Artwork by Cat Elia
Back in May 2019, a coverage opp came across my inbox (actually, it was via LinkedIn, if we’re being really specific). The request came from Hot Tramp, a Montreal based management group and label imprint. Two of the label’s artists, Janette King and Maryze, were embarking on their first US tour. Janette had just released 143, a pop/R&B EP that utilized a lot of house stylings in its production. Naturally, I was pretty hooked by the music, especially the single “Starlight,” which effortlessly combined Janette’s impeccable vocals, her ear for catchy songwriting, and an infectious danceable rhythm.
So I picked up coverage, went to the show, got to meet the artists and their manager Sarah, and was floored by their talent, their friendliness, the intimacy of the show at Inman Square’s Lilypad. I had recently gone through a bit of a breakup (well, it had been almost three months at that point but I’m a Taurus and we take our time; sue me, bro), so some emotive R&B that made me friggin’ dance was highly necessary and welcome.
That’s how Janette King got on my radar. Since then, I’ve been eager to follow the developments of her career, especially in anticipation of a full length release. That release came in the form of What We Lost, which dropped back at the end of June 2021. Buoyed by singles like “Mars,” “the exhilarating “Airplane,” the heartbreaking “You Don’t Love Me,” and a few others, the album is pretty easily an album of the year contender for me. Especially when you consider the unbelievable quality of its production without major label backing. This is an independent pop singer releasing material who’s putting on a musical clinic for all the mainstream pop faves (not naming any names, but really fill in the blank).
What’s really refreshing – and ultimately a little bittersweet – about What We Lost is that, as its title suggests, it deals with endings: relationships come and go, and often it’s easy to feel as though we’ve lost a little bit of ourselves when love breaks down. With this album, Janette’s asking the question, “why does that need to be the case?” Sure, love can be a wonderful, powerful, life-changing thing, but why so often does it feel like we’re required to lose ourselves in it, rather than feel strengthened by these bonds? Thematically, these songs reflect a lot of contemporary sentiment that this idea of star-crossed lovers… well it really ain’t it.
But rather than give unnecessary personal exposition on my own journey to achieve inner love and self-actualization, why don’t ya just listen to my talk with Janette King about her tunes (and dump them, if you need to). Also, be sure to check out the companion playlist, featuring some selections from What We Lost, as well as some tracks from Janette’s collaborators, plus Ms. Lauryn Hill and Eartha Kitt. Check it out on Spotify below, or on the podcast service of your choice, or Soundcloud, too! And tune in next week for part two of the interview.