Today’s Curation Team spotlight is on singer-songwriter-producer Jane, whose breezy, dreamy lo-fi sound has captured our imagination. Read on to hear more about how she tackles social isolation through her music, how city walks inspire her songwriting, and more.
Hey Jane! What’s the meaning behind your username, SerenityShift?
“Serenity” means “the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled”, and “shift” is a type of turn or change. When people listen to my music I want them to feel a turn towards peace or a state of relaxation!
We love how clear and confident your writing voice is, especially given your young age. How did you develop your sound?
Developing my sound came with time and effort. My style of lyrics comes from my love of writing, situations that friends or myself have been in, and random phrases that end up stuck in my head.
There are two songs I especially enjoyed writing. S e o u l is really special to me because it’s based on my idea of the perfect night: being with someone you love, watching the stars together, and exploring the city.
The other is Thought of Me With You, which I wrote in San Francisco over a track on YouTube (by Mixtape Seoul Beats). This song is really special to me because it’s the first song of mine that hit the Pop Top 40 list on BandLab.
On Empty, you say: ‘Yes I’m here, and I’m alone/ my only friends I have are in my phone / honey I don’t have a social life / so please don’t call me quite the socialite’. That’s a feeling I’m sure something everyone can relate to. Where did that idea come from?
The idea for “empty” came from a personal experience that I had at a party – my friends were busy so it wasn’t as fun because I had no one to talk to.
I’m definitely not the type of person to initiate a conversation so naturally “please don’t call me quite the socialite” is just fitting. It’s about that loneliness you can feel even when surrounded by lots of people, which a lot of people can probably relate to. We’re all trying to figure it out.
How did you get into making music?
I’m self-taught! In 7th grade, my friend and I used to go to the music room during lunch and write songs together at the piano. During that time I got really into the idea of creating music digitally and the process that came with it, so I started researching how to get started and went from there.
How has BandLab helped your creative process?
It’s opened me up to a community of so many different and amazingly talented creators that inspire me to work hard and love what I do.
Quickfire round! M&Ms or Starburst?
Definitely M&Ms.
Crunchy leaves or crunchy snow?
Crunchy snow! It doesn’t really snow much where I am.
Your recording essentials?
My microphone, a recording DAW and Evernote.
Since you named your song (s e o u l) after the capital of South Korea… EXO or BTS?
BTS! My bias is Jimin haha. He has amazing commitment and energy onstage.
As a young person, what advice do you have for other teenagers or young people looking to express themselves?
Everybody should be allowed to express themselves and sometimes all it takes is a leap of faith. I know it’s really scary, but someday you might look back and wish that you did.
Never take your skills for granted and work on growing and building them, because you are capable of great things no matter your age.
Follow Jane on @serenityshift!
