Most modern pop acts glorify a reality unattainable to humans. Songs tend to be driven by enchanting lyrics based in hyperbole or cliche romance tropes. They become larger than life figures basking in the glitz and glamour of fame and monetary success.

JANOS is a pop artist that retains his authenticity. Ironically, his uniqueness lies in his ability to capture the ordinary ups and downs of life. The Swedish born artist marries soulful vocals and dynamic emotion to deliver his pop-punk sound. Tracks like ‘Sicky/Sticky’ provide a glimpse into the world of depression, drug use, and ambition.

JANOS’ love doesn’t exist solely for his passion towards music. Animals welfare is a pressing issue he advocates for. He especially has a love for wolves. He has participated in LOUD! For The Animals and Rock for Wolves, with the goal of providing a voice for animals in need of protection. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about JANOS.

Where are you based?
Oslo at the moment. I used to be based in London, and I’ve been traveling a lot back and forth, up til now because of Covid of course.

You were born in Sweden and spent much of your time between Oslo and London. Do you feel
your time spent between these regions had an influence on your sound?
Definitely, I think the more people you meet and places you experience, the more you grow as a performer and songwriter.

I would say London influenced me most regarding live performances, and I am still evolving every day as a songwriter in Oslo.

Also, being Swedish, you kind of always gravitate towards pop perfection. So, still working on mine.

How did your relationship with music begin? What are some of your earliest and influential music memories?
I would say it began with my mum playin’ a lot of classical stuff as well as Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel and Dylan from when I was about three years old. That’s the earliest memories anyway. And then continuing with my older brothers having a really cool collection of old stuff like Joy Division, Guns and Roses, and Oasis, which turned me onto rock. Then in school, pop, and now its all over the place :D

Early memories I would say would probs be listening to some of that and constantly rewinding bits that were cool. I still do that a lot.

Can you talk about the story behind your newest single “Sickly/Sticky”?
It’s about procrastination and not wanting to do what it takes to reach your goals and dreams, while still hoping it’s not too late.

Hiding from yourself and the pressure you put on yourself with ambition. Kinda a dead-end unless you get out of it. I guess some kind of depression.

Can you talk about the track “Sweet 16?” How did your childhood struggles influence the tone
and theme of this track?
Sweet 16 is kind of a love song to my baby sister who passed away two years ago, it’s about coming of age somehow, together, and realizing we are not the same, and we walk in different directions. It used to be so much easier when we were kids, I guess, as we were more similar then. It’s kind of universal, I think.

You are involved in the concert/festival LOUD! For The Animals. Why is advocating for animal welfare important to you?
OH damn yeah, animals are supercool and should be treated fairly, and if u ask me, not be eaten. I love pigs ‘cause pigs are clever, clean and cool, and I think a lot of people just assume stuff about them without checking the facts.

Your animal welfare activism is similarly apparent through your support of ROCK for Wolves. Can you talk about this event and your contribution?
To be honest, I would probably play any kind of gig that’s for a good cause, but when the cause is for preserving the wolves in Norway, as in the current population, I couldn’t agree more. I think nature should have its way and it’s not up to us to stop or try to direct it. That’s what I think is beautiful about ROCK for Wolves.

A lot of animals are flourishing during this time of shelter-in-place. Do you know how the wolves are doing?
I don’t, but Im gonna look into it straight up!

How are you staying positive during shelter-in-place? Did you decide to stay in London or go back home to Sweden?
Actually, I stayed in Oslo, locked up like everyone else. I had loads of gigs planned in London, Sweden and Norway, but all got postponed, so I got together with some of my band and got down to songwriting and recording. Got pretty intense in the creativity levels too! So expect some weird-ass, new tracks that are pure flames :D

Unlike most countries, Sweden decided to stay open during COVID-19. Do you think this was the right choice?
Haha, well, it’s kind of a big thing to a lot of people I talk to in Norway, but I don’t really have an opinion on it. I guess it’s up to each country to do whatevs, but I would rather have stayed in Sweden than Norway during the lockdown for sure :)

What is your motto in life?
It’s not in what you say. It’s in what you do.

To learn more about JANOS please follow him via the below platforms:
Facebook: JanosMusicofficial
Instagram: janosmusic
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4MkAdE0XKMEwSrAnmge5Dm?si=wiGPvw7RRhSqryjVjOxOGw
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkyisCZAWEZxCdRdJlFbhjw

JANOS Rocks For The Wolves