Life as a Pussycat Doll is not as it appears! For an independent and creative woman like me, perhaps the biggest challenge was to give up my voice and walk away from my individuality. For any artist (especially in music), creativity comes from within and flourishes with artistic freedom. Life as a Doll is designed so that this freedom is impossible and enforced with daily reminders that we Dolls were nothing more than replaceable cast members. With a controlling Dollhouse den-mother never out of earshot, Dolls are always kept in line. Life as a Doll did provide the privilege, however, of becoming an overnight "music superstar" with legions of fans on every continent.
This Doll has always held a special place in her heart for her gay fans in particular. Young and old alike, our gay fans were always loving, supportive and gracious! In turn, our gay fans could count on me to always stand alongside them on the front lines of their fight for equality. It has been heartbreaking for me to watch my gay fans, friends and my own cousin live their lives without a voice of their own, due to negative attitudes toward their sexuality. Today, as voters in North Carolina go to the polls and cast their votes, determining the future of so many innocent people, I'm terrified of another injustice and defeat to the quest for equality for LGBT people.
I have learned through my experiences as an artist, singer and model that when I let other people speak for me or tell me how to be and what to say, it attacks my soul and removes me from who I really am. After years of being stifled and confused, I have luckily found myself again, and that journey was my own lesson in being true to myself. I want to be an example for others who do not have a voice: be yourself, because it's the most important thing.
No longer a lifeless Doll, my world has changed from "Happily Never After" to truly living on "Top of the World" -- just check out "Release the Energy" (listen below), the first single from my new EP, Release, which is available on iTunes today, Nov. 8. Release encapsulates my journey back to who I really am. Each track is a dedication to all my fans, especially those who are fighting to have a voice and no longer want to be a lifeless doll. Due to the unacceptable lack of acceptance of homosexuality, "Boyfriend" (listen below) has been labeled "controversial" and was considered "untouchable" by other artists who were initially approached to record the song. Seriously, what is wrong with singing about two men having a relationship? Katy Perry, whom I love and respect, sang about two girls kissing -- "Boyfriend" is no different. Although progress has been made, we have so much more work to do, which is the motivation behind my Tour for Equality, which began this past weekend with a show during Greater Palm Springs Pride and later Sunday night in Los Angeles for GLAAD Tidings.
LISTEN to "Boyfriend (UNAFKTD Remix)":
LISTEN to "Release the Energy":
For additional information, please visit kayajones.com. Release is now available on iTunes.