Today we’d like to introduce you to Feona Jones
Feona, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Currently fronted by Feona Lee Jones (vocals and keyboards) and Neil Hagge (accordion, backing vocals, guitar, and keyboards), Telepathic Birds originally formed in 2013, and the band has experienced several lineup changes. Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, they toured independently in a landscape of cancelled events and closed venues. They brought music to isolated Californian audiences by transforming everyday spaces like parks, beaches, trailer parks, parking lots, and even In-N-Out Burger into guerrilla performance spaces. Their music served as a lifeline for those craving human connection and live entertainment during a time of isolation.
Currently, they are working on releasing their first EP “back 2 analog” in a few months!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The biggest struggle has been that the EP Back 2 Analog has taken a decade to complete, due to band members coming and going or changing directions. I moved away from the Bay Area and had to reform the band. When COVID hit, we did a DIY tour through Southern California while all the music venues were closed. Now, the challenge in LA is about developing a presence here and rebuilding everything from the ground up. We have incorporated backing tracks into our live shows to fill in the instrumentation, but adding technology has made things unpredictable. It has been a constant balancing act because we want to avoid relying on laptops on stage. On top of that, I struggle with severe stage fright when I sing, and overcoming that has been an ongoing challenge I am still working on.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a music teacher, composer, and performer. I have been playing piano since I was 7, teaching since I was 15, and began singing in my 20s. I also have taught at Mills College, UCSC, and UCLA. What sets me apart is my commitment to both teaching and pursuing my own artistic goals. I believe that to teach others to perform, compose, or put yourself out there in the world, you must also actively be doing it yourself.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Studying psychology has helped me understand myself better, particularly my coping mechanisms when I am in a crisis. I am also deeply interested in exploring my ancestry and family history. Currently, I am putting together my creation story and engaging in family therapy with my entire family, even in my 30s—an experience that has been both healing and transformative. Additionally, I focus on using my voice as a way to process emotions, stay in shape, and maintain a positive mindset. As a health enthusiast, I am committed to eating well and getting regular exercise so I can be the best version of myself, especially for those who may look up to me.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TelepathicBirds/
- Twitter: https://x.com/TelepathicBirds
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvdv4nIOZ08aXzZA33VFNSw/videos
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/telepathicbirds/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@telepathicbirds
