It is always a priority to stand out from the crowd. It may seem difficult to accomplish that feat when the crowd was the multi-platinum selling girl group, the Pussycat Dolls, but one member walked away from it all to chase her dreams of having a successful solo career.
Joining the sexy girl group at just the age of 19, Kaya Jones, now 28, made the conscious decision to leave the group soon after the release of their debut album in 2005. While most people would not dare pass up an opportunity that was a guaranteed success, Jones thought otherwise.
Jones is credited as providing additional lead and background vocals on PCD, which went on to sell more than two million copies in the US alone. Jones appeared in the music video for the group’s first single “Sway”, featured on the Shall We Dance? soundtrack, but then realized the experience was not right for her when she felt she was not part of a group anymore. “I always felt I did not fit,” Jones says. “It was not a cohesive group. It was very segregated.”
If Jones stayed in the group as long as some of the other girls did, she says she would not be in the position she is in today. Opportunities would not have opened themselves up for her.
“I told myself if this is my shot and it’s not what I want then I don’t want it,” Jones says. “If you do not believe in what you are doing, how are you going to make other people believe in it? It was the best decision I could have made. Now I feel so empowered. This is who I am.”
Kaya is showing exactly who she is with the re-release of her debut album which hit iTunes on August 28. Confessions of a Hollywood Doll features re-mastered versions of all the tracks off her debut along with three brand new tracks and two remixes.
The album features Jones’ two hit singles, “Boyfriend” and “Release The Energy”, and is described as just a fun, sexual, dance/pop album you should play as you get ready for the club that should not be taken too seriously. “This is all done independently. This is what the first album should have been,” Jones says. “I’m really excited for it. With the album, it’s the launching of the Hollywood Doll brand.”
After the release of Kaya’s controversial single “Boyfriend”, a song about Kaya’s first high school boyfriend having a boyfriend of his own, Jones is currently promoting her newest single “Release The Energy”, released in August 2012.
The song is not about releasing energy in a negative way, but is about letting people know the energy and the music have the power to bring you back to life. The music video, released in August, is a highly dance orientated visual with an apocalyptic theme. “When we release our inner light, you can do anything. I want to motivate my fans. Nothing can stop you,” Jones says.
The artist may have just released an album last month, but it is not stopping the former Pussycat Doll to continue making an impact in the music industry.
Kaya is currently in the recording studio finishing brand new tracks for an entirely new project. Songs on Confessions of a Hollywood Doll show the transition Jones is making with her music. Tracks like “Without You” hint at the creative flow Kaya is currently on. “The next album I am really exposing myself to the core. It’s me stepping away from the old,” Jones says.
The title of the new album cannot be revealed yet because uncertainty is still present, but three title possibilities are bouncing around in Kaya’s head right now. Jones also wants fans to be more involved with the current project, so she is allowing them to choose her next single.
“Tweet to me, I want to know what [my fans] love. Fans are smarter than you sometimes. I want them to be a part of it. I like to keep them involved,” Jones says. “The sooner they let me know the next single, the sooner I know.”
Confessions of a Hollywood Doll was released on Jones’ own record label, HueMan Race, which was created when she was only 26, making her the youngest female to start her own label. The focus of the label is for the artists Jones signs to eventually own their own work. No one else has the right to it.
Jones says that anyone can do anything as long as they set their mind to it. The record label was started with the intention to build a bridge between her and her fans. Setting a record was just a surprising bonus. “Can we pick one sound for the human race? We can’t,” Jones says. “It’s about each person being an individual. The label is going to be for all sounds across the board. I realized how many people out there that need help. They are out there, they are finding me, and I can finally help them.
When Jones is not signing artists to her record label or entertaining the troops in Iraq, as she did in 2010, she is performing for her numerous fans in the LGBT community at pride events around the world. She is set to perform in Dallas at BJ’s NXS this month. Fan should expect new songs and a fabulous wardrobe.
Jones’ deep roots in the gay community stem from an experience where a family member, her cousin, came out to her one day. Her time in Iraq when she met a gay soldier also led her to take a stance in something she strongly believes in.
“My daddy is from Dallas. I’m really exciting to be performing. There is so much love in Texas,” Jones says. “This is not a Kaya tour, it’s a pride event. It’s them telling me ‘we trust you.’ It’s going to be great. I’m honored.”
Whether people believe in her decision to leave the highly successful Pussycat Dolls or her decision to pursue a solo career, Kaya wants her fans to know that they are strong enough to achieve anything. “Whatever your dreams are in life, whatever you are fighting for, if the doors are slamming in your face, you kick that f***ing door down and do your heart’s desire. You go after your dreams. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t,” Jones says.
*The story was written for Evoke Magazine's Sept. Issue, out this weekend!
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