“My Mommy says I was born performing,” says pop sensation Kaya Jones. “I have a picture of me at two years old dancing to Madonna’s Like a Virgin. I think I always knew I wanted to dance, sing, and act.”

Jones’ infant dreams were realized when she was catapulted to fame in 2003 after joining the Pussycat Dolls. It was a birth of fire, introducing her to the rigours of both the music industry and a celebrity lifestyle. “It taught me to work hard,” she reflects. “We rehearsed every day, five-to-eight hours. It really showed me how hard work pays off […] I am so proud to have been a Doll. It will stay with me forever.”

After leaving, Jones applied her lessons learned to a range of new projects. Collaborating with theLOOKstore.com, she set to work on developing her own fashion boutique and started to build her reputation as an individual artist.

The work paid off. She’s since toured in diversified locations, ranging from trendy pool parties in Europe to the war-torn deserts of Iraq in a series of special shows for the soldiers. She’s topped the UK dance charts with tracks like Take It Off and has worked with a wide range of artists, from Mick Jagger to Belgian DJ Regi. Her solo career in pop-based dance music has affirmed her status as a global force to be reckoned with.

Despite her many accolades, Jones continues to create new goals for herself. “I want to be involved in as many areas of art and freedom as I can,” Jones says. “I hope to be a brand that can stand the test of time and help and affect as many people as possible.”

She’s eager to use her fame for good. And issues concerning gay equality are high on her list, feeling a special appreciation for her extensive gay fan base. “The gay community is close to my heart,” says Jones, who has a gay family member. “Living in LA, it is something we celebrate. I think the gay community support has helped me feel free onstage. It’s about being proud of who you are.”

What, then, to expect from her show at Volume? In typical Kaya Jones style, she promises it all. “Freedom, dance, and light,” Jones says. “I feel we all have a light inside us that shines. I want to inspire and for a few moments take people away from their everyday problems. I want to make the whole world dance.”

Sean Gilbert

Volume Wed June 8 Free Entry