Neu Jonique: “I’m trying to be less afraid and more open”
After setting out her stall as a brilliant newcomer via scuzzy duo Fräulein, Joni Samuels is returning with a new, more introspective solo project.
It’s never easy stepping away from a project, especially one that carries the raw momentum and excitement that London two-piece Fräulein did. Yet, even as the brooding and grungy duo were riding high, Joni Samuels felt a nagging feeling that she still hadn’t found her true voice.
“As I was growing up and time was passing, it just made more sense for me to end that project,” she explains. Formed in 2018 and inspired by scuzzy guitar-led giants like PJ Harvey and Nirvana, she says it was the urge to explore an altogether different sonic palette that was central in the decision to start something fresh.
“With Fräulein, I was so young and fresh but I started that band two years after I started playing guitar and writing music for the first time which led to this immediate two-piece intense rock thing. As I was getting better, I got really into influences like Joni Mitchell and Big Thief with this rhythmic finger-picking style and that came with more considered lyricism.”
The sonic shift has naturally led to her most introspective and personal work so far, via her new project, JoniqueJonique. “I’m trying to be less afraid and more open. I’m talking about things that are really important to me like family and growing up. I’m trying to put the pieces of myself together and I see each song as another piece of the puzzle.”
“I’m trying to put the pieces of myself together, and I see each song as another piece of the puzzle.”
— Joni Samuels
Rather than releasing new music into the world straight away, Joni has instead been taking her time and playing shows across the capital at institutions like Moth Club and The Windmill. “I’m really excited for people to hear the music but the live thing has just been about giving people a taste of what I’ve been working on over the last few years,” she says.
“Weirdly enough even when I wasn’t performing or telling people I had all of this new music, I felt way more like an artist and a musician than I ever had done before. I was just so invested in the world of it. I’m still working on more ‘produced’ demos and I’m not quite sure what they’re going to be yet but I think they’re so strong and I really believe in them.”
Those early live shows have also been something of a real-time feedback loop. “The songs are still changing every time I play them so it feels special to share that with people and evolve them.” She says she’s noticed a change in the way this new work has been received as well. “I think people are relating a bit more. I played a show at The Windmill at the start of the year and it was a full room but it was just so quiet. It was just so nice that people were really listening to it and paying attention. The vibe has totally changed but I’m really into it.”
Moving forward, it’s about growing out this new world on stages rather than rushing out any material. “I’m just going to really take my time because I want to do the songs justice,” she explains. “I’m thinking about putting out some demos or something more stripped back. I haven’t decided yet but it’s about playing shows and sharing stuff with people. I’m just really excited for listeners to sink their teeth into it.”
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As featured in the March 2026 issue of DIY, out now.
Featuring Yard Act, Death Cab For Cutie, Graham Coxon, Maisie Peters and more.