Back in August, the multi-talented Janine released her brand new album Pain and Paradise. Heavily inspired by the passing of her father, the songwriter wrote her most personal album to date. The touching lyrics reach straight into the chest and pull on the heart strings. Sonically, Janine beautifully blends R&B and house elements creating a breathtaking album. Janine truly shines on this album. I had the privilege of chatting with Janine about the album and bringing these songs to life on the road.
Self written and self produced in your native homeland. Was that the plan before going into making the album? How did that all fall into place?
When I came up with the concept of the album it was extremely important to me that ground myself and the project in my roots. I created this album across a few continents but I wanted to make sure I represented New Zealand and that it was a massive part of this album. While I produced a lot of the songs on the album I was very lucky to work with other producers and co-producers across LA, London and New Zealand. I shot the album cover back home and also included collaborations from some very talented kiwis.
Pain and Paradise is a very personal project. Songs like “Happy” and “Make You Proud,” are so touching. What was it like writing those?
Thank you, that means a lot. They were very, very hard to write and even harder to record. I lost count of how many times I re-recorded “Make You Proud” but it took me trying for 2 years to be able to get through the song. I would start recording it and get to the second verse that hits me particularly hard and it would be game over. It wouldn’t be a cool sounding broken voice, more of a weird uncontrolled crying yodel. But eventually I pushed through and I am extremely proud of those songs. Particularly of “Make You Proud” and what it means to my family.
Were those songs that just flowed so easily because you felt them so much or did they take a bit longer to write since the subject matter was so personal?
Great question, they actually flowed very quickly because the emotion was so deep. The harder part of writing it was just sitting in those feelings. It would be so beautiful to sit in them but so painful that it could leave me crying again for days and unable to get through other tasks.
Then there are fun and playful songs like “Fit” and “UP.” Tell me about how those came about.
When I was at my lowest I couldn’t listen to sad songs anymore. It was too much. I met a sweet electronic head who put me onto a lot of music I hadn’t previously enjoyed before. I wanted to create music that could be a fun escape or at least uplifting enough on the days that others couldn’t listen to sad songs as well.
I read that you craft your own visuals and artwork. When you started music was the visual element something you were eager to get into as well?
I have always loved art but I think creating my own visuals probably stemmed from necessity. I’ve made my own artwork since I put out my very first single because I knew my vision and also didn’t really have the budget to work with others. I am passionate about visuals and I do enjoy switching gears between the music and art. I love to play around until things are right and I’d feel really bad making someone else do the crazy amount of hours playing around with me on it haha.
You also engineer your own music. How did you get into making music and engineering your music?
I think necessity again. I’ve never wanted anything to get in the way of me creating. Even from being a toddler I’d record myself signing along to Mariah Carey or Celine Dion on cassettes using our home system. I don’t even know how I did it but I’ve just always found a way. Now, I really like it because I find recording my vocals is quite an intimate thing which is why I most often opt to record them alone in my wardrobe.
Your sound is heavily influenced by RnB and Soul. What artists inspire your sound?
Some of my earliest influences were Mariah Carey and Donna Summer and then Aaliyah, Craig David, Usher, BoysIIMen… all of the 00s Rnb went pretty hard. Even the pop songs I was listening to were very Rnb leaning. Now when I listen to Celine Dion or Backstreet Boys / Nsync, I can tell that a lot of the songs themselves seemed heavily inspired by Rnb.
Is there an artist you’d like to collaborate with on your next record?
A dream collaboration for me would be Frank Ocean or Bon Iver. At the same time so many of my peers are creating magic that I’m excited to work with. While I’m very excited about the idea of working “up” with big names, these days I’m mostly just excited to work with talented, lovely people regardless of where they are in the journey.
You’re currently on tour. What’s it been like bringing these new songs to the stage for the first time?
Tour was absolutely incredible. There’s no words for how music I love meeting the fans and singing with them each night. I’m truly so grateful. Performing the new songs was scary to start because I love when everyone knows all the words but I was blown away by how many people had learnt them already. It was more challenging playing newer songs than songs we’ve been playing for years, but it was amazing and so rewarding.
What’s your favorite song from the album to play live?
Ooh that’s tough. Probably Loving Me. But Best Thing and Broke Me Down are pretty tied. Playing Make You Proud was the most challenging thing I’ve ever done on stage but it was also the most beautiful. My fans really raised me up in a way that I will never forget.
As we near the end of 2025, what can fans expect from Janine in 2026?
More music! Hopefully more touring too. I’m jumping straight back into writing to complete a Deluxe version of the album so hopefully I can get that to everyone soon 🙂
Mic Drop would like to thank Janine for taking the time to chat with us about her new album.
