Janset - Oh Yes! (Official Video) + 10 Questions
MC, rapper, and musician, Janset continually proves her versatility as a writer and lyricist. With a string of solo releases in recent years, Janset has demonstrated her ability to transcend genre and a fearlessness around trying new sounds - from grime and alternative hip-hop to trap and jazz - her thought-provoking words and powerful flow always stealing the show.
Born in Luton and raised in North London - by Turkish/Circassian parents who’d migrated to the UK in the 80’s, Janset has continued to develop her writing to incorporate both languages and has amassed supporters in both Turkey and the UK - taking on more creative control than ever before and shooting videos that depict parallels between the lifestyles of Istanbul and London.
‘Oh Yes!’ throws down a powerful marker of Janset’s exciting culture-blending sound and sees her ready to take centre-stage as an exciting artist to watch in 2021.
Janset sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
My love for music got sparked through and from my love for words and writing. I started off writing poetry at the age of 11/12, that soon got transformed into rapping when I realised same thing could be done with/on a beat. I guess it started with me needing to express myself and trying to understand and grasp the things I was feeling, observing the world around me and also the world within me.. I cannot imagine a life without music.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
I’ve always wanted to push the boat out and work with artists on a global scale really creating something different. Original and unique artists influence me like Benjamin Clementine for example, I’d love to have him play piano and we write a tune together. Also producers like Lord Quest and Dan the Automator has always been on my list of people I’ve wanted to work with, I’d love to do a Turkish-English bilingual collab’ with Ezhel + Murda and from the UK, Onoe Caponoe is up there for me as a rapper and lyricist - also vibe wise someone wavey like Kojey Radical! What a legend!
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?
I think the biggest thing I struggled with when we first got hit with the pandemic was the fact I couldn’t understand how music was going to help anyone at that point so I didn’t want to share anything I wrote, the world was encapsulated with fear man. I don’t think we will forget that feeling for a long time, but it dawned to me after a few months in lockdown, that the only thing that was going to save us was the comfort of music and pushing on with projects no matter what.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Twisted fusion of passion, dark but positive. Unrestricted energy and flows…
Free flowing, energetic madness? :) Interpretation of music is different for everyone, I just make things I love and feel true to me.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Proudest moment could be meeting Kenny Salcido (A&R) and getting feedback from him about my tracks, also another life changing moment during 2020 was connecting with Ghost Face Killer and him listening to my song Acaba saying he liked the track! Biggggg moment, but nah I didn’t screenshot and share it like most artists would in this day and age. Also being in direct contact with Busta Rhymes for some promo, very surreal. I feel humbled, grateful and more motivated than ever. Knowing I've got my own style and I didn't conform for fame in anyway makes me very proud of myself looking back at my journey as a whole!
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Definitely, learn to not compare yourself to anyone. Shield and protect your art at all costs, and create your reasons for wanting to do music, I feel most people don’t know how strong and patient you need to be, pure resilience is required in this game. Originality is everything.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
Where do we start? If you know you know, Tex (formally known as Vortex) is someone who showed me the ropes in this mc life, I feel like people need to be prepared for his new tunes this summer, he’s back with a bang in the grime scene! Producer named Watchmk from Turkey, he’s doing some sick stuff all over and, Alewya - an outstanding artist to look out for, she is nothing but fire!
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
I’ve been listening to old 50 Cent albums recently realising I been sleeeeeping on him and also new Busta Rhymes album is sick! Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God - absolute food for thought!
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
In a park somewhere vibing with nature usually, reading non-fiction books and abstract painting to relax and unwind.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Water. My Journal and Good Vibes.