21. How IMVNI Blends Jazz, Rock & Soul into a Healing Soundscape

Ep.021: There’s no one like IMVNI. Born on “Planet X” and raised in Louisiana, her music folds jazz, R&B, rock, and soul into a sonic experience that’s both otherworldly and deeply rooted. In this conversation, we break down her incredible debut album The 11th Hour, a genre-defiant project woven with love, grief, prayer, and psychedelic grooves. She opens up about how addiction shaped her storytelling, how recording her grandmother’s voice gave the album its soul, and why she nearly walked away from music altogether. But it’s her belief in art as medicine that carries this conversation, and her music, straight to the heart.We Chat About:The story behind her debut album The 11th HourHow soulful, genre-fluid music is making a quiet resurgenceWhy she records everything, from jam sessions to her grandma’s voiceThe healing power of vulnerability in songwritingCrafting emotionally complex songs in Audacity and sending them into the worldNavigating suicidal thoughts, grief, and creative block through soundWhat she learned from SZA, Tyler the Creator, and Travis ScottThe importance of intimacy in live performance, and how she brings the whole room into her setHer message to anyone feeling overwhelmed, alone, or creatively stuckWhy she believes music (and life) should leave you with one clear truth: you’re gonna be okayAbout IMVNI:IMVNI (IMANI) means FAITH. IMVNI (IMANI) is a genre bending artist born on an unknown Planet, Planet X. Her style is a fusion of experimental R&B, Soul, Jazz , and Rock with a sad edge. Her family left planet X in the 90s and moved to Louisiana. Her love for southern Hip Hop influences her sound with heavy bass and robust drums. IMVNI’s hypnotizing vocal style ranges from soft and angelic to gritty and diabolical. She credits her lively stage presence, which includes vignettes of inspiration, to being brought up in a small southern church. On her debut album, The 11th Hour, IMVNI talks to her Grandmother (Grammy) as they explore love, loss, and heartbreak.Connect with IMVNI:Instagram: @imvni.musicSpotify: IMVNI on SpotifyApple Music: IMVNI on Apple MusicYouTube: IMVNI on YouTubeTidal: IMVNI on TidalWebsite: imvni.comOther Resources:Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBgCheck out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/Julian on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417Check out Julian’s book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RLMusic Mentioned in this Episode:Songs:“Rollin” – IMVNI (inspired by Erykah Badu’s “On & On”)“Hello” – IMVNI“Maybe” – IMVNI“Evil Ways” – IMVNI (inspired by Santana’s “Evil Ways”)“Wish I Never Met You” – IMVNI“Do the Impossible” – IMVNI“Make Love” – IMVNI“Before You Let Go” – IMVNI“St. Chroma” – Tyler, The Creator“Empire Ants” – Gorillaz ft. Yukimi Nagano (of Little Dragon)“You Belong With Me” – Taylor Swift“Double Up” – Nipsey Hussle“Ain’t No More Neptunes So Peace” – Malice (referenced)Albums & Projects:The 11th Hour – IMVNIThe Miseducation of Lauryn Hill – Lauryn HillPlastic Beach – GorillazAlbum by Yukimi Nagano (lead singer of Little Dragon — specific title not mentioned)Artists & Bands:IMVNIErykah BaduJill ScottAlicia KeysH.E.R.Janelle MonáeSZADaniel CaesarLauryn HillSZATaylor SwiftTyler, The CreatorLittle DragonMélody’s Echo ChamberTame ImpalaGorillazKings of LeonArctic MonkeysCage the ElephantBlack KeysMumford & SonsMGMTPassion PitThe Neptunes (Pharrell & Chad Hugo)Nipsey Hussle