“My two biggest influences are Tina Turner and Cookie Monster!” Ms. Janis declares with a huge smile. “So I guess
it’s a good thing that I’m focused on writing kids songs.” Ms. Janis started writing songs 15 years ago and is proud
to be putting out her first album “Music 4 Me! Volume #1.” Her goal is to write children’s songs that parents and
teachers also love. As a child growing up in Greenville, S.C. Ms. Janis was extremely shy. “I remember singing in the
choir at the age of 7—which is a very Southern Baptist thing to do—but it wasn’t until I was 12 and I started
attending the local performing arts school that I started to sing BOLDLY.” She reveals, “I was heavily influenced by
Tina Turner—she’s just so courageous. Ms. Janis also fell in love with children’s television shows in the 1970s.
Sesame Street and Mr. Rodgers were her favorites. But she had a soft spot for Cookie Monster. “Cookie Monster is
kind of like the kid in all of us. He reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously.” Ms. Janis loved these children’s
shows because they did a great job of entertaining the kids, but they also taught valuable lessons. She says of her
work, “My songs are educational. Each one is teaching the children a skill that is going to help them throughout the
rest of their lives.”
The song “Dance! Stop!” is a “Freeze Dance” style song. It teaches kids to get up and move their bodies but it also
teaches them to listen carefully. Ms. Janis was particularly moved by how special needs kids were able to engage
with the song. “Dance! Stop! really seemed to reach them and that’s not always an easy thing to do.” She explains.
“Snakes Don’t Roar” is a super fun song that is fairly short in length. It’s easy for parents to do with their children
and teachers to do with their students. “The kids listen and then they slither around like a snake.” Ms. Janis says. “It’
s Great to be Me” is one song that can really change the way children view themselves and the world.” Ms. Janis
affirms. Ms. Janis demonstrates how the song and exercises work together. “I tell the kids to raise their hand ask if
they’d like to share why it’s great to be them. The song encourages them to take time to think about what makes
them unique.”
Ms. Janis shares how it is pretty great to be her too. “I got the opportunity to record my first 3 song demo at Electric
Lady Studios—the same place where Jimi Hendrix recorded. And I also had the chance to work with Grammy award
winning engineer Mike Tocci That was a definite high point in my career so far.” She beams. And even though
hanging out at Jimi Hendrix’s old haunt was pretty amazing, Ms. Janis is most proud of the innovative ways she
created her first full length release, “Music 4 Me, Volume #1” “I worked with musician Kelvin Ward on the album. And
even though we both live in Brooklyn, we did most of the work virtually—over the internet. Finally, when we were all
done, I went into an actual studio and recorded the songs.” Ms. Janis’ first full length album is particularly
impressive because it was completed on a shoe string budget, but doesn’t sound like it.
What’s next for the Tina Turner meets Cookie Monster Singer/ Songwriter/ and kid’s educator? “I want my music on
the next Shrek soundtrack, or on a kid’s TV show. Can you imagine how great that would be? As a child I’d watch
Cookie Monster and laugh and sing and dance. And kids today could be watching Sponge Bob Square Pants and
hear one my songs. What can I say? I would be humbled. I’d be singing “It’s Great to Be Me” on that day, that’s for
sure!”