JÁNA today (21/10/20) returns with the follow up to her acclaimed debut EP ‚Flowerworks‘, with new single „Green“, featuring Nigerian-American R&B duo VanJess.
A delectable slice of R&B-tinged alternative pop, „Green“ further accentuates JÁNA’s tight grasp of melody and song construction. Arpeggiated synths are matched with atmospheric electronic flourishes providing a luxurious base for both JÁNA and VanJess‘ stunning vocal partnership.
Jazz-inflected R&B at its finest, „Green“ is another huge statement of intent from the young Swede.
JÁNA, (aka Stockholm based Johanna Andrén) was introduced to the world via her collaborations with Swedish heavyweights Little Dragon, on debut EP ‚Flowerworks‘. Widely praised across the board by the The FADER, COLORS, Lyrical Lemonade, The Line Of Best Fit, Clash Magazine and more, the EP was a mediation on relationships as well as a chronicle of one of her own past relationships.
New single „Green“, featuring VanJess (whose latest song „Come Over“ was named “Hottest Record In The World“ by BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac) opens to the sound of imaginary fingers lightly playing a keyboard made of sunlight and distant voices, before drifting into an ambitious, modern R&B cut to rival the very best.
JANA’s confidently whispered message of vulnerability and disappointment, partnered with VanJess‘ succinct exploration into the insights of true intimacy perfectly capture the essence of JÁNA’s songwriting.
Speaking a little more on the background behind the track, JÁNA said: „Green is very straightforward to me. It’s reflecting on jealousy within a relationship. I’ve been giving jealousy a lot of thought – how we are so willing to give a person everything, except the romantic love of someone else – and how that feeling can eat you up. Like showing love in the form of jealousy. This song is really just saying why can’t we just enjoy things how they are, and leave our egos aside. The song name and idea is a little bit inspired by Green Eyes by Erykah Badu. I wrote Green with a friend over the summer in 2018 and it’s been a firm favourite of mine ever since.“
VanJess went on to comment on the collaboration: “It’s so dope to connect with a great artist like JÁNA through Instagram. If it wasn’t for that DM we wouldn’t have been able to hear such an amazing record. So glad to be a part of her art.”
It’s in her parents’ garage in Uppsala in her home-made studio where JÁNA creates collages of lyrics, images and sound sketches until a distinct narrative for a song emerges. The result, is a unique, irresistible brand of R&B-tinged alternative pop that is sure to propel JÁNA to stardom.