Jhené Aiko On Why 'Music Can Be Medicine'
Writing is a very natural, cathartic process for me. I’m constantly writing—poetry, lyrics, short stories—whether in the Notes app on my phone or in my notebook, which is where I pull inspiration from when I’m creating in the studio.
This all started when I was young. I kept a diary where I would write about how I was feeling in order to work through difficult emotions and circumstances, then move past them.
Whenever I’m in a headspace where I feel stuck, frustrated, or uncomfortable, my first instinct is to create a space where I feel better and free. I believe that our world is our own creation, and so, if I’m in a dark place, I have to create something magical—I have to create the place where I want to be. That’s what creating music is like for me.
My writing has always been for my own healing, and it wasn’t until after I released Souled Out, my first studio album, that I discovered my music could be a healing source for others.
When I was creating the songs, I didn’t have that in mind; I was just trying to rediscover myself and feel okay again after experiencing different forms of heartache. Those songs were the result of me needing to transform feelings into art.
When I finally got to meet the people listening to my music, they’d tell me personal stories about how the songs on that album helped them through rough times.
And so, after my second album, Trip, each project has become more intentional with sharing my stories and exploring different sound healing-techniques within the music. I’ve brought up to 10 of my sound bowls, each of varying vibrations and frequency, into the studio to record alongside my vocals.
As I get older, I don’t wish to only discuss my problems in the music; I also want to offer solutions through the songs and lyrics.
I believe that music isn’t just something we put on to entertain or distract ourselves. We can be more purposeful about it. We can use sound and music to uplift, connect with each other, and heal.
Music can be medicine, and we can still have fun listening to it.
This article originally appeared in the December 2022 print issue of Women's Health.
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