We recently connected with Ck Jones and have shared our conversation below.

CK, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

Funding my EP Floor de Flor was both one of the most meaningful and challenging investments I’ve ever made. I used a pandemic loan to support my music career, which allowed me to release both Floor de Flor and the So Far Beyond EP. While Floor de Flor is still one of my favorite projects, the cost of those years went far beyond the financial.

During that time, I lived in a studio while renting out my apartment, pouring everything into music. Over two years, I worked on hundreds of tracks, though much of that effort ended up being for my collaborator’s music. The intense focus on creating, without balance, came at the expense of my health and finances. The experience left me physically and emotionally drained, with lasting consequences I’m still working through.

Even with everything that went wrong, Floor de Flor remains close to my heart. The music captures something special, and I still want to develop that sound in a way that feels entirely mine. That time taught me to set better boundaries, manage my resources more wisely, and approach my goals with a healthier balance. It was a costly lesson, but one that shaped how I move forward as an artist and as a person.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Karina, but most of the music world knows me as CK Jones or my evolving artist persona, Zelene. My work is about creating music that feels authentic, soulful, and uniquely mine. Whether I’m writing, performing, or collaborating, I’m always striving to make music that resonates and feels alive.

How I Got Started:
Music has always been a part of my life. I started by teaching myself on a Casio keyboard as a kid, experimenting with melodies and sounds, and later received formal training in piano and guitar. This mix of self-taught exploration and structured learning shaped my approach as an artist. I love blending technique with instinct.

Moving to Los Angeles in my early 20s was a turning point. It was where I started finding my voice, experimenting with my sound, and collaborating with other musicians. The journey hasn’t been straightforward, but every challenge has shaped me into the artist I am today.

What I Create:
My music is all about connection and creativity. I work across genres like cumbia, alternative R&B, and electronic bass music, blending influences to create something fresh and personal. I’m drawn to live performance, where I can incorporate instruments like guitar, piano, and trombone to create a dynamic experience. Live music isn’t just a show, it’s about capturing a moment and sharing it with an audience.

In addition to performing, I’m building a sync catalog for TV, film, and media. It’s a space where I can push my creativity and tell stories through sound.

What Sets Me Apart:
What makes my work unique is my versatility and the balance I strike between structured discipline and free-flowing creativity. I’m not tied to one genre or one way of working. I let the music lead. My formal training gave me the tools, but my self-taught beginnings gave me the freedom to think outside the box.

I’m also not afraid to evolve. Every project is an opportunity to take risks, try new things, and connect with people in meaningful ways. Whether it’s a live performance or a studio session, I want everything I do to feel authentic and true to who I am.

What I’m Most Proud Of:
I’m most proud of my resilience. Life hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve kept creating, learning, and growing through it all. For me, that resilience isn’t just about surviving, it’s about thriving and finding ways to keep moving forward, no matter what.

What I Want You to Know:
My music is real. It’s not about fitting into trends or expectations, it’s about making something meaningful. Whether you’re listening to a track, watching me perform, or collaborating with me, my goal is to connect and create something that lasts. Music is my way of sharing a piece of myself with the world, and I’m excited for what’s next.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

My view on NFTs is a mix of excitement and skepticism. When I first heard about them, I was both confused and intrigued. At the time, crypto was booming, and NFTs had this almost Ponzi-scheme allure with people getting rich seemingly overnight. It felt like the Wild West of digital ownership.

I do think NFTs have potential, though. They represent a new technology that, unfortunately, spiraled out of control with scams and overhyped promises. But as with crypto, I believe NFTs will evolve and find their purpose as blockchain technology continues to develop. We’re just not there yet.

Right now, NFTs feel very archaic. The fact that a Discord server often acts as the central hub for these communities highlights how much the system relies on workarounds. When I bought my first (and only) NFT, I had to jump through many hoops—setting up two separate wallets just to move Ethereum and make the purchase. It was for an artist I admire, Marco Nelor, whose work I discovered when I modeled for a nude body-painting session at Kill Spencer. I love his art and wanted to support him. While the NFT space as a whole feels stagnant right now, I still believe something will come of it in the future.

NFTs are a great introduction to the possibilities of blockchain technology, from platforms like Sandbox in the metaverse to virtual stores, gaming, and beyond. There’s so much that could come from this. But for NFTs to become a powerful tool, we need more development and better systems that make the process seamless and accessible. Right now, it’s too fragmented, but I think bridging those gaps will bring something truly innovative for creators and consumers alike.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is when I get “lost in the sauce.” It’s that feeling when I’m creating something new and amazing, a piece of work that’s taking shape in real time. It’s even more powerful when I’m sharing that creative moment with a collaborator. It’s like making music babies! That same feeling hits me when I’m performing or recording behind the mic. It’s not zoning out or autopilot, it’s being fully immersed in the music, feeling every note, every beat. Nothing compares to it. It’s an amazing high.

It’s hard to say which part of the creative process is most satisfying because I love it all, but if I had to pick, I’d say recording. Taking an idea from inside my brain and turning it into something tangible, something others can hear, is incredible. The challenge of creating something new is like a deep need inside me. If I go too long without it, I start to feel depressed. But when I do it again, I remember what was missing in my life. There’s nothing more important to me than freedom, and I think that’s tied to my need to express myself. It’s just who I am.

When my work impacts someone else, it’s honestly very flattering. Like, “Aw, shucks, you felt that?!” It’s humbling but also validating because it means they felt what I felt when I made it. That connection, whether it inspires, comforts, or excites them, makes all the hard work worth it.

I don’t think much about the lasting impact of my work. I like to keep it moving. My projects are special to me, but I don’t get too attached because I know I can always create more and push myself to do better. Everything I make holds a piece of my soul, so I do intend for it to be meaningful, but it’s less about motivation and more about this being who I am and what I do. Creating is in my DNA.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/ckjonesmusic
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckjonesmusic/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckjonesmusic
• Twitter: https://x.com/ckjonesmusic
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ckjonesmusic

Image Credits

Noah Smith