Exclusive Interview With JANEUARY

Based in Ukraine, Janeuary is an alternative singer-composer. Her sound is profound and thought-provoking. She speaks to her audience with great sincerity, putting her whole heart and soul into each note. Check out the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

JANEUARY: I’m an alternative composer and singer from Ukraine. And it all started from my family.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

JANEUARY: my parents are musicians. My grandpa was a writer and poet. I think, I’m kinda mix of their gifted souls) With classical piano classes in my background, of course

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘JANEUARY?

JANEUARY: All the records I’ve heard while I grew up. There was always some music playing in my house. Whether vinyl records or my mom playing Chopin and Ravel in the evenings. I loved all kinds of music. Philip Glass, Moby, Winehouse, Fitzgerald, King Cole, Jackson, of course… Janeuary was my nickname, when I was a teenager and was to shy to post my poetry in internet using my real name. So it’s kinda reward to this little shy girl in me…)

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

JANEUARY: My key element is naked emotion. I would describe it as a rainy day. Sometimes it’s cold and painful. Sometimes it’s warm and rainbow.

5. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

JANEUARY:

There is more. And you will see…

6. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as alternative pop?

JANEUARY: It’s a difficult question. I only know, there are some pieces, written for eternity. Just like the others, on the other hand, which simply stay on the shelves of my memory, covered with dust of time. And forgotten.

7. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

JANEUARY: My music is cosmos. There is nothing earthy enough in this endless universe. Music is my savior from the thing called « life ».

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

JANEUARY: It starts all of a sudden, like exorcism. I just « get » the message from somewhere « there ». And simply write it down and perform. I’m connecting to the universe.

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

JANEUARY: People

10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

JANEUARY: I’m too shy person, to sing a serenade for my excellence here and now)

11. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?

JANEUARY: « You can’t have them all » like they say) Especially, if you don’t need to (like I always add) I’m a niche perfumery. You whether don’t understand me at all. Or adore.

12. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?

JANEUARY: Creating is breathing. Non stop. This is my happiness. Everywhere. Everytime. Everything

13. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?

JANEUARY: My listeners often say, they « see » themselves in my music. And that helps them to go through some points in life. To survive. To know, you’re not alone. And someone « gets » you. To understand — is to love. We all need a little bit of love…