Experimentation is the basis for some of the greatest music. Having the bravery to create something different is what makes a songwriter so powerful. We recently came across the innovative sound and voice of Janel Nabong who is creating something very fresh.
We caught up with the songwriter to get a little deeper into her process. Enjoy the interview:
What first drew you to music?
When I was a kid, I wasn’t so good with words and expressing myself. We had this old piano though, that I learned how to play and I realized that I talk and communicate, but through music. I’ve been drawn to and playing music ever since.
How would you describe the Janel Nabong sound?
My music encompasses a variety of genres. It’s kinda like a synth pop, electronica, trap pop, lofi pop, and alternative rock smoothie.. with a stuffed unicorn plushie next to it.
Which artists have had the biggest influence on you?
There really has been so many artists that have both inspired and have had a big influence on me, for so many different reasons. Some of those artists are Linkin Park, Eminem, Toto, Boston, Paramore, Twenty One Pilots, Halsey, Melanie Martinez, San Holo, and more.
How does a song come together for you? What is your songwriting process?
Usually it’s starts off with me at my computer and experimenting with different sounds and sewing them together. Once I have that, I listen and try to understand what the music lets me imagine and what it makes me think of or remember. I’ll write my lyrics around that to further explain my thoughts in a song, and once it’s all done, I will record, mix, and master.
Where do you find inspiration for a song?
Anyone or anything that means something to me.
‘Breathe’ by Janel Nabong
There seems to be some meaning behind your recent release “Breathe”. What can you tell us about it?
The idea behind “Breathe” is it’s kind of like my letter that I’m writing to someone that feels like the world is crumbling and they are close to the edge. It can be anyone, or it can also even be myself. Sometimes when things are difficult, breathing might even seem like the hardest thing in the world to do, but just as long as you don’t stop, it’ll be ok and we’ll get through it together.
Share some advice for other singers trying to create unique original music?
It’ll take some time to really understand your sound, but the fastest way there is to experiment and keep going even if you don’t know what you’re doing. Make mistakes, learn from them, and keep going.
What does the future hold for Janel Nabong?
I want to continue creating art and music and to share it with the world