Minhee Jones has broken three Guinness World Records by playing concerts in 51 cities in 7 days.
Interview conducted on May 12, 2020
By Dan Locke
Los Angeles born, London based Minhee Jones. Entitled “6 Feet” the track is as an ode to self-medication; written about all the ways we distract ourselves from reality. Featuring ethereal vocals, glistening instrumentation and cascading harmonies, “6 Feet” is a relevant soundtrack for our times.
What is your upbringing?
Grew up in a completely non-musical household but my parents had a piano as decoration and I started banging around on it when I was 4 – amazed everyone by picking out melodies with no training whatsoever so they got me lessons and here we are!
How did you discover music?
You started out on classical piano at 4, was playing in punk rock band on bass in high school and now you are a multi-instrumentalist.
Tell me how you developed your musical style?
This has taken me quite a while – I worked with a lot of different producers and made music with solely organic instrumentation including full horn sections to completely electronic tracks totally in the box and now I’m not sure exactly how to describe my sound but it finally feels like me!
Were you in Miss Paula’s Rockstar band?
I used to teach for Rockstar Music Education in Los Angeles if that’s what you mean?
How did you start to write music?
It’s always just come out of me! I found a song I had written when I was 4 or 5 years old with my piano teacher about how I wished my mom would come home from work so I guess I’ve been writing songs about things that upset me since I can remember!
Do you remember how you got your first bass?
I got my first bass for my birthday when I was 15!
And do you still have it?
It’s back in California at my parents’ house
What was your first professional show you played and how was it?
My first ever show was a punk show in Fresno, CA at Fulton Mall when I played in a band called Rick Shaw. It was hilarious.
How did you play in 51 cities in 7 days?
It took a superhuman team of amazing friends, a motorcycle convoy, a miraculous lack of traffic incidents, the wonderful spirit of some grassroots venues, and zero sleep for a couple of months while I planned it all.
In your video:” Coulda Been in My Mouth”. How did you pick the items you would put into your mouth without gagging?
I tried to find the things that would gross people out the most and was honestly surprised at how easy it was for me to do it without gagging! I shocked even myself haha
What is your favorite track on the album?
TTHT
How do you stay healthy while touring?
As much as possible, I would try to get up early before van call and go for a run wherever I was. Was a cool way to explore each city and also kept me somewhat in shape? Food-wise it’s tough on the road so at least exercise I could somewhat control!
What are your feelings about streaming music?
I wish people still valued music the way they used to but alas, these are the times we are living in so one must adjust!
Digital vs. vinyl?
I really need to step up my vinyl game! I went to a seminar last year on how records are pressed and it was incredibly fascinating but I still don’t own a record player.
Any plans to tour?
I had tour plans for my EP release that got derailed by the pandemic so hoping for a vaccine so I can get back out on the road!
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
I honestly have no idea but I don’t think touring will be the same again until we have a vaccine.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
I taught myself how to edit videos and have been writing new music and hanging out with my dog a LOT! Look out for more videos to come!
How is self-distracting going for you?
Alcohol is really great for that short-term. Also, Chocolate Hobnobs dipped in tea! Hoping I still fit into all my clothes after this…
Do you think “6 Feet” could become a standard for the future?
If you mean social distancing, I think only until we have a vaccine. Then things will slowly return to normal – I hope at least!
How did you develop your video for “6 Feet”?
I put out a call on social media and asked people to send me clips of something that was helping them cope with the pandemic and got some amazing footage from people! I also scoped out some news footage and even found someone on twitter who could go to the Glastonbury Festival site and get me footage of the barren fields where the stages would normally be being built.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
Like most people I have been cooking way more if that counts?
Lots of people are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Are you planning to do something like that?
I resisted livestreaming for a while but am now totally into it! Starting on May 28th I will be live every Thursday at 7PM BST / 11AM PDT / 2PM ET performing to fundraise for War Child UK – a charity that is helping children in war-torn countries during this crisis. Will be performing originals and covers and have some cool prizes for people who are able to donate to the charity!
Do you think it will be possible to make a living doing concerts this way?
I think it’s possible to make some money live – I raised a good amount for charity during my first livestream, but eventually I think the novelty will wear off and people won’t find it as interesting as they do right now.
Anything you would like to say in closing
We will get through this year! We can do it! It’s going to be hard, but we will soon “dance and share sweat to the music we love.”
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