LA indie singer/songwriter Jane., the new project moniker of Raj Jain, has released his debut single “Ingenue,” available to stream now on all DSPs worldwide. The track was written during a time of complete isolation. With no other opportunities for outside stimulation recounting memories and history were my only viable reference points for his storytelling.
“It’s a song of loneliness but there’s a joy in the loneliness. It’s kind of about wanting to be wanted. There’s an understanding on why the antagonist’s interest is elsewhere, but I’m still craving her attention.”
Jane.’s musical aesthetic comes from the tradition of dream pop and brit pop from the 90’s. You might even think of shoegaze, but with a lyrical expression that brings you in closer beyond its beguiling sounds. Comparison is odious, and it comes at a price, but Raj knows he’s in good company. This is music that lasts, music that doesn’t pander to taste and trend; rather, this is music that transcends trend, it has defined us and it continues to permeate our daily lives.
What’s the story of Jane.?
-“Jane.” Is nothing more than a vehicle for self expression. I named the project after my last name to encourage honesty and transparency within my work. It would rub me the wrong way releasing something that I don’t firmly believe in, knowing it’ll be attached to my own name for the remainder of its existence. It’s almost a way of keeping myself in check a little bit.
What are some sources of inspiration for your storytelling?
-For me, songs either come or they don’t. Ive spent a lot of time forcing and searching for the vault where songs exist and tried prying the doors open but I’ve found that’s not really how it works. It can be a certain sound, or a new texture, or a piece of gear, but something needs to jump start that motor of inspiration, for me It can’t be forced. This music thing needs to be nurtured though. I think it takes a lot of hours weeding through bad ideas or failed experiments before getting to something that feels right. Typically for me, if there’s something truly on my heart it spills out of me. Ive found that I enjoy working that way.
What’s the record or artist that made you realize you wanted to be an artist?
-Theres a few. Bon Iver’s first record and In Rainbows were two records I listened to OVER and OVER again. I can sing every song on those records, harmonies, everything. Those made me really fall in love with music, but I think watching The Neighborhood make and release their first record was what showed me I CAN be an artist. Being such close friends with them allowed me to have a relationship with people who were really doing the “thing”. They really helped me open a lot of doors.
Tell us about “Ingenue” and your debut EP, and how they came about.
We were all thrown into this insane time of isolation. Right away I knew this is a special time for an artist. I knew there wasn’t going to be many times in my life where I wouldn’t have much responsibility, and have as much free time I could want, but couldn’t waste it outside the house. Fortunately I have a small studio at home and I began writing. The only difference was I was writing with zero outside influence, wasn’t speaking with anyone, was just tucked away by myself making music I wanted to. Simultaneously I reconnected with things I’ve always loved. I began going back to the ocean. Thats where this record came from.
Where are some things you really want to accomplish as Jane.?
I think the most exciting thing thus far has been feeling so well received from something I believe in and worked so closely on. I wrote everything chord and every word on this record. I produced every song (with the help of my engineer and friend Peter Labberton). So growing what I’ve started is really all I want to accomplish. Feeling welcomed and wanted for truly being myself.
Favorite lyric you ever wrote?
In one of the songs from the full project “Game Of Life” the chorus goes “Girl, dry your eyes, happiness is just a great disguise, for peace of mind, until a new emotion has arrived, just think about what was so wrong, can quickly feel so right, now you don’t know where you belong, and that’s the game of life.” That has to be my favorite lyric on the record at the moment.
Was there ever a moment when you felt like giving up?
Yeah there must have been in the past. And there might be more in the future. But I think re addressing why and what I’m doing has been really helpful with that. If I’m offering something I love and believe in, and making my music because I need to make it and express myself, there will be no reason to give up, unless my well is dried up. If I’m making art solely for the sake of recognition I would have quit when I started.
What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Just keep going.
Where do you think the next game changer will be in the music industry?
I think we’re slightly seeing it now. Within music there has been some sort of return to truth. The illusions aren’t working as well as they once did. I feel and hope artists are encouraged to be themselves and make what they want to make because authenticity has a place to be recognized. It feels like we’re moving in that direction a bit.
