Today we’d like to introduce you to Ieva Janus
Hi Ieva, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I, Ieva Janus, am a Lithuanian singer and songwriter. Though I was born in New Jersey, I’ve lived the majority of my life in Europe raised by my Lithuanian family. Living between continents and now residing in Dallas, TX, has shaped me as a person in many ways – giving me a unique blend of perspectives and experiences, which deeply influence my music. These diverse backgrounds have helped me develop a unique musical sound that is both eclectic and deeply personal.
Music has been a constant for me since I was a child. I sang my first songs at just 1 years old, took up piano and singing lessons as I grew, and performed in various small-scale showcases. By 5th grade, I started writing my own songs—a craft that’s evolved significantly over the years. After years of creating music, I finally felt it was time to release it to the world. My debut single, “Exposure”, came out on August 30th, 2024, with a music video filmed by the Baltic Sea in Europe, connecting me to my roots. My follow-up single, “heat of the moment”, followed on October 12th, 2024.
Each of my songs is an expression of who I am. I craft every element—lyrics, melodies, and the acoustic arrangements—while diving deep into my emotions and reflecting upon current or former experiences. For me, being vulnerable through my music creates a deep resonance that I hope connects with my audience on a meaningful level.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Overall, my journey as an artist has been relatively smooth. I’m deeply in tune with my emotions, which allows me to express them easily through songwriting. Putting my feelings into words and melodies was never a struggle for me.
However, one of the challenges I encountered was finding the right timing to release my music. It wasn’t just about choosing the right moment in the world; it was also about discovering the right timing within myself. There were times when I felt hesitant, wrestling with the vulnerability that came from sharing my work with others. Once a song is released, it transcends my personal experience and becomes a shared journey with my listeners. This transition can be daunting, as it requires me to let go of a part of myself and invite others into my world.
Navigating this internal process has been a thoughtful and sometimes challenging journey. However, I ultimately discovered that releasing my songs creates space not only for my own growth but also for listeners who may be experiencing similar struggles. I realized that my music can serve as an emotional outlet, helping people understand that they are not alone in their challenges. Knowing that my music can provide comfort and connection to others deepens my sense of purpose as an artist. Now, I can’t imagine a world without sharing my music, as it fosters a sense of community and understanding among those who resonate with my journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an American-born Lithuanian artist, crafting songs that reflect my journey of introspection and change. Blending pop and indie influences, I aim to create music that resonates with the transitions and growth we all experience.
The main influences for me consist of many different experiences and genres. My lyrics draw from day-to-day life and the unique occurrences that have shaped me, balancing personal details with universal feelings. I hope this mix lets listeners connect with my songs in a way that feels both familiar and meaningful. Musically, I draw inspiration from many genres—pop, indie, house, and even ambient—and I enjoy weaving these styles together into something unique to me. I’m especially drawn to the richness that harmonies bring when it comes to production, as they add immense texture and depth to songs, allowing for the listener to feel as though they are simultaneously experiencing the same things as the artist performing the song. It becomes a collective adventure for me the artist and the listeners – as if we are going through it together.
With the release of my debut single, “Exposure”, in 2024, I shared my first glimpse into this musical world. The song has been streamed in over 150 countries and received positive feedback in magazines and on international radio stations. This recognition has meant a lot to me as I take my first steps into the music scene. Hearing that “Exposure” has connected with others is incredibly rewarding and inspires me to keep evolving.
My latest single, “heat of the moment”, explores the complexities of emotional upheaval, blending elements of dance-pop, psychedelic indie, and even house genres. I aimed to capture both – the upbeat energy and vulnerable sides of myself in it. I’m grateful for every listener who takes this journey with me, and I hope to keep creating music that resonates deeply while offering a meaningful soundtrack for moments of reflection and growth.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the chance to really look inward and connect with my emotional core as an artist. Being homebound gave me the space to explore my feelings on a deeper level, which profoundly impacted my songwriting. With fewer distractions, I could reflect more honestly in my music, expressing emotions that I might have previously overlooked. This period of introspection not only enhanced my creativity but also fueled my growth as an artist, allowing me to evolve in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ieva.janus/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IevaJanus
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4nLwnYAXxIqmd0FGXuS72w?si=xZq16YYeQ06aDU7UCWra1g
