JANAESOUND IS A POP ARTIST WITH A ROCK/SOUL INFUSED GENRE. I TALKED WITH JANAE ALL ABOUT ‘BREAK ME DOWN’,WHAT ELSE SHE IS WORKING ON AND SOME ADVICE FOR NEW ARTISTS/BANDS. READ IT BELOW!

What is your name?

My name is Janay Woodruff, but most people call me by my stage name: Janaesound.

I think it’s because of my jackets. I make upcycled jackets and plaster my stagename on everything

What is your genre of music?

Pop infused Rock with a touch of soul

Give us a little bio about you.

JanaeSound harnesses an unforgettable voice that is known to stir the soul. The powerhouse rock singer hails from St. Louis where she began cultivating her love for music at the tender age of 9 through the Opera Theatre of St. Louis. Known for her laser focus and unshakeable drive, JanaeSound was unsurprisingly tapped to open for FloRida alongside hometown hero Allen Gates this past summer at the St. Charles Family Arena. Janaesound has performed at The Bitter End (NY), the Mint (LA), The Continental Club (TX), Sunaana Fest, and Harvest Moon Fest, Heart and Soul Substance Fest. She recently released a new record and has been touring coast to coast in support of the her new release.

What made you go in to music?

I’ve always loved singing but my first booking was a happy accident. An elementary school choir teacher gave me a cassette tape to take home and told me to learn this a cappella song. He took me on a field trip, which was actually an audition for The Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. I was cast and the movement just grew from there.

Are you signed?

I am currently unsigned.

You recently released a couple of tracks, tell us more about ‘Break Me Down.’

Break Me Down is one of my favorite songs to perform. On the surface, it’s a little revenge number about smashing through obstacles and people in your way. But in order to do that one must refuse to be a victim or stay down (even when being kicked) and forgive people that are not sorry. I want my listeners to feel invincible when they hear this track.

Describe the track in two words.

Empowering, Bold

What was the writing process like?

wrote it right after a traumatic experience (like I literally ran to the bathroom while I was at an event) so it really just poured out of me. The process was cathartic and pretty quick. “Once I’m in motion / you cant stop me / you cant slow me down” … “ You underestimated me // now I’m coming for you baby” These were half truths when I wrote them down, a mantra I barely felt comfortable saying aloud. Now it’s my battle cry and an accurate description of me as an artist. I won’t be stopped because I refuse to stay down.

What was the recording process like?

I had an absolute blast recording this one at The Halo Studio in Maine. I was surrounded by the most supportive and talented folks. I’m beyond grateful to Kevin Billingslea (sound engineer) for helping me bring it to life.

Tell us more about “Diamonds.”

Diamonds is my first single and is super special to me. It is a slow building rock ballad with a desperate plea. Never give up on you. I wrote it during a dark period when I convinced myself that pursuing music would lead nowhere. Since releasing the track, people have reached out via FB, IG or my website with their stories and I’m humbled that “Diamonds” brought some small measure of comfort to them.

Describe the track in two words.

Uplifting, encouraging

What was the writing process like?

I couldn’t wait to get these words outta me and down on paper. The words flew out but I spent a good deal of time on the melody. I played violin in my youth and had this intense desire to have strings on this song. It just grew from there.

What was the recording process like?

I had the BEST time recording this song at Halo. I cried like a baby when it was done. I felt really safe with the Halo family but super vulnerable. Fun Fact: I always do my own backing vocals and for the entire 30+ seconds of the chorus, I sang each layer of diamonds and ‘oohs’ in a single breath.

Will we see an EP or Album and if so what can we expect from it?

Yes! I’ve been so stingy but I’m finally ready to release my EP this summer. Expect more honest songs about my journey and encouraging anthems.

Do you have any shows coming up or a tour in planning?

Yes, I’m headed to NYC Feb 16th to perform at the legendary Bitter End. Soon after, I hit the west coast again to perform some unreleased material at the BMI Showcase at Hotel Café March 4th.

What can we expect in 2019?

More music, more visuals, more shows across the country. I’d like to expand my fanbase and open for some of my favorite artists.

Do you have any collaborations coming up with any upcoming artists?

I’m excited to team up with some friends from St. Louis, the last time we put our heads together, we opened up for FLo Rida. That’s all I can say at the moment.

Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? And who would they have to contact?

Absolutely!! Collaborations are a fun way to grow. Just email collab@janaesound.com

Do you play any instruments?

I’ve taken drum, piano, guitar, and violin lessons. I want to learn how to play bass, I might actually play on stage if it pans out.

Who are your influences?

I love Led Zeppelin, Prince, and Heart

How do you get inspiration to write songs?

Inspiration is everywhere but I usually draw from real experiences.

Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?

In five years, I’d like to be writing for my favorite artists. *prays*

When you’re not doing music, what do you do?

Making up cycled jackets/clothing, hanging with family, planning my next move.

What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more into the music scene?

It wasn’t a song, it was a show. I saw Heart // Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience in St. Louis and the combination of one of my favorite singers absolutely crushing some of my favorite (non heart) songs was exhilarating. I thought, “I’m going to do a powerful show like that one day or die trying.”

What’s the best advice you have ever been given?

Love yourself.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?

Work on your craft every single day. Take risks with your sound.

What quote or saying do you always stick by?

Walk by Faith Not by Sight.

Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?

St. Louis City Museum, and in Maine (where I live now), I love Popham Beach

Your coming off tour:

1. Where do you go first?

Home – nothing like sleeping in your own bed.

2. Who do you see first?

Family.

3. What do you eat first?

Seafood (anything) – it’s abundant and cheap in Maine.

When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?

1. Honey

2. Before show prayer

3. Speak to as many show-goers as possible

4. Meet and thank venue staff + crew

5. My ipad

Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?

FB &  IG

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