A Genuine Article of Authenticity: JANITA talks breaking formulas and smashing stereotypes with ‘Real Deal’, her most bonafide and genre-defying single yet
Songwriter PORTRAIT: Janita
JANITA smashes the mould with her latest single Real Deal – a genre defying genuine article of eclecticism. This ever evolving singer-songwriter insists on breaking the formula regardless of what anyone says or thinks…and her newest record is no different. Read on as we dig deep into her life, career, and perhaps her most bonafide song yet.
With an abrupt start, Real Deal exudes eclecticism from the outset with a diverse array of instruments and vibes going on – but the three things that bring the wide-ranging elements of this song together are its upbeat nature, considerably catchy hooks, and JANITA’s more than masterful voice.
Giving off tones of alt-rock, classic rock and synth pop among others, this single is just too groovy to skip – an expertly crafted piece of music sure to engage the vast majority of people with functioning ear drums.
It’s no surprise then that Janita has had music in her blood even before she actually uttered her first words – and was not much older than 3 years old when she started playing the piano and writing songs.
“I was singing melodies already before I actually spoke; I mimicked the ads that were playing on TV. My parents got me a Casio keyboard when I was 3 years old and I was enthralled!”
With Janita’s piano teacher using songs she’d written when she was just five years old as examples to other students, what’s undeniable is her creative competency from an early age. This is something she has definitely carried with her into her adult life and music – since then starting her career as a professional recording artist at 13, and moving from her hometown of Helsinki, Finland to New York City at the age of 17.
“What I played was easy to grasp, and yet ambitious. I feel like that combination is true of my music to this day.”
It’s clear that she strives for eclecticism and not fitting into boxes when she writes and records music, due to, perhaps in part, the mammoth scope of musical influences she’s had over the years. Everything from R&B like Stevie Wonder and Meshell Ndegeocello, to rock, alternative, pop and electronic music such as The Prodigy, Radiohead, Blonde Redhead, The Smile, The Beatles, Elliott Smith, The Punch Brothers, and Chet Baker. And she cites the great Tom Waits as an inspiration for her songwriting approach.
“I’m a musical omnivore. I’ll eat anything and everything that’s tasty. Regarding songwriting, Tom Waits said the following, “You have to make yourself some kind of an antenna for the songs to come to you. You have to be of music and have music in you – some way for songs to continue to want to live in or near you. You gotta be real quiet sometimes if you wanna catch the big ones.” That’s it right there.”
Refusing to stick to one genre of music, follow conventions, or stay the same has actually posed the biggest challenge in her career, but is something she will continue to do for as long as she writes songs. As well as being challenging at times, Janita tells me this unwavering originality is the reason her audience sticks with her and keeps growing.
“My lack of wanting to be formulaic, that’s been a challenge! I’ve chosen not to care about a particular “strategy” to get attention. The audiences will come and they will go, and I can’t be too concerned with that – or worst choice of all – start chasing the audience. I think that’s why my audience has stuck with me, in fact.”
And it’s this uncompromising authenticity that has been the main inspiration for her latest single Real Deal. She tells us the title is in reference to the unpredictability of being a true authentic artist, being a rebel and devoting your life to something beyond the norms – also influenced by her two favourite movies 400 Blows and Butch Casidy and the Sundance Kid, in which she strongly identifies with the free-spirited, nonconformist and maverick main characters.
“I love my life despite all of its uncertainty and volatility. I suppose that’s what I deem is the “real deal”: feeling the fear, and frickin’ going ahead and doing it anyway.”
As well as speaking on the uncertainty and volatility of the rebellious artist, Janita reveals that this single also relates to the growing instability in the world, the unpredictable transformation of US politics, and uncertain future of society. She shares her favourite lyrics from Real Deal that particularly express this sentiment she feels so strongly about.
I will go down in a hailstorm of bullets with you
“I will always fight for the things that are important to me. And that’s what the entire song is about: camaraderie and rebellion.”
Janita says that her music often gets hailed as defying genres, while she reveals a description of her upcoming album that her and her producer Blake Morgan came up with – “OK Thriller” because of its infusion of influences from Radiohead’s OK Computer to Micheal Jackson’s Thriller. Real Deal is a self-described emblem of eclecticism, drawing from a wide range of musical tastes and inspirations.
“I’ve listened to and been influenced by such a wide variety of music, that it’s hard to put me in a neat box at this point. It’s danceable pop with an alternative rock edge. I think that Real Deal is emblematic of that combination.”
As well as being an independent artist, Janita also co-owns indie record label ECR Music Group in NYC with co-owner, and co-producer of Real Deal, Blake Morgan. She proudly describes ECR as an authentic label with a discernable vision, strong plan, and integrity in pushing its artists and music. Like Janita, there seems to be a strong attitude of staying true to instincts and having belief in the music whether it fits the mold or not.
“I’ve had the major label experience – a few times in my career in fact – and while it certainly has its moments, it can be a restricting proposition. I’ve found that the only way I can build a real career of my own, which follows my own vision, is the way I’m doing it now.”
Lastly, she tells me that her new album Mad Equation will be coming out in May 2025, and reveals that she’ll be doing a 3-concert residency in NYC to coincide with the album and singles – her next single I Want You I Warn You is dropping January 23rd…so keep an eye out for that as well as her rousing forthcoming album.
“The success of Real Deal has been so thrilling – I’m eager to share this new album with the world.”
I cannot think of anyone better to close off our interviews for 2024, who more perfectly embodies the values we stand behind at SoundSight Mag (independence, eclecticism and innovation) than Janita – a bold, brave artist more than willing to push the boundaries, who isn’t afraid of doing her own unique thing!
