A new EP release from Jna brings out a lush and colorful array of genre blending along with tons of character and heart as the artist delivers a pure energy that breeds from Soul, disco, funk, and pop and it all gets rolled together into this one release where you get the best of all worlds.
The WWBD record comes through with a unique and full-bodied soundscape that has the ability to bring you a complete atmosphere that pretty much makes you want to dance your ass off from beginning to end.
This EP has such a delightful and delicious range of songwriting, arrangement, and instrumentation that you have to listen to it twice to soak everything in, and believe me doing that's a damn good time because these songs have such deep grooves it's crazy.
The baselines walk and bop, and the vocals deliver this soulful flow but are performed with a unique and almost youthful energy even though it still gives the air of maturity.
Half of these songs feel like you've been listening to them on the radio for decades now and I think that's part of the aesthetic which is completely nailed by the way.
You get strings, you get funky plucky guitars and this real discotheque texture that's like a sheen over everything.
You can clearly tell that Jna has an absolute love for her craft and this record will really take you back because that authenticity in the genre is perfected.
The whole thing serves as a nearly perfect crossover between pop and disco funk but it's all done with a tasteful approach and a certain level of gracefulness underneath it all too.
It's almost like the record spans decades in a way and it does it in such a unique style.
The biggest thing this record captures is character and how the artist's presence is really the thing that gets you addicted.
She's able to really bring that energy and that persona right up into your face and that's what makes it impossible to look away from.
If I were going to give you one challenge when listening to this EP that challenge would be to try not to dance and believe me you'd fail miserably.
This record will have you shaking your ass in your seat while you're in the car. It'll have you dancing around your living room and probably singing along to what you can.
There's not a lot not to love about this EP and when it's done you have to snap yourself back into your reality again because you've just been in this completely personified and different world for the past half an hour.
The release is endlessly fun and serves as a disco pop soiree so get ready to get down.
With the release of such a well-woven EP, we wanted to have a sit-down with Jna to find out where this record actually came from and what might be coming up next for the artist.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with "WWBD"! This track had soul, pop, color, energy, and came through with a youthful vibrancy! How did this release come about?
Thank you so much for the beautiful compliments. I like to think you are only as old as you feel, so my fun, vibrant nature just comes through the music. When I make music I always write about personal experiences. I try to translate that feeling or memory into whatever song it is I’m working on at the time. Take “So Cliche” for instance. This is a song about my party girl days. Now, you couldn’t pay me to go back to those days, but in the moment I was having the time of my life. So I made it an upbeat, dance song, however it was all too cliche being the drunk, high girl every weekend. And “W.W.B.D?” Is actually the name of the EP
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as an artist? When did you fall in love with music?
I have a pretty typical singer back story. Grew up singing in the Angel choir at my church from a very early age. Played various instruments as a child. So music has always been a part of my life. Everyone in my family had very different taste in music, so I also had a very broad exposure to all types of music from Skynard to Mahalia Jackson to Brook Benton to Meshell Ndegoecello and sooo many more. I love all types of music, and how different genres, can almost transport you into a different place.
Again, music has always been a part of my life. I’ve played in various bands and had solo gigs here and there, but I got serious about my music career once all the covid restrictions were lifted. I am a mother of three, amazing and beautiful babies, BUT during covid I had a very empty feeling. Like I wasn’t truly fulfilling my life’s purpose. I always knew I wanted to be a singer, but once I had kids, I became complacent and was fine being a stay at home mother. THEN Covid hit. People were dying left and right, things got scary, and I just thought “I will hate myself forever if I don’t at least try”. So, I decided I was going to put my all into my music and just see where it goes! Best decision ever!
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
Real life experiences, things I’ve seen and done, love, happiness, dancing!!! I want to write a song that everyone can relate to but I’m really writing songs for the hot mom crew. We are a forgotten group a lot of the time.
Buzz Slayers: This single has some great approaches to it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
I’m so proud to say that I worked with legendary Micheal Narada Walden, for two of the songs on this album. “Glitter Rain” and “Stars Are On Our Side”. He influenced a lot of how the album flowed. That 80’s electro/disco/funk feel, but some of my biggest influences musically are Chic, Donna Summer, and Diana Ross.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
I’m doing pick-ups and drop offs to and from school, and sporting events for my kids. Like I said before, I have three kiddos. (J)ackson 12 (N)oah 4 and (A)lexander 2. So, I’m pretty busy with them. During the winter months I coach 6th grade girls basketball, I do quite a bit of meditating and journaling. I try to workout!
Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?
This is going to sound terrible but… Me! Lol I just love this latest release so much; I find myself listening to it a lot. But also Harry Styles, Dua Lipa, George Micheal, and I’ve been listening to a lot of K-Pop!!
Buzz Slayers: Are you guys doing any live performances right now?
YES!! I have a show this weekend in Seattle at Conor Byrne Pub in Ballard. [Please check out my website for details] Working on a few others. I will have my first out of country show this December. I will be in Vancouver,BC at The Roxy! So that’s exciting.
Buzz Slayers: Do you record these at a big studio or do you have a home studio set-up?
I record in a studio! When I’m in Seattle I record at Lost Boy Studios, which use to be in Georgetown but relocated to Kirkland. When I was in SF and I recorded with Mr. Walden we recorded at Tarpan Studios. I like it best. I find I can focus. I don’t have screaming children running around asking me for snacks or fighting in the background lol
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
Well, I’m gearing up for the next project now! When will it be released? I have no idea but I am always working on what’s next, keeping busy, staying active. I am really hoping to go on tour next summer, but having a small family presents it’s challenges. So we’ll see.
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
I would like to say I am so lucky to have such an amazing fan base. I can honestly say, most of my fans have actually become friends. I have made connections with so many of you and it has been so wonderful to hear that you like my music and are so supportive. You are all so beautiful and I love you Thank you
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