Fire Jane
Interview conducted March 11, 2021
By Dan Locke
Fire Jane is an East Coast Electro Pop musician inspired by acts such as Ava Max, Anne-Marie, and Selena Gomez. She also looks to continue to collaborate with other EDM artists after having already successfully worked with Elite DJ artist Klaas.
In 2020 Fire Jane released a number of singles including Train, Blind, and Tango Up! Train became her most popular song to date and is an uplifting EDM anthem that has certainly been a crowd favorite.
2020 also saw Fire Jane collaborating with award-winning, London-based producer Sefi Carmel (David Bowie, Bruno Mars, Gone in 60 Seconds) who produced her cool Latin-flair pop song Tango Up!
Her new Blind (EDM Remix) dropped on March 5th and it’s a sweet, energetic slap House style mix. The track itself is about moving on or not, as they say, the eyes are the windows to the soul – do you close the door or keep it open?
What is your upbringing?
I had a pretty traditional American upbringing, two younger brothers, a dog, church on Sundays. Sports were a big requirement in my family. Some families stress academics, but mine required that us kids each play a sport. So, for me, being a fast runner and all, I ran track and played soccer while my brothers played hockey.
How did you discover music?
Music was always a release and inspiration for me. Early on, with my parents being churchgoers, my mother censored my music listening. When Britney Spears released her first album ‘Baby One More Time’ I really wanted to buy the album and it took a lot of convincing for my mom to let me get the album. When I finally did, I found the songs inspiring and uplifting and I became a super-fan right away. I also had fun putting on mini musical shows for my family.
How did you start to write music?
I always liked writing and I won a few poetry contests in elementary school, so I liked the thought of writing poems and songs. However, I do not write the music for Fire Jane, the lyricist’s name is Ken Bellino. It is a joint effort; I sing and he writes the music. Maybe I’ll write a song or two at some point.
How did you get your name Fire Jane come from?
It started actually as a band name. My boyfriend and I were thinking of band names and we both really liked Fire Jane. Fire meaning energy and that is the way we wanted our music to be, to have energy.
Describe your music.
Dance music with a twist. Since the beginning that twist seems to be EDM with builds and drops or indie pop. Dream pop maybe because my head is always in the clouds.
What was your first performance at like?
Well now that I think of it, I did sing choir in church and in school at an early age. I also tried out for American Idol and got the silver ticket to jump to the next round but I just did not think it was the right platform for me. American Idol seems to be about singing older ballads. Not that there’s anything wrong with that but I just like music with a more modern rhythmic pop.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
No, not at the moment. I just do my thing which is singing electro pop.
What makes a good songwriter?
A good songwriter harnesses a feeling in the moment and turns it into something audibly interesting and entertaining.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
My first song was called Finding Time. I did record it; the instrumental was recorded off of a guitar speaker. The quality wasn’t so good but Finding Time was special because it is where my music journey began. It helped me discover what kind of music I really wanted to make.
What is the process of writing your music?
Ken, the lyricist for Fire Jane likes to write the songs based off of what he feels at the time, which could be a feeling, thought, vibe, mood or inspiration of some sort. There are a lot of different things that can influence the lyrics such as the time of year or the mood.
How was it to have a successful collaboration with Elite DJ artist Klaas?
It was nice to work with someone like Klaas having so much experience in the music industry, and it shows in his production quality. He knows what sound may be appealing to the current music listeners.
Tell me about your release “Blind”?
Blind is a commercial power pop song about moving on or not from a relationship. As they say the eyes are the windows to the soul- Do you close the door or keep it open?
How has your music developed from Finding Time to Blind?
My music has really developed a lot since Finding Time. Finding Time was my first song, a real dreamy indie-pop song. It has helped me discover the type of music I want to release which is electro-pop music. It also has a lot to do with producers and depends on who is available at the time and their production toolbox.
You track “Blind (EDM Remix)” is going to be on the Sony Music VIP label compilation album “The Lightshow Deluxe”, featuring artist such Chris Brown. How did you feel once you hear you were going to be on the same album as Chris Brown?
I was really excited about it and look forward to its release! Also, “The Lightshow Deluxe” is a follow-up to the Various Artists compilation album “The Lightshow” that charted #23 on the Billboard Compilation Album Chart in September of 2020. So, there is a lot of excitement behind this upcoming album. It is cool and helps that an established artist such as Chris Brown will share the same compilation.
How do you stay healthy while performing?
I do not perform at this time but staying healthy is a very important part of my life. I exercise daily either on my indoor cycling bike or I run and do yoga.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
I think streaming music has its benefits. It allows listeners to discover new music through playlists. It also gives music artists a fair chance to showcase their music ability. It can also be overwhelming as there is so much digital music out there.
The symbol # is known as the number sign, hash, [ or (in North American usage) pound sign. The symbol has historically been used for a wide range of purposes Since 2007, widespread usage of the symbol to introduce metadata tags on social media platforms has led to such tags being known as “hashtags”, and from that, the symbol itself is sometimes called a hashtag. Are people forgetting that the # is a part of music?
I assume by that you mean it is a symbol for a sharp note? Yes, I guess that social media should have come up with a more original hashtag symbol, at least to avoid any confusion, but a computer only has so many symbols to choose from.
Digital vs. vinyl?
I release digital music but I do love vinyl. There is something really special about vinyl, that crackling that makes it sound so authentic and original. I also like the fact of having something physical instead of all digital as far as listening to music.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
There are a couple. I love Guns N’ Rose’s song ‘November Rain’. I discovered it later in my life but the song touches me. It is a perfect song in my opinion, the vocals, the lyrics, and the instruments all come together brilliantly. I also love the live version when Guns N’ Roses performed the song with Elton John at the MTV Awards in 1992. My second favorite of all time is Britney Spears’ live performance at the 2000 VMAs of ‘Oops! I Did It Again’ and ‘Satisfaction.’
With the Pfizer, Moderna and other vaccines being release. How long before the whole world will be vaccinated against the virus. You have to remember there only has to be a 70% for Herd immunity (Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a community (the herd) becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. As a result, the whole community becomes protected — not just those who are immune.)
Definitely to an extent. I think the world will never be exactly the same as it was pre-pandemic.
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
I do believe concerts and live shows will be back, but with restrictions and also some reservations.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
Self-quarantine has really been a time to just focus on myself and music. The year has been a tough one for everyone, so I’ve tried to make the best of it by doing things I like. Also, since I am a singer and Covid affects respiration, I feel that I have to be extra careful because we still do not know the long-term effects.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
I guess I have been able to focus on my existing hobbies such as singing and doing yoga from home. I also fitness is a part of my daily life, so since the pandemic began, I haven’t been able to go to the gym as I normally would. I’ve had to shift my exercise routine to being at home especially during the cold, long winter… So, to help with this I’ve discovered online exercises such as Pamela Reif’s fitness videos to keep me in shape. I also have tried to incorporate meditation into my life as it de-stresses and grounds me. I have also rediscovered some board games that I liked playing as a child.
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on livestreamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses.
The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will include [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only.
How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
Well, there is always Youtube. If Facebook makes things too difficult for what users want then I am sure some new programmers out there are all over it.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merchandise to them at the show?
I believe there is a lot they can do to keep their fans such as engage with them via social media or live stream performances.
Is pay to play still a thing?
After the vaccinations or herd immunity, I think pay to play music will be back in a big way. Fans miss the live in-person experience.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
Some people may like it and I suppose it is better than nothing, but that is just too digital for my taste. AI can only take you so far with a musical experience.
Governments around the world are hearing the call of thousands of music creators and included protections for the music community in the omnibus bill. In addition to extended and improved unemployment benefits and small business loans for freelance creators, the package includes several bills which the Recording Academy, its members, and the larger music community advocated for. From the Save Our Stages Act, provided a lifeline to performance venues and promoters, to the CASE Act, which creates an avenue for smaller creators to defend their copyrighted works, Congress has ensured that both music creators and those who act behind the scenes to bring music to life are given the support they need during this difficult time.” Do you think this will save music venues?
It will certainly help save them. It buys them time until the pandemic is completely under control. I think music venues will be back in a big way. Fans want the live experience.
Did you know that the Grammys MusicCares can help artists? The MusiCares COVID-19 Relief has helped thousands of music industry artists and professionals during these difficult days. This is the most recipients helped, for any single event, in MusiCares’ history. The need remains great, and these unique times remain critical for music people. It has taken a community uplifting one another to get through this pandemic, and MusiCares has pulled together a list of additional organizations and resources to further support you. RELIEF RESOURCES. Have you applied for it yet?
No, I have not and was not aware of such things. I think that kind of support really helps keep music alive. Music has been on life support for the last year so things like MusicCares sound great to me.
In the past if a musician stop doing music, they find a new career. For example, David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, Dee Snider (Twister Sister) voice over work for SpongeBob SquarePants. If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing?
I have a part-time online female clothing and accessories merchandising business. Fashion and music go hand in hand and so this has helped me in more ways than one.
What is your happy place?
My happy place is on the beach or by a pool. If I can’t be there, I also feel good being comfortable at home where it is also peaceful.
A lot of musicians such as Stevie Nicks, Bob Dylan, Taylor Swift, Journey, Def Leppard, and Shakira have sold their catalog rights within the last year. Bob Dylan sold his entire catalog for a reported $300 million. Once you get to the age of about 70. Publishing is far more lucrative than the mechanical royalties paid to artist based on sales, airplay and streams. A good example of this is Michael Jackson brought the rights to the Beatles catalog in 1985. And in the late 80’s the Beatles Revolution appeared in a Nike commercial.
The lump sums being offered by publishing firms are more tax friendly concerning estate planning.
Do you think you would be willing to sale your back catalog if someone like Universal is will to buy everything, such as all the rights to all your songs?
Yes, sure, it would all depend on how I felt at that time. I am sure catalog rights and options will continue to evolve over time.
Spotify’s ‘Stream On’ event on Monday (February 22), the company confirmed that more than 60,000 new tracks are now being ingested by its platform every single day. This means people are added new tracks uploaded to its platform every 1.4 seconds.
The figure, announced by Spotify’s co-Head of Music, Jeremy Erlich, means that across the course of this year, approximately 22 million tracks will be added to Spotify’s catalog. Spotify confirmed in November last year that its platform now played host to around 70 million tracks.
Therefore, it’s reasonable to assume that, by the end of 2021, SPOT will be home to over 90 million tracks. And that in the early part of next year, it will surpass a catalog of 100 million for the first time.
But still back at the beginning of the year Spotify deleted 750,00 songs, mostly from independent artists. What do you think what that could mean to independent artist?
I did not know about this deletion. Spotify is growing at a fast rate so I am sure that they will make the necessary changes to accommodate all new releases. That sounds like a temporary glitch to me. But yikes, yes that is a lot of music to absorb for both Spotify and listeners.
Sony Music in November and Warner Music Group in December, The ByteDance-owned video app revealed on (February 8) that it has struck an “expanded” global licensing agreement with Universal Music Group. Now that TikTok is now fully licensed by all three major record companies, will you start using TikTok more?
Yes, sure, maybe more at some point. I knew TikTok for brief video clips of all categories. There are a gazillion uploads daily on that platform. We will see how that all evolves with the new record company licensing. I do think it would be a cool way to promote an upcoming music video.
The British government, buoyed by early good news on a brisk roll-out of vaccinations in the UK, set out a roadmap that, as things stand, would see the re-opening of large music events in the UK, with no audience limit, on June 21. Live Nation and its subsidiary, Festival Republic, didn’t hang about after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson made this announcement on Monday (February 22).
The companies quickly announced that their Reading & Leeds festival – an annual fest taking place across two locations in the UK with a combined capacity of around 180,000 – would be going ahead between August 27 and 29 this year, and that tickets were on sale.
With this announcement Live Nation; USA wants to following the lead of Live Nation:UK. If this happen and live concert start happening this summer would you be up to playing live shows again and under want precautions would you like to have in place?
Assuming there are no crazy spikes in covid variants I would be willing to perform live. Maybe it is best this year to see how these festival events go and take it from there.
