TJ WEST

TJ WEST: Janiva Magness opens up on Original

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TJ WEST: Janiva Magness opens up on Original

By Kim Grant

Los Angeles resident, Janiva Magness is an award winning singer-songwriter who recently released her 11th album, Original, which was co-produced by long-time collaborator, Dave Darling. Although a 2013 Blues Music Award Winner, Magness’ music is hard to categorize, and with Original she stretches boundaries even further into roots, rock and soul. Overcoming many emotional upheavals while making this album, Magness channels that energy into Original, co-writing several of the songs and revealing herself as a raw and honest storyteller. TJ West catches up with Magness to learn about the new record.

You’ve released your new album, Original on your on Fathead label. Was it the first time going out on your own?

Well, years ago I was on my own label, so I guess we would call it a re-launch? I was with Alligator Records for years and they have a full-team in place. Going out on your own, there’s a lot more freedom and also control, but also a lot more responsibility. Dave and I are the 5-person team.

How is the record being received by the Americana music listening crowd?

originalOriginal was on the AMA (Americana Music Association) charts in their top 20 for weeks, and has been the most added. To me that seems very supportive and I’m very happy. I am what I am whether blues or Americana…I don’t care where you market me, just market me (said with a laugh). Having said that, I was concerned. We’re pushing the envelope stylistically, quite a bit.

Are your long-term fans being just as supportive?

I always want to embrace and connect with my long-time fans. I don’t want to lose that, but I need to move forward creatively. It’s been a hugely happy surprise that both fans love it and blues radio loves it. (Original) made it into the Top 3 for blues albums and I had the #1 blues song for three weeks consecutively. I’ve never had that much chart activity, so to me, that’s exciting. Pre-orders sold out before the street date!

You describe yourself as a reluctant songwriter, yet you co-wrote seven of Original’s 11 songs. How did you overcome that fear?

Dave (Darling) asked me to come to the studio to work on a vocal part. When I got there Lauren Bliss and Andrew Lowden (hit Australian songwriting team) were there. With their encouragement, we wrote “When You Were My King” and “Standing”. The other 5 songs I co-wrote with Dave.

What are the standout songs to you?

It kind of depends on when you ask me. Right now, “Standing”, “When You Were My King” and then “Let Me Breathe”…“I Need a Man” is pretty fun.

You are an Alumni of the Foster Care system and a huge advocate for it, can you tell us about that?

Everyone’s got a story and I’ve got mine. I was in 12 foster homes as a teenager. It doesn’t define my days and nights anymore but it’s a part of my history as a backdrop, or fertilizer. I got amazingly lucky on my last foster home. I literally felt my life begin to change the moment I stumbled across the threshold of this woman’s home. She stood up for me when I couldn’t and it changed the trajectory of my life. It was shocking and profound and has everything to do with me being involved in music…. I’m not kidding. I feel so profoundly lucky and I want to share that story with others. I was asked to step forward as a voice for the Casey Family Programs and Ambassador of Foster Care Alumni because they see me as a success story. I am honored. What gets the juice are the dark horror stories, That’s what people see and no one steps up. I stand up and say, “we’re here and we’re vital—we’re still standing”. I try to inspire people with the fact that a small act of human kindness can change a life. It happens every day.

What can people do to help if they aren’t able to actually foster a child?

On my website you can find a foster care heading that will lead to more information. If you can’t foster, you can mentor children through your local youth center. Big Brother/Big Sister is a magnificent program. If you’re a writer or editor or in the public eye, give a shout-out.

What’s next for Janiva Magness?

Touring my ass off! It’s an exciting time.

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