INTERVIEW::
conducted
by
JiZO Jewles
JIZO: What's up Janice? How is it going?
Janice Aranas:
Hi there!!! I'm doing great right now! I'm glad to
be doing this interview. I think you guys are
doing such a great thing, helping to promote Asian
American artists.
JIZO: Can you please tell us about yourself? Where
did you grow up? What do you currently call home?
Janice Aranas:
I was born in Brooklyn, New York, but basically
lived most of my life in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Currently I live in SoCal. I'm a Filipina with some
Chinese blood too!!! In addition to music, I'm a
working Speech Pathologist at an acute care
hospital. I'm pretty busy…but I can't complain.
JIZO: So what made you want to get involved in the
music industry? Why did you choose to become a
singer?
Janice Aranas:
Music for me is just something I'm truly passionate
about. I have been for as long as I can remember!
I remember when I was a little girl I was in love
with the movie "Annie". I can remember watching that
movie over and over again, singing all the songs
with the movie and even recording myself singing!!
I still have the tapes! So I don't think I can say
I ever choose to be a singer, I just think I've
always just been one.
JIZO: What type of music do you enjoy listening to
the most?
Janice Aranas:
I like all
types of music, but you'll probably find me
listening to R & B the most. I love some of the
older groups/artists like Boys II Men, New Edition,
Jodeci, Prince, and Troop to name a few. I also
listen to rap, hip hop, pop, classical, jazz, opera
, acoustic, etc. I love anything that is well
written/well produced that makes me feel something.
JIZO: How would you describe your own music?
Janice Aranas:
So far I've done mostly ballads and love songs. I
write my own songs so I like my songs to be
meaningful and real. Anyone who has been in love,
has been in a relationship, has had their heart
broken, can hopefully relate to my songs.
JIZO: Are there any specific artists (underground
or mainstream) you would like to work with?
Janice Aranas:
It would be a dream to work talented artists like
Brian McKnight, Justin Timberlake, John Mayer,
Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Babyface,
New Edidion etc. Not to mention my favorite
songwriters/producers Pharrell, Diane Warren, David
Foster, Clive Davis, LA Reid etc etc I could go on
and on….
JIZO: Are you looking to go the independent route
or get signed eventually and go the major route?
Janice Aranas:
At this point I'm leaning more towards going the
independent route however right now my main focus is
finishing an album and being able to write my own
music and songs. So I welcome any avenue that allows
me to do this. I've wanted to finish an album for
a while now but it hasn't happened as quickly as I
would like it to!!! But very soon you'll be hearing
more music from me.
JIZO: How do you feel about the crop of Asian
American artists that's on the come up right now? Do
you see this as competition or is it an actual
"movement"?
Janice Aranas:
I absolutely LOVE all the Asian American artists who
are stepping up and showing everyone out there all
the musical diversity and real talent that we Asians
have. Asian artists are so totally
underrepresented in mainstream entertainment. And
It's not just a lack of singers or musicians out
there, it's everything from actors, models, dancers,
writers, producers, film makers, artists, reporters
etc. that are lacking representation. Asian
Americans are truly talented and it's about time
Asian Americans show that we truly deserve to
contribute our creative talents and abilities with
mainstream America.
JIZO: How did your hit single "Right then and
there" get featured in the "Lumpia" movie soundrack?
Janice Aranas:
I
met Patricio Ginelsa, the writer/director of "Lumpia",
a long time ago when he was working on another
Filipino Indie film called "the Debut". He was an
associate producer for this film and they were
looking for music submissions for their soundtrack.
I wanted to submit a song, but still hadn't had
anything professionally produced. Pat told me I
had potential and promised me that he would use a
song of mine for one of his own movies that was
working on. We remained friends and once Lumpia was
completed, Pat stuck to his promise and put my song
in his movie. He also featured a video for that
song on the "Lumpia" DVD. So I definitely owe him
some thanks.
JIZO: What would you describe as a "perfect day"?
Janice Aranas:
A perfect day for me would be spent with my family
and friends, making new memories, sharing new
experiences, or learning new things. Also any day
where I know I've helped someone or truly made a
difference in a person's life is pretty much perfect
for me.
JIZO: Is there any specific message you would like
to give your fans?
Janice Aranas: Thank
you so much for your continued support and
encouragement. You guys are amazing, awesome, and
definitely keep me going! I love you all! Always
stay positive and know that with true faith you can
accomplish anything.
JIZO: Thanks Janice for interview and best of luck
to you girl!
Janice Aranas:
Thank You so much! And many thanks to Jizo Entertainment!
Myspace:
www.myspace.com/janicearanas
Official Site: www.JaniceAranas.com
