Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Janos

Swedish born singer-songwriter Janos has music coursing through his veins, and melodies and hooks on his brain. Fusing pop melodies, soulful vocals, and explosive energy, there’s zero doubt that the pop-punk-soul artist is music’s next big thing.

After years of performing with other bands, Janos is taking a huge step forward, creating the music that he wants and on his own terms. So far in 2019, he’s dropped the empowering anthem, “Zero”, and plans on several additional releases.

Pop Culturalist spoke with Janos about his solo career and new single.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Janos: Since I was six or seven, I’ve been into melodies and hooks; they were always stuck in my mind. When I learned to play guitar and sing songs I loved, I discovered the key to writing my own music, and it became an obsession of mine to find new and perfect melodies. I hope it stays that way forever! My big brothers would always play music around the house, from bands like Oasis to Guns N’ Roses as well as cringe-worthy stuff like Ricky Martin and Enrique. [laughs]

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Janos: Most likely my girlfriend! She’s always pushing me towards being more open-minded towards new influences. That’s definitely been the biggest revelation so far. I used to think I knew it all. [laughs] I used to stick to my limited references for music, but now I go with whatever sounds cool.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Zero”. What inspired the track?
Janos: “Zero” was written on a warm April day in Oslo, Grunerløkka in a flat by the river by a hoarse and hungover Janos. I had a huge gig the day before. I believe the place and time has a way to shape the vibe of the song, but it’s a lot more about what kind of music I’m into at the moment. I guess being in London makes me write more “Scandi” type of music and being in Oslo made me go a bit more “London” somehow. It’s kind of a search for what’s not already out there.

The story behind “Zero” is kind of funny. It’s about people bringing you down while pretending to be your friend. The point was to make it work in the club as well as your headphones—wherever you listen to music. It’s upbeat, groovy, and carries a sense of importance for your goals. Basically, it’s about maximizing yourself and not listening to haters, fake friends, and what society tells you to do.

PC: What is your creative process like when you’re working on a new song? Has it evolved through the years?
Janos: Music is always in my head, so I record a lot on the go. It’s usually just melodies, sometimes with lyrics, if I’m freestyling on the go, but when I sit down to write a song out, I usually do a stream of consciousness with the lyrics and empty out all my thoughts. It’s like meditation or therapy! Themes come and go, but I try not to be too specific, as I like for listeners to create their own ideas about the song’s meaning.

PC: You’ve recently made the decision to go solo. What has that transition been like?
Janos: It’s been rewarding in the sense that I get to sing my own songs and channel whatever I want to get out message wise. I get to decide how the song will turn out as well as the sound. Having said that, I work with an INSANELY talented band at the moment: Håvard Haugland, Kristoffer Sakseide, and Sindre Bakkåker. We work out a lot of arrangements and inputs together. Also, when I perform live, I get to work with a mad cool horn section with Arnfinn Langsæter and Adrian Barstad. It gives the songs a new edge and vibe.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Janos: Always stay positive, don’t be a dickhead, and keep your eye on the goal. Also, be honest with yourself and always try to better yourself.

PC: As we look ahead in 2019, what does the rest of the year hold for you?
Janos: I’m going to release new songs on an almost monthly basis. The next single is lined up for April/May and there will be new music videos popping up, too. We have loads of really cool gigs coming up as well as some sweet festival slots that will be announced for the summer. Maybe there will be some kind of EP or album later this year.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Janos: Seinfeld, Power Rangers, and Family Guy

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Janos: Lord of the Rings

PC: Favorite book?
Janos: I only read biographies at the moment, so I would probably go for I am Zlatan.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Janos: Post Malone got some pretty heavy bangers, as well as Pale Honey!

PC: First album you bought?
Janos: Dr. Bombay’s Rice & Curry…not a great one to be honest.

PC: First concert you attended?
Janos: Robbie Williams at Ullevi in Gothenburg, 2006. That one was huge! It was a really cool live experience.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Janos: I like to keep it 100, so I would LOVE to sell out Camden Assembly, move on to Roundhouse, and slide into the O2 somehow!

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Janos: I’m going to say two! The debut album from The 1975 caught me off guard. It taught me to care less about how you present yourself. Be who you are musically and be 100% on stage!

The second would be Håkan Hellstrøms debut album (Swedish artist); the energy, storytelling, and melodies are from another world!

To keep up with Janos, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “Zero” on iTunes or stream it on Spotify.