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Jonie’s “better at this” seamlessly weaves Oklahoma folk with L.A.’s vibrant soundscape
In her latest single “better at this,” Jonie blends melancholic and vulnerable lyricism with graceful finger-style guitar arrangements that cultivate a sense of optimism, whimsy, and brighter days ahead amid a wave of self-doubt.
As a Los Angeles-based musician born and raised in the birthplace of red dirt and Oklahoma folk, Jonie’s distinctive sound embraces her folk roots and is influenced by her experience of moving and L.A.’s vibrant music soundscape, drawing inspiration from Adrianne Lenker, Ken Pomeroy, Samantha Crain, and Kaitlin Butts.
”I feel like ‘better at this’ is a sad song, but sonically, it feels more hopeful or, like, bright, and I think L.A., just like this sunny, gorgeous lightheartedness, absolutely has been affecting my music in a good way,” said Jonie.
Talking about Folk Music + Heartbreak with Sydney J
With her latest release of “angel baby,” indie-folk musician, Sydney J, offers an intimate perspective on love, and missing someone through her grounded acoustics. Blending warm vocals with soft instrumentation, guitar, and elegant strings, she gives a preview of what’s more to come – and all that we can be excited for. The track is part of a continuing rollout of her upcoming album in August, and I had the pleasure of speaking to Sydney about it, and everything about music that she feels connected to.
Your new favorite DJ:
East Coast native Zara Lindiwe, better known as grrlkiss is a DJ and producer on her way to becoming a permanent fixture at gigs in downtown Los Angeles. The unique sonic signature she’s dubbed “kunt dance music” has been electrifying crowds since 2025, but it is only one aspect of the much larger predominantly pink and pastel world of grrlkiss. Her social media is just as bold in its creative direction as her music.