Six-Time ECMA Nominee and Music Nova Scotia Award Winner, Ian Janes, Releases Soul-Pop and R&B Focused Seventh Studio Album, WeakNights
Multidisciplinary Canadian artist, Ian Janes, has just released his seventh studio album, WeakNights, on Friday, May 3, 2024.
A stand-out artist with international acclaim for his remarkable work as a singer, songwriter, solo artist, and producer, Ian Janes is an award-winning creative whose contributions to music extend across multiple genres. Primarily focused on Soul and R&B in his own creations, Janes has worked extensively across genres including Country, Hip-Hop, and Blues. Rooted in skilled musicianship, creative arrangements, and a deep, genreless understanding of songcraft, Janes’ multifaceted, multidisciplinary approach to music has led to significant achievements for both himself and his collaborators. His solo work is filled with irresistible grooves, soulful vocals, as well as musical and lyrical intricacies that envelop listeners in the original, clever, and fun, musical world of Ian Janes. His seventh studio album, WeakNights, features the sounds and styles that most closely represent who he is as an artist.
Janes’ seventh studio album, WeakNights is a cross-section of his wide-ranging musical identity as an artist and producer. With expertly crafted songs supported by infectious grooves, airtight arrangements, and flawless musicianship, Janes creates his own brand of richly textured Soul music. Offering something for every music fan, the album features a wide range of musical influences, tempos, and styles.
“The longer I make records, the more I distill down everything I’m about as an artist to a more concise statement.” Janes shares. “From working in a lot of different musical genres, my style has developed to include my favourite parts of each of those genres; the storytelling aspect of Country, the pulse and groove of Hip-Hop, the harmonic and melodic complexity of Jazz, and how to employ a great Pop hook to keep someone listening.”
Opening WeakNights with the lead track of the same name, Janes introduces his latest collection of songs with an unforgettable, energetic dose of Soul-Pop that weaves 80’s instrumentation into a modern take on the genre. Merging live instruments with synths, 808’s, and Hammond organ, “WeakNights”, blooms into a kaleidoscope of sound, cleverly manipulating the meanings of the words ‘weak’ and ‘week’, juxtaposing the lyrics of longing against the backdrop of the expertly crafted groove. The song was inspired by a commonly misheard lyric in one of his most well-known songs, “Any Fool”. A song about missing the little things, “WeakNights” puts Janes unending creativity in both songwriting and production on full display. The throwback, satirical video for the song features a comedic dose of pop culture with scenes that directly reference the lyrics, featuring an intentionally ill-fitted, superimposed video of Janes’ head overtop of 70’s era footage while performing the song throughout.
Included on the album is Janes first single from the project titled, “Share”, is a vibrant Pop-Soul anthem addressing cell phone distractions, urging for meaningful connection. The song features layers of lush instrumentation which includes the subtle interaction of two live drum kits, textured keyboards, and a funky, Motown-inspired bass line, emphasizing the importance of being fully present in relationships. “Share” was written with Grammy and Emmy-nominated songwriter, Jamie Hartman (Backstreet Boys) and features David Cook (Musical Director for Taylor Swift) on keys. Janes wrote, recorded, and produced somber track, “The Problem”, completely on his own. Dramatically using space and soft vocal intensity to confront the issue of accountability, Janes invites the listener to decide if the narrator is speaking to another person or looking in a mirror. Later, “Waiting For Never” closes the project, sampling a song from Janes’ 1998 album, “Occasional Crush”, creating a literal through-line across his catalog.
Two decades into a career rooted in creativity and originality, unconstrained by the boundaries of genre, Ian Janes draws upon his vast musical knowledge, experience, and skill to deliver a masterfully produced project that ranges from energetic to somber, romantic to reflective. Every track on the album illustrates the well-deserved attention Janes has received throughout his career from some of the most influential publications and players in the music industry today. With “WeakNights”, Ian Janes reaffirms himself as a vibrant, original, and compelling voice in the Canadian music landscape.
Upcoming Shows:
May 22 + 23, 2024 – The Carleton – Halifax, NS – Tickets
September 13, 2024 – Harvest Music Festival – Fredericton, NS – Tickets
September 14, 2024 – Osprey Arts Centre – Shelburne, NS – Tickets
September 15, 2024 – The Carleton – Halifax, NS – Coming Soon