No Ego to Drop for Jannah Beth
What can be said about the collaboration of FRIENDLESS and JANNAH BETH, amazing and individual in their own right but pair them up and you know it’s going to be on a whole other level!!! Their song, Ego Drop, which has just been released if full of quirky, tech house beats and hot vocals provided by Jannah and serves as a teaser of what’s to come from the forthcoming EP ‘Fun’ due out soon via Be Rich Records. We sat down with mesmerizingly unique Jannah Beth to talk to her about all the new music including her solo ep ‘Product of a Dreamer’, the creation of her recording studios, Offbeat Collective and the full circle moment of getting a Horrorshow tattoo to going on tour with him in the very near future.
Jannah, your music style is described as "defying the status quo", "pushing against the mainstream" and "unique". Do you agree with those labels? How would you describe your sound?
Growing up and outside of music this is how my friends and family often described me. I try to put all of me into everything I do, music is an extension of myself - there is only one of me, so I guess in that way my music could be ‘unique’. I’ve always struggled with answering the question ‘who do you sound like?’, a lot of the time the music I’m super inspired by doesn’t sound anything like what I make. I would say I do make an effort in my process to achieve the sounds that I think sound good, I don’t go in with the intention of sounding like what is playing on the radio or what’s considered ‘mainstream’. I think my sound is still in its infancy but overall through discovery it is a mesh of genres and textures rooted in my desire to be authentic and express myself.
You have just released a collab with FRIENDLESS called 'Ego Drop', Tell us about your new song?
YES! ‘Ego Drop’ is the first single off of our upcoming EP ‘FUN!’: In its delivery, it’s an exciting uptempo way to spit some bars and get your body moving. We decided to lead with this one as it sort of picks up right where our last tune together ‘DRIP’ left of, a DRIP part 2 if you will...
“ When you are on top of the world and you underestimate the underdog”
What does the song mean to you? What do you hope fans take away from listening to 'Ego Drop'?
Outside of it being a fun banger, I playfully highlight my observations of the ‘king ego’. When you are on top of the world and you underestimate the underdog. Ironically in this song I embody that ‘ego’. A key takeaway would be that authenticity and humbleness will give you that longevity, that you can be yourself and that is what makes you cool.
Who came up with the concept for the video? Any memorable moments during the making of it?
I approached my friend Dan, AKA Tenth Dan who has started doing some seriously cool animations to do the clip. He really ran with it on his own and presented us the awesome clip - I look forward to working with him more on the project - you can see his work @danmation10
Friendless and yourself have both been labelled as "Multi-Instrumentalist dreamers & soul stirrers" does this make it easier or more difficult to collab together? What was it like to work with FRIENDLESS?
Good question. I think with any creative collaboration there is a level of push and pull, this tension allows the work to be the sum of its parts. We already have some tunes together, so I knew we’d be able to work well on a full project and explore new spaces together. This project has definitely brought us closer, we make a good team!
Your solo Ep 'Product Of A Dreamer' is also out now. What can fans expect from the new release?
Yes! Product Of A Dreamer is more of a downtempo and personal record, some of the concepts I had been carrying with me for years. I feel lighter now that it is out, I’ve made space to have a bit more fun. The new project is similarly eclectic but presents a whole range of new styles for me. It’s uptempo, fun and moving at times.
“FUN FACT: I have a Horrorshow tattoo that I got when I was around 16/17, this is one of those full circle moments.”
Are there plans to tour for 'Product Of A Dreamer' soon?
YES BIG YES! I have been invited to support one of my fav’s Horrorshow on their upcoming national tour. It all kicks off in Sydney next week at The Metro. Amazing artist Clarissa Mei will be playing in my band, we’ll be performing Product Of A Dreamer, some oldies and some of the new tracks from FUN! - you can get tickets at www.horrorshow.com FUN FACT: I have a Horrorshow tattoo that I got when I was around 16/17, this is one of those full circle moments.
Your music has always received lots of support from Radio Stations including Triple J & Double J. When lots of artists struggle to get a play, do you put this down to your music's individuality?
Another good question. Well they’ve actually all been good! I can’t say I’m an expert on getting radio support but I do believe I’ve been able to nurture those relationships along the way. I did a Music Business tafe course when I first left school in year 10 and it really gave me a great foundation in developing my music career. Any presenter supporting my songs has been able to track my journey and development as an artist, their support is so appreciated.
Jannah you have built a number of recording studios which are already super busy. Was this something you have always wanted to do? Was it a part of your original plan in your musical journey?
Yes! Last year we founded Offbeat Collective, almost by accident and ever since the space has been thriving and growing. This was not planned, more of an afterthought like “hey wouldn’t it be cool IF...”. Things then fell into place and now we are so excited to be a part of a growing creative community. We’ll be having our 1st birthday in July to celebrate and show off the space, this was our lockdown baby so we’re excited to have the extended community over.
“Music was first and foremost a way to untangle some messy situations growing up, it was my best friend, my therapy and a way to express myself”
How did you get your start in music?
Music was first and foremost a way to untangle some messy situations growing up, it was my best friend, my therapy and a way to express myself. I’ve never considered doing anything else and it’s been a consideration is almost every choice I’ve made. These-days it is the centre of my world whether that be in music programming, event curating, songwriting, performing or running the studio and various musical programs.
Who do you credit as your musical influences?
John Mayer, Lily Allen, Little Simz, Kendrick, Sampha, City & Colour, Little Dragon, SBTRKT, Hermitude & Horrorshow to name a few. Whether they are influences or personal loves I am not sure!
What’s been the highlight in your career so far personally? And why?
Personally completing and releasing Product Of a Dreamer is my biggest accomplishment and highlight. I’m really exciting to be supporting Horrorshow on the upcoming tour, it’s not only my first national tour but supporting now of my own influences/inspirations.
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
I think Drew gets a shoutout here, he’s been involved with BTS on so much of my music production, mixing and vocal engineering, along the way he’s also empowered me to develop my own skills in engineering etc. All that practical stuff as well as supporting and believing in me even when * sometimes I forget to. Go Drew Bisset!
What's on the cards for the rest of the year for Jannah Beth? What can we look forward to ?
MORE music, MORE shows, MORE growth, MORE love <3
Interview by Michelle Symes
May 2022