(Exclusive Interview) Jane B on Desire and Liberation
Jane B is a singer songwriter based in South Korea. I first heard of Jane B’s music in 2021, when I listened to her first EP, Addict. At the time, I was just starting to get into Korea’s R&B and Hip-hop scene and her song All Night stood out to me. It was a beautiful and melodic R&B song. Her soft and emotional voice glides over the track effortlessly. Since her first EP, Jane B has made many EPs, singles and a full length album from 2022 called, Genuine Soul.
Now its 2024 and Jane B has come back with her new EP, Desire. It is an album filled with fun dance tracks while also balancing sexy and dark feminine energy. I had the pleasure of asking Jane B questions about where she is now with her music. Her EP, Desire taught me to take a chance on life and give into your desires. I hope Desire does the same for you.
This is Ktopia X Jane B
Photo courtesy of Jane B.
1.) Please introduce yourself to new fans!
Hi I’m Jane B, from South Korea. I’m a singer songwriter and also producer.
2.) Did you create your artist name or is it your real name? Does it have a meaning behind it?
My english name is Jane and my Last name is Baek, so I combined them to create my name. It doesn't have any specific meaning; it's just a name.
3.) How did you get started making music? Was music something you have always wanted to do since your childhood or was it a passion that came later in life?
I loved singing since I was a kid. When I was in the third year of middle school, I thought about what I wanted to do in the future and decided to go to an arts high school to study vocal music. However, during high school, I had a really tough time because of bad vocal habits. Despite that, I practiced really hard and managed to get into a university to study vocal music. Because of my vocal problems, I developed anxiety and other fears, and I couldn't decide what to do next. So, I decided to give songwriting a try in 2017. I've always loved music, but songwriting made me fall even deeper in love with it.
4.) Your new EP, Desire has such a fun party vibe and yet it's still romantic and mysterious! What's the creative process behind your new EP, Desire?
I used to hide and suppress my desires. I thought they were just useless greed that wouldn't help me in life. But the more I tried to push them away, the more mental and physical pain I experienced. So, I finally decided to accept my desires and started exploring and focusing on them. That's how the main theme of my album was born. I wanted to break free from all the restrictions around me, and during that journey, I discovered EDM and house music, and became obsessed with them. To emphasize the powerful and sexual aspects of desire, I tried to create intense and sexy music. I think desire is something that shouldn't be overthought; it's more animalistic and simple. That's why I wanted the listeners to feel like they were at a party or a club. And by incorporating the energy of a femme fatale into the album, I wanted to show both the confidence and strength to fulfill all desires.
Photo courtesy of Jane B.
5. ) How would you describe your EP, Desire in 3 words?
Animalistic, Sexual, dark feminine
Photo courtesy of Jane B.
6.) I heard your music for the first time when I listened to your EP, Addict. My first thought was that your voice had such a soulful R&B tone. 'All Night' is one of my favorite songs. How has your music changed and grown since 2018?
My perspective on music has changed. I've developed a more professional outlook and my view of the world has changed as well. I've explored various genres, pushing myself to the limit. I wanted to discover myself and the world. I started by expressing my personal thoughts through music, but with the 'Desire' album, I aimed to create music that was both personal and universal, something that others could connect with and enjoy. Through music, I've grown into someone who can bring happiness to others.
7. ) How did you create your new song 'In My Place'? How did you create the music video?
'In My Place' is a song that my music collaborator and album producer, Sleek Jeezy, gave me after he created the beat first. Knowing that I was working on an album about desire and needed a sexy, upbeat, house-based track, he made a beat that perfectly matched my musical taste. I added a catchy melody and some sexy lyrics on top of his beat.
The music video was directed by my friend and fellow musician, Yang Jaehyuk. We created a story that highlights the intense and dark side of desire, and we had a lot of fun filming it.
8.) You have a note on your Spotify page that says "South Korea #liberateyourself" I like that, your lyrics express freedom and fun. What does it mean for you to liberate yourself in general and as a Korean woman?
It means I'm going to free all my desires and be completely honest. I won't be afraid, or worry about what others think anymore. I wrote this hoping that my fans who are going through similar experiences will join me on this journey.
Like women all over the world, as an Asian woman, I need to become physically and mentally stronger and smarter. To me, freeing myself means taking control of my life and living it on my own terms. I admire strength and wisdom, and I'm working hard to become a person who possesses them.
Photo courtesy of Jane B.
Photo courtesy of Jane B.
9.) What do you do in your free time outside of making music?
I'm an artist and also a vocal teacher. When I'm not in the studio, I exercise at the gym and study English every day.
10.) How do you choose which lyrics to write in English versus which lyrics to write in Korean?
I make something that's catchy whenever I get an idea. If I think the Korean lyrics sound a bit old-fashioned when I hum them, I make them in English. And if English doesn't fit, I make them in Korean.
11.) What inspires you to make music?
I guess it's just who I am. Maybe it's because I'm a sensitive and creative person. And since I've been making music for so long, it's become a part of me.
12.) What artists are you listening to at the moment?
I've been listening to a variety of music lately. I'm back into R&B and pop. Some of my favorite artists right now are Magdalena Bay, Kali Uchis, Mitski, and Sabrina Carpenter.
13.) What is your favorite lyric that you have ever written?
I have a song called 'Rain Down,' and it's entirely in Korean. I wrote it while looking at the sepia-toned sky during the rainy season. The song is about guilt, and I wished the rain would wash away my sins. I think the lyrics are the most artistic I've ever written."
14.) How do you want people to feel when they hear your music?
I hope they enjoy it and, even better, that I become their favorite.
15.) I see that you collaborate with artists on your songs. Are there more musicians that you want to collaborate with in the future?
There's this Korean rapper named Owen who's really skilled and has an amazing attitude. I'd love to collaborate with him someday. It's kind of a long shot, but I've always loved Swae Lee's voice, so if I ever got the chance, I'd love to work with him. And I'm also a huge fan of Jimin from BTS. I think if I get more famous, I'll have a chance to work with them. Lol
16.) Your EP, Memories from 2023 has soft and sweet melodies. It also features acoustic guitars. Which is different sound and aesthetic from your latest EP, Desire. What inspired the change in the way your music sounds and your visual aesthetic?
After releasing my full-length album, I got really sick. Then, I happened to listen to 'Californication' by Red Hot Chili Peppers, and it was so comforting. I had severe insomnia at the time, so I played that song every night. I got into rock music, listening to everything from iconic bands like Radiohead and Nirvana to underground rock. I couldn't even play the guitar, but I started practicing and ended up writing songs and making an EP. Naturally, my image became that of a rockstar dreaming of freedom.
Later, as I recovered and started embracing my desires, I realized that what I wanted wasn't in rock music. My interest gradually shifted to EDM. I wanted to be more outgoing and show the world what I had. I wanted to be more free and happy. I'm a curious person, and I felt like I would get sick again if I didn't try to fulfill my desires. So, I made the album 'DESIRE' with a strong determination to do it right.
I think that determination influenced my visual style. I needed a femme fatale, dark, and sexy energy. I needed a sexual and intense image. That's what I think desire is.
17.) What is your motto these days? Which words are you living by lately?
I've been trying a lot of new things lately, like dance classes and English study groups. And every time, I realize my limitations. So, I've been telling myself, "It's okay to make mistakes. It's okay to be not good at something. I get nervous when I try to be perfect. It's okay to be imperfect.
18.) Is there anything else that you would like to tell your fans and new fans? Any news coming up for you?
I know I keep you on your toes with all the sudden changes, but thank you for always showing your interest and support. It might take a while, but I'm aiming to release my next album in the first half of next year. It's going to be a blend of R&B, pop, and EDM! Please look forward to it, and thank you for your patience. I love you all.
Photo courtesy of Jane B.
Photo courtesy of Jane B.
Jane B for KtopiaX // Interview by Katana (Carmyn Manning)
