Born and raised in the Mother City, Janice grew up honing her vocal talent in the church and in 2008 decided it was time to enter a popular singing competition on TV. She didn’t make it passed the Top 70 and feeling dejected and despondent, decided to pursue other interests. It was only when her longtime friend Jimmy Nevis asked her to join his band as a backing singer that her passion was reignited. Now signed artist, Janice is ready to take the leap as a solo artist. We caught up with her ahead of the release of her single ‘Now Or Never’.
So you and Jimmy Nevis have been friends since childhood, but how instrumental has he been in the progression of your career?
He’s been amazing, auch a great support system from the very beginning. From the release of my first single that was co-written and produced by him to late night planning sessions we pretty much still do. Even though our schedules are both so busy, we find time to check in with one another. And extend help where we can. Sometimes he would be out of town and will get voice clips of studio sessions and I will do the same. It’s fun!
‘Now Or Never’ is a great upbeat, dancey track. Explain how the experience of the creative process – from writing to recording – was for you.
Well I’m a very in the moment type of artist, even my producers know when I’m recording vocals they have to be quick. Because I will forget what I did 10 seconds ago and if it was a good take, it better be saved [Laughs].
But the experience is great. I’m about that team work life. So we all are free to share our creativity as much as we want. Also every experience is different, but I use similar methods. The music is normal 90% done when I get there, I then come and make up melodies and lyrics and that is all moment driven which is amazing !
What hard-earned wisdom would you share with other singers who have been dejected after entering competitions and not making it as far as they thought they would?
Don’t let someone’s opinion stop you from your dream. Sometimes they won’t understand it then and it won’t make sense to them in that moment.
Remember that timing is key! Everything happens for a reason and you need to trust that God has your best interest at heart always. Something you want right now might not be good for you. Just trust the journey !!!
With the SABC’s 90% local content policy, what do you think of the current health of the music scene in SA? Do you think more support could be given to help smaller artists create careers?
There’s alot of local content that is being over played . And radio stations are trying to avoid that by playing any local music that they can find . I don’t know how healthy this 90% rule is? And the smaller artists that are being played now are almost being put in a stereotype of “it’s because of the 90% rule you are on radio ” the achievement aspect of getting on to radio has now been taken away from those hardworking ones .
I do feel like support would be great but it needs to be given wisely .
What’s one thing you’d like people to know about Janice?
I’m also a business woman. I own a successful makeup and hair company.
