French musician Jan Youri writes, composes, pems, mixes, and produces all of her own music. She is a solo artist, yet her music has the polish and nuanced sensibilities of a full band. In February 2022, she launched her debut album, “Bercer le Bonheur,” which has one English song and eleven mesmerizing songs in French.
We interviewed the sensational musician to learn more about her musical background, her career to date, and her upcoming projects. We also discussed her album, the standout song “Alors on tourne,” and her future plans.
- Hello, Jan Youri! First, I’d like to state what an exceptional artist you are. Your music is different and distinct from what’s usually out there. What are your main influences? And would you say the French music scene has much impact on your sound?
Thank you!! My influences are certainly unconscious, I listened to a lot of different music and I was rocked by the sound of Pink Floyd which is obviously found in my guitar solos (laugh)
The music I listen to is different than the music I make. I don’t know where it comes from!
The French music scene has indeed had to play its role too, but it is not preponderant.
- Listening to your music makes it easy to tell that we’re in awe of a gifted and proficient artist. When did your musical journey begin? And did you have musicians in your family who planted the artistic seed in you?
*Smile*
That’s nice. My musical journey must have started quite early in my head when I was listening to Michael Jackson in the street and walking on the dead leaves that lit up live!
My father gave me the ‘false side’ of my singing which gives it all its charm! And from my mother the passion for music and the times when I sing right! I don’t come from a family of musicians, my grandfather was a producer…..but of wine!
- How do you find inspiration for new music?
I sit down on the piano or on the guitar, then I play with a few chords and I wait… I wait for it to come…then all of a sudden, the song just comes out.
- Which comes first when you’re writing a new piece; music, or lyrics?
It depends, there’s really no rule. One day I decide on writing lyrics and then end up sitting at the piano. Another day I’m spinning some chords and end up with lyrics introducing themselves. It’s very original !!!
- Your album “Bercer le Bonheur” builds quite a realm through its diversity and authenticity. How long have you been working on it? And how did it feel to finally see it streamed?
It’s a great joy because it’s like a “finalization”. It took me 6 months to make this album, I was working on it almost day and night! I also spent a lot of time learning about mixing and mastering because I wasn’t fortunate enough to hire a sound engineer! Luckily, I mastered a little computer music.
- Which song on the album best encapsulates your identity as a musician and as a person? And why this one?
I’m sorry but I can’t choose just one, they are all different and they all represent my multi-faced musical identity. I also like to make pure electro music even if there is none in the album. I define myself in no style, I can do everything and its opposite in the same minute. On the other hand, my favorite song from the album is ‘Horizon Celeste’, especially the chorus….no special reason, it’s just a story of sensitivity.
- Your music videos have a retro aesthetic with black and white clips. Do you believe this approach best suits your album? Or is there a general preference?
*Laugh*
That is because I haven’t gone back home for 7 months and so I don’t have any equipment to do music videos, so I chose to do film editing and most films I take are free of rights, they are old and therefore in black and white! I don’t know if this is what suits my music best but I like their universe and their atmosphere which remain consistent with what I do.
- Your single “Alors on Tourne” is indeed moving, even for non-French speakers. It has a subtly melancholic flavor that is enhanced by your dulcet, melodious vocals, and mellow melodies. What prompted you to pen it? Does it have a certain story behind it?
You will be disappointed but I have to be honest. No personal story or chosen topic. I sat at my table one evening and wrote the lyrics as they came.
One sentence led to another, then the internalization process took over hand in hand with the subconscious. I just had to write what my brain was telling me. It’s a pretty simple process….you wait for it to come out and then you write.
- Out of all the twelve tracks on the album, which one was the hardest to write or perform? And why?
Without hesitation: “Comme en Enfer.” Because I decided to make the song in ternary (3 parts) to give it a certain lightness for I found its context quite heavy. Composing the music was not very difficult, the hardest part was singing to it! Besides, at one point I speak because I never managed to sing the sentence!!
- You seamlessly blend genres, write soulfully, and perform passionately. How can you describe your music to someone who hasn’t listened to it yet?
If you have a little punk spirit and no concern for perfection, you like what is out of the ordinary, and you’re not scared of hearing words you don’t understand but it still speaks to you. Then this album is for you.
- Thank you for your time! I thoroughly enjoyed your music and eagerly await more. Can you let us know your upcoming plans?
Thank you for this nice interview. As for what’s next, I will continue to make myself known, it takes a lot of time and energy. And I’m going to try to put together a concert of the album while currently working on the next album but I’m taking it slowly. Looking forward to seeing you again for an interview for the future album, thank you again.