On day 3 of our 2020 roundup we present the first of our artist profiles. Alaskan hip-hop artist Jany Green chatted to Keylime co-founder Danny about his influences, ambitions, and collaborating with Harry Styles.
Danny: You’re from Alaska, right? Do you still live there and what’s the music scene there like? Has it shaped your own musical style?
Jany: Yes, I am from Alaska but living in LA now. The music scene there is pretty much all around everyone listens to everything from all over. I guess it has shaped my own sound just from never sticking to one set genre.
D: You work a lot with another Alaska native in Ralph Castelli, how did you guys meet and what’s it like working with him?
J: That’s my bro! We met the first time in Alaska at a show I was performing at and he came up to me after and showed so much love, and I knew he did music as well and I was already a big fan. It’s the best working with him cause we can just vibe off each others energy to make some cool songs.
D: “Little” is now on its way to 3 million streams! Has your recent success affected the way you approach making music?
J: So amazing, still can’t believe sometimes how much people are enjoying it, I’m so grateful. I wouldn’t say it’s changing my approach but I definitely wanna make a better song than the previous every time. So I guess it kinda does lol.
D: With 5 singles now under your belt, are you starting to look towards releasing a longer project soon? What would that look like?
J: Yes, just released a sixth track on December 2nd and that’s probably my last single before putting out an EP early next year. It’s going to be a fun project full of energy and love.
D: You’ve released two singles with French label Nice Guys, but your last two singles are self-released. Do you prefer working with a label or releasing independently, and do you have any advice for upcoming artists about the benefits of both?
J: It really depends on how you see your vision. I was able to work with a label for two singles and they did a lot for me within reaching new audience and it was a good experience for me. Though I do like the independent way as well. Honestly just be careful, and know what you want before going into something.
D: We’ve all been missing live music a lot in the past few months, what’s the craziest gig you’ve ever done?
J: Yes I miss them so much. Can’t wait to be able to rock stages again. Craziest gig I’ve played would have to be back home in Alaska at a Halloween party thrown in some Mansion type building. Super fun performance.
D: One final question we had to ask, what was it like being in Harry Styles’ music video for “Watermelon Sugar”! How did that come about?
J: It was great! Didn’t know what to expect but everyone was super cool and Harry was an awesome guy. I had a casting call sent to me the day prior and sent all my info and was asked to come the next day. Felt like all luck.
Listen to Jany's new single "Move": https://open.spotify.com/track/1Yr3ult5AjLxwYQ0bFxlQr?si=F4qpabhJSyeEpbV4Vs6c9w
Read our review of Jany's single "Little":
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