Like many creatives, JANEX found freedom in various forms of artistic expression.
Her early life in Albania was colored by the repressive communist era, but her burgeoning passion could not be contained. As a bold and determined singer-songwriter, artist, music producer, and DJ, a move to the United States helped give JANEX's music career the boost it needed.
Though she now writes from a place of freedom and truth, her music is largely inspired by a restricted childhood in Albania. Her latest project, a debut 10-track album, Lonely Tunes, pays tribute to her father and his affinity for American rock n' roll. An unashamed Elvis Presley lover, JANEX's father played his Western music in secret, bringing smiles to his daughters and instilling one with a desire to do the same.
Delving deep into her heart, this new record deviates from her previous reputation of producing a more conventionally "put-together" electronic soundscape. Instead, she bares her soul, exposing an emotional boldness and a voice that evokes both Amy Winehouse's power and Lana Del Ray's longing. Co-produced with Gjergj Kaçinari, Lonely Tunes hit streaming services today, May 23rd.
A notable track and February single, "Timeless," sets the tone with the artist's unique genre-bending talents along with the opening track, "Fool For You." "Timeless" channels a desire for love that lasts, with JANEX's voice full of raw power and simultaneously smooth, laid back undertones.
Released as a single this past April, "Bruisin" tackles the blame cycle that often surfaces in relationships. Though it has a similar laid back feel, this number packs a bigger punch as the melody ebbs and flows -- much like the back-and-forth of a tense argument between lovers.
The seventh track, "Lava Girl," dives into the challenges that arise when loving someone who is going through something. It gives off a "wheels spinning" feeling of being trapped in a place of inner turmoil -- stuck between doing what's best for yourself or what's best for the one you love.
With her signature silken voice, JANEX weaves a stirring ballad in "Easy to Love", where it seems the deepest places of her heart come alive. Combined with heart-wrenching lyrics and gentle instrumentation, this song hits home and lives up to its name.
Beginning with a love of painting, JANEX's background of studying fine arts and textile design in Albania paved the way for her current artistic pursuits -- blending art forms into a complex yet experimental blend of sound and genre. Living under communist-era restrictions left little room for a music career in Albania, yet she played local shows and tried her hand at national song contests. Proving a banner year for her, 2016 witnessed a collaboration with United States-based independent record label, 360 M. After two years of honing her craft, JANEX felt confident enough to relocate to New York City, where she began producing music independently from her own studio.
Now based in Nashville, JANEX continues to churn out a dynamic cocktail of neo-soul, indie rock, and alternative pop. As always, her creative process exists outside the boundaries, unafraid to discover something new while staying true to oneself. She has her album release show slated for this evening at The East Room.
Listen on Spotify
No comments:
Post a Comment