 
Published: October 05, 2008 10:58 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA
(Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight
Janisa
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Janisa
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Janisa is young, black, beautiful, and extremely talented entertainer. The sexy Panamanian- American, songwriter-singer, is going to win your heart with her music. Make sure to keep a lookout for this young entertainer. We recently caught up with Janisa who took the time from her hectic schedule to complete this interview for the magazine.
Isaac: Elaborate on who you are and your upbringing.
Janisa: I was born in Panama, Panama City. I am 100% Panamanian. I am a singer, songwriter, dancer and I love music. My upbringing was comprised of a lot of traveling. My father was a military man for 17 years. I'm what they call an "army brat".
Isaac: Was there any one musician that spoke to your heart so profoundly, you were inspired to do your own thing?
Janisa: There are so many genres of music that inspire me. I am touched my music that sounds authentic. Naming one artist is so difficult. I have such varied taste. I listen to Alternative, light rock classics, reggae-of course...Hip-Hop, R&B. The list goes, on...African music, the Blues. Sade is inspiring. Her music is so boundless and sung with so much depth.
Isaac: Which singer/group would you say you would most like to do a duet with?
Janisa: I am really trying to get to know myself as an artist. I don't want to work with anyone. I know that sounds selfish but, when you are a new artist, there is so much you need to establish within yourself. What is your distinct sound? What is the purpose of your music? Collaborations too early can confuse things.
Isaac: What singer/songwriter do you most connect with?
Janisa: I don't necessarily connect with the singer/songwriter so much as I do the music. The music is what echoes in my memory days, months later. The artist is really a channel to express the work.
Isaac: Out of your entire song collection that you've written thus far, which song(s)
would you say is/are the most personal/meaningful to you?
Janisa: Well, if you mean the songs I've recorded thus far, I would have to say "All We Do". This is a song represents all that I am, independent, strong, and determined. If you really listen to the song, I'm not just rambling. I am really saying something important, I think.
Isaac: Which singers/groups do you enjoy/like from some of today's music genres?
Janisa: This is really an overwhelming question for me! I listen to so much music! Everything and anything that's quality, meaningful. Not anything on commercial radio- that's for sure. I love Dance hall. I love real R&B music. I enjoy country music and music from other cultures. Nina Simone is a great Blues Artist.
Isaac: What charities are you involved with or support?
Janisa: Community Service is just apart of who I am. I am currently tutoring seventh and eighth grade students in English. I have a Degree in English so as I pursue music full-time, I try to fit in some time to help others. I love writing. Nothing can be expressed better, more eloquently, then with the pen. I have been involved with Girls Inc, Boys & Girls Club of America, The YMCA for several years. I like working with the youth.
Isaac: Have you (or would you ever consider) writing a song about any of today's
particular world issues/problems? If so, what world issue would speak to you the most to
write about?
Janisa: Actually, I will be in the studio again soon, and I can't wait to get in there because I will be recording a song that is about the ramifications of infidelity. In today's culture, Adultery is a trend. I have a very daring song I've written, that warns people to be careful how they treat others. Karma is very potent and alive. I will definitely touch on world issues with my music. Absolutely!
Isaac: Why should people listen to your music?
Janisa: Honestly, I'm not sure I have an answer to that question. I love music; I'm a real person, with a gift in writing. And I want the people who enjoy my music to determine why I am worth their time.
Isaac: Your music is relaxing and chill. What inspired you to toss out these awesome
lyrics and cords?
Janisa: Thank you so much! I am glad you find my music "relaxing and chill"! That is exactly the effect I'm going for. That is exactly the type of person I am. That sums me up exactly. It's all about the production, the beat. If it speaks to me, the lyrics will come!
Isaac: How far into the creation of a song do you share any of it with anyone? Who would
you play it for? Would it be a chorus, a verse and chorus, or a complete song?
Janisa: Wow. These are really thoughtful questions. My manger, Erica- we are so in tune to music, but she always brings a different perspective. When I start writing music that excites me, I usually share it with her first. It depends on the beat, sometimes a line for a verse might develop first. Other times, the chorus is just repeating itself in my head. It's really a spontaneous process.
Isaac: How much do you let others "mess around with" one of your new songs?
Janisa: If you mean alter, or change the music, very little. Music is subjective. So, because it's my music, my subjectivity is supreme.
Isaac: Do you have to be a tortured soul to be a singer-songwriter?
Janisa: I've heard that before...I'm not sure. Trying to be a musician is maddening! But you have to know your limitations. If you let yourself be tortured by your gift, then you've allowed something very superficial to destroy you. I can walk away from this ambition in a heartbeat. It's just music. You have to take it for what it is-nothing more.
Isaac: Are your songs strictly autobiographical or are they embroidered autobiography?
Janisa: I am by nature a very private person, but I really do believe that art imitates life. So, naturally, parts of who I am will seep into my music. No matter how I try to suppress it, you can listen to my music and make assumptions about who I am.
Isaac: How long does it take you to process your emotions and turn them into songs?
Janisa: Instantly. It happens automatically. I have boxes of written music. I'm a very emotional person, so I am constantly writing.
Isaac: The best piece of advice you actually followed?
Janisa: "This above all to thine own self be true."- Shakespeare.
Isaac: Give Shutouts to your family and friends.
Janisa: Thanks to everyone who is checking me out! Be sure to go to my page at www.myspace.com/janisa11. Thank you for this interview! I love your website & magazine! How insightful!
Isaac: Last but certainly not least, what are you working on, now?
Janisa: Well, I am preparing for a music video for my first single, "Big Up" It should be completed by November. I will be starting a radio campaign in Jamaica soon, and I will be recording my new song "Infidelities". Please Stay tuned!
Janisa
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