song of hers because I’d like to request “20 Something” from you.

Autumn Jones: Thank you so much!! I’m glad you like the cover. I’ve also done a “Drew Barrymore” cover which to me is the most relatable especially the line “you came with your new friends and her mom jeans and her new Vans and she’s perfect and I hate it.” It really addresses my own personal insecurities, especially when meeting new people who are obviously more put together than I am.

Melodically “The Weekend” is so perfect and memorable. SZA does it so well that I decided to give it a shot. The words don’t relate to me personally but the whole vibe and emotion I 100% resonate with. SZA is one of my favorite singers and artists. We went to the same high school and grew up in the same town. She really is a true inspiration for me. I actually met her a couple of times. Most recently after her debut album release. I was super starstruck and talking to her about being an artist and stuff.

My full name is Autumn Eve Jones so I asked her what my stage name should be. She said she liked Autumn Jones so that was what I stuck with. I love her so much, and I wonder if she’d recognize me.

Kendra: You’ve played out east a lot. From Massachusetts to New York to New Jersey. Do you have any plans to head out west in the next year?

Autumn Jones: So I am most DEFINITELY working on that. I was asked to open for the New England Band “Mr.Thinwheel”, next summer. They are planning to perform in places like Vermont which is pretty exciting. The farthest West I’ve ever been in Minnesota. So it would be an amazing experience in itself just to travel but to travel AND do what I love…what a dream!

Kendra: Other than possible tours out west, what’s on your plate in the coming months that you can tell us about?

Autumn Jones: I have many upcoming performances this upcoming Fall that I’m extremely excited about! My band and I were asked to return to Rockwood Music Hall on Stage 3 this time!! We will be performing September 30th at 10pm and would love to fill the place up! It’s an incredible venue. The team there is great so we are super excited to perform in Manhattan once again!