Amy Jones Returns With New Single “Next To Me” Following Radio Success of “Nobody” and “Again”
South African singer-songwriter Amy Jones continues to build momentum with the release of her latest single, “Next To Me”. Following the impressive radio performances of “Nobody” and “Again”, the rising artist returns with another emotionally driven song that explores love, distance and the longing to have someone special close. Her latest release captures the familiar feeling of missing someone and wishing they could be right there beside you. With relatable lyrics and an honest emotional message, “Next To Me” offers listeners another glimpse into Amy’s evolving musical identity. It also reinforces her growing presence on the South African music scene as she continues to deliver songs that connect with audiences.
Written by Amy Jones and Caleb Williams and produced by Sai, also known as Simon Van Der Heever, “Next To Me” combines heartfelt songwriting with a story that many listeners will recognise. The song focuses on the emotional connection between two people and the desire to share everyday moments with someone who cannot always be physically present. Rather than relying on complicated themes, Amy explores a straightforward but powerful emotion that forms part of many relationships. Missing someone can make ordinary moments feel incomplete, especially when all you want is their company. This central idea gives “Next To Me” its emotional foundation and makes it an accessible addition to her growing catalogue.
The story behind the single is almost as interesting as the song itself. According to Amy, the track came together unexpectedly during a studio session that initially struggled to find its creative direction. She had originally arranged recording time with another producer, but the session was not producing the results she had hoped for. Simon Van Der Heever happened to be in the studio that evening and introduced an idea he believed would suit Amy’s musical style. After listening to what he had prepared, she immediately connected with the track and recognised its potential. That unexpected moment changed the direction of the session and became the starting point for “Next To Me”.
Amy describes the creative process as an experience that felt particularly meaningful because the right musical idea arrived when she least expected it. Simon had spent time studying her previous releases and understanding the sound she was developing as an artist. His familiarity with her music helped him recognise that the new idea could complement her voice and artistic direction. The immediate connection between Amy and the track allowed the creative process to move forward naturally. What began as a frustrating studio session ultimately became an opportunity to create something special. For Amy, the experience demonstrated how an unexpected creative moment can sometimes lead to the strongest results.
At its heart, “Next To Me” is about the emotional experience of wanting someone you love to be physically present. Distance and circumstances can sometimes prevent people from spending time together, even when their feelings remain strong. The song explores that sense of longing and the realisation that material things or outside distractions cannot replace meaningful human connection. Amy approaches the subject with honesty and vulnerability, allowing listeners to relate the message to their own experiences. Whether someone is missing a romantic partner, dealing with a long-distance relationship or simply wishing they could spend more time with someone important, the central theme offers plenty of room for personal interpretation. This emotional openness is an important part of what makes the single relatable.
Amy hopes listeners will connect their own stories to the message behind the song. She explains that the feeling of wanting someone close is something most people experience at some point in their lives. Sometimes, the presence of a particular person is all that matters, especially when life becomes overwhelming or circumstances create physical distance. “Next To Me” captures that feeling through a personal perspective without limiting the song to one particular situation. Its message gives listeners the freedom to interpret the lyrics through their own relationships and memories. This combination of emotional honesty and universal subject matter gives the release its appeal.
Amy Jones has spent several years developing her career as a South African singer-songwriter, building a reputation for uplifting music, relatable storytelling and engaging live performances. Her professional music journey began in 2016, although her interest in music started much earlier. She taught herself to play guitar at the age of 14, developing the musical skills that would eventually help shape her career. In 2013, she entered Idols SA, an experience that gave her valuable encouragement to pursue music professionally. The competition played an important role in her decision to take her passion further and establish herself as a recording artist. Since then, she has continued working towards building a recognisable sound and connecting with a wider audience.
One of the early milestones in Amy’s career came with the release of “Sunrise”, which received support from national radio stations. The song helped introduce her music to a broader audience and demonstrated her ability to create material that could connect with radio listeners. She continued expanding her musical reach in 2018 through a collaboration with electronic dance music duo Cinimin. Their track, “You and Me”, earned the Best EDM Song of the Year award and opened further opportunities for Amy as a performer. The collaboration also led to her sharing the stage with international electronic music act Major Lazer. These experiences helped establish her presence in different areas of the South African music industry.
Her musical journey has continued to include significant radio achievements and opportunities to perform at major events. One of her notable singles, “Dance on My Own”, spent five consecutive weeks at Number One on Heart FM. The track also received additional exposure through its inclusion in the Netflix original series “Jiva”, introducing her music to viewers beyond traditional radio audiences. These achievements demonstrate how her songs have reached listeners through different entertainment platforms. Amy’s ability to move between recorded music and live performances has also contributed to her growing profile. Her career reflects a consistent effort to reach new audiences while maintaining the personal qualities that define her songwriting.
Amy has performed at several prominent events in South Africa and internationally. Among her notable appearances were performances during the United Rugby Championship semi-finals and finals at DHL Stadium in Cape Town. She also took her music to the United Kingdom, performing at the Shrewsbury Flower Show. Another memorable appearance came at Cape Town’s Formula E Fan Park, where she performed alongside South African DJ Zinhle. These opportunities have allowed Amy to showcase her music in front of diverse audiences and gain experience on major stages. Her live performances remain an important part of her development as an artist, complementing the growing radio presence of her singles.
The release of “Next To Me” follows an especially encouraging period in Amy’s recording career. Her single “Nobody”, co-written with Caleb Williams and produced by Luke Goliath, made a significant impression on South African radio. Goliath, a fifteen-times platinum producer and SAMA nominee associated with Darkchild Publishing, brought considerable industry experience to the collaboration. The song reached the Radiomonitor Top 20 airplay chart in February 2026, marking an important achievement in Amy’s growing career. Its radio performance helped strengthen her profile and created further anticipation around her next release. The success of “Nobody” also demonstrated the value of her continued collaborations with established songwriters and producers.
Amy followed “Nobody” with “Again”, another release that continued her collaboration with Luke Goliath. Written by Andre Graham, the single explored themes of authenticity, personal meaning and finding perspective amid the noise and expectations of everyday life. Its message offered a different emotional direction while maintaining the thoughtful songwriting that has become an important part of Amy’s music. The release further demonstrated her willingness to explore different experiences and ideas through her songs. Following the radio success of “Nobody”, “Again” helped maintain the momentum surrounding her latest musical chapter. Together, the two singles established a strong foundation for the arrival of “Next To Me”.
With her latest single, Amy shifts the focus towards the more personal experience of missing someone and wanting them close. Although the subject is different from the themes explored in her previous releases, it continues her approach of creating music around recognisable human experiences. The involvement of Caleb Williams in the songwriting process also provides continuity with “Nobody”, while Sai’s production brings a new creative partnership to the project. The unexpected origins of the track make its release particularly interesting, especially considering how quickly Amy connected with the original idea. It is another example of how collaboration can influence an artist’s direction and introduce new possibilities. The result is a song that adds another emotional dimension to her developing catalogue.
The South African music industry continues to offer opportunities for artists who can combine strong songwriting with memorable performances and consistent radio releases. Amy Jones has steadily worked towards establishing herself within this competitive environment. Her journey from teaching herself guitar and entering Idols SA to achieving national radio recognition shows the importance of persistence and creative development. Each release has contributed something different to her musical identity, whether through uplifting themes, electronic collaborations or more vulnerable songwriting. Her latest work builds on that foundation while allowing her to explore another side of her artistry. With “Next To Me”, she continues to demonstrate her ability to turn familiar emotions into songs that listeners can make their own.
“Next To Me” arrives at an exciting point in Amy Jones’s career, following the radio achievements of “Nobody” and “Again”. Its story of love, distance and emotional connection gives the single a relatable message that can resonate with listeners from different backgrounds. The unexpected studio experience that brought the song to life also highlights the importance of creative chemistry and being open to new ideas. As Amy continues to develop her sound and expand her audience, each release adds another chapter to her journey as a South African singer-songwriter. With a growing catalogue, notable live performances and an encouraging record of radio success, she has plenty of reasons to look ahead with confidence. “Next To Me” is another meaningful step forward for Amy Jones and a welcome addition for anyone following her musical journey.
Stream “Next To Me” HERE
