What is your name?
JANEX
What is your genre of music?
Indie, pop, soul, electronic
Give us a little bio about you.
JANEX is a multidisciplinary artist, singer-songwriter, music producer, and DJ whose work blends diverse musical influences with a deep connection to her visual arts background. Born and raised in Albania, she developed an early passion for fine arts, particularly painting, before shifting her focus to music. She studied fine arts and textile design in her home country, where she began honing her creative instincts. This foundation in the visual arts continues to inform her music, shaping her ability to create a holistic and immersive artistic experience. Her musical path was shaped by her father’s secret love for Western music during Albania’s communist era, a curiosity that sparked her own exploration of blending genres and sounds. JANEX began performing in local venues and participating in national song contests, quickly developing a reputation for her unique style and innovative approach to music. In early 2016, JANEX joined 360 M, an independent record label based in the U.S. focused on promoting Albanian artists. She spent two years with the label, during which she further developed her skills as a writer, producer, and performer. Later that year, she moved to New York City to explore new creative opportunities, where she built her own home studio and began producing music independently. Today, JANEX continues to evolve as an artist, embracing vulnerability and authenticity in her work while pushing creative boundaries. Whether through her electrifying DJ sets, emotive songwriting, or innovative production, she remains committed to crafting music and visuals that reflect her personal journey and artistic vision.
What made you go into music?
What drew me into music was a combination of influences and personal experiences. My aunt was an opera singer, and my dad was a passionate rock ‘n’ roll fan and performer, so music was always part of my environment growing up. But more than just being surrounded by it, music felt like a loud, undeniable calling—something I couldn’t ignore. That calling became especially clear during a dark period in my teenage years. It was as if music found me when I needed it most, offering both an escape and a way to express what I couldn’t put into words.
Who are your influences?
My influences are a blend of old and new, ranging from legends like Elvis Presley and The Beatles to modern icons like Amy Winehouse, Sia, Depeche Mode, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, among others.
You released your new album ‘Lonely Tunes’, tell us more about the album and the meaning behind it.
With Lonely Tunes, I set out to create a collection of songs that combine a touch of retro and raw emotion with a slight modern production and vocals. The name is a subtle nod to Looney Tunes, but rather than playfulness, these songs focus on vulnerability and emotional depth. There’s a quiet sense of lonesomeness that runs through the album—an honest reflection of solitude and introspection.
Describe each track in two words.
Timeless: Hauntingly soulful.
Lava Girl: Island heartbreak
Summer Blues: Warm dissonance
Bruisin’: Healing journey
Thrill’s Gone: Stale affection
Cherry Grove: Loving sanctuary
Angeliné: Lonely journal
No Strategies: Unfiltered love
Fool For You: Love-struck folly
Easy To Love: Tender and genuine
What was the writing and recording process like?
Most of the songs came together in my old NYC apartment, which gave me the space to reflect and create freely. The writing usually started with a spark—an idea, a feeling, or sometimes just a melody I hummed into a voice memo. From there, I’d take it into my small home studio, where I’d lay down a basic guitar or piano track as the foundation. Once the core was in place, I’d start imagining the sonic landscape—thinking about the textures, layers, and energy each song needed. That’s when I’d decide whether to keep it intimate or bring in other musicians to help elevate the production. It was a very intuitive and personal process, building each track piece by piece until it felt complete. Originally, I had planned for it to be an EP, but as the creative process unfolded, the songs just kept flowing. I ended up with ten tracks—and my first full-length album to date in my career.
Who did you work with on the album?
The album features two incredible jazz guitarists: Faton Macula, a fellow Albanian, who played guitar on Timeless, and Anthony Fuscaldo, who contributed to Bruisin and Lava Girl. I was also fortunate to have contributions from two other talented artists: Edward Marks (a.k.a. Ginja Skwurl), who played acoustic guitar and piano on Easy To Love, and fretless bass on Summer Blues, and Esteban Flores, who played piano on Angéline and electric piano on Timeless. Easy To Love was co-written by me along with two talented young songwriters, Tyler Shapiro and Paris Batjer, during the NYU Summer Workshop in 2024. The entire album was curated by a longtime friend of mine from Albania—a gifted musician and producer—who also engineered the project.
Can we expect a music video for any of your tracks, and if so tell us more about the making of it and the creative process.
At this time, I’m still working on getting the production and logistics in place for at least two songs from the album, including Fool For You, for which I’d love to create a music video. However, due to all the life changes I’ve experienced during this album release, there may be some delays. I’m really excited about bringing these visuals to life and sharing the creative process, but it’s taking a little time to make everything happen. Stay tuned!
Do you have any live shows coming up? Let us know where we can get tickets if so. My first live show will be on the album release day, May 23rd, at The East Room in Nashville, and the next one will be sometime in September or October in NY (tbd). I’m still working on finalizing the calendar for the upcoming months, so stay tuned for more details!
What else can we expect in 2025?
Definitely more shows, new music, and some cool collaborations. I’m also working on an exclusive remixed album for my DJ sets, so you’ll also have something to dance to! I expect the second half of the year to be more fun and full of fresh vibes.
Where do you see yourself in 5 Years?
In 5 years, I see myself with my own studio, traveling, and collaborating with even more artists—both big and small. I want to keep creating, growing, and exploring new sounds while building a community around the music. It’s all about pushing boundaries and enjoying the ride.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
It’s a bit cliché, but it’s something I truly believe: Everything happens for a reason. It helps me stay grounded, especially when things don’t go as planned. Life has a way of unfolding exactly how it’s meant to.
When you are at a gig, what are the 5 things you cannot forget?
Instruments, backup equipment and cables, phone holder, IEMs (in-ear monitors), and my personal fragrance – because feeling good helps me perform my best.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
X
Youtube
Spotify
Apple Music
