At times, we experience a gifted singer in an unexpected place- a pure and
powerful voice in a genre that has rarely been touched by its likeness before. Janel Roland is this kind of talent; she's equal parts DJ, songbird, and powder keg, delivering vocals that are a balance of honey and sky over deep house beats. Steeped in the classical studies of piano, clarinet and operatic vocal techniques from the age of seven, Janel is that rare
combination of musical prodigy coupled with the stage presence of the most
modern chanteuse for the privileged audience. She's garnered attention from Glenn Underground, caused King Britt of Sylk 130 to anoint her "Superstar", and grabbed press attention from UR Chicago as well as URB, where she was listed in the publication's April 2004 issue of The Next 100 Artists.
By early 2000, Janel was already being featured at prominent club in and around the Mid-west. She has collaborated with producers Tim Shumaker and Ron Carroll on vocal house works. In the tradition of Barbara Tucker, Dawn Tallman, Marie "Tweek" Compton, and other House vocal legends before her, Janel is evolving the ever-expanding world of dance music with her singular and distinguishing presence. The DJ, singer, songwriter, built her reputation in the Chicago scene by spinning and singing in the city's best hot spots: SmartBar, Sound Bar, Red no 5, and Zentra. She eventually found herself jet-setting to locals across the US, Europe, and Asia. The latter fulfilled Janel's personal dream of visiting Korea, her mother's homeland, and enjoying another aspect of her heritage.
Janel has also found studio time with The Blak Beat Niks, Ron Carroll, Glen
Underground, DeMarkus Lewis and Alix Alvarez. Currently, the young and
rising star is working on her first EP, which is sure to embody the same
electricity of her live shows. "With her strong ear, developing voice, and
steady mixing, Janel Roland is definitely a DJ to watch," Scott Sterling,
Editor in Chief of URB Magazine.
Her unique blend of energy, talent and passion meshes well with the creative lifestyle on the west coast where she works tirelessly in the studio, DJs in and around the U.S. and collaborates with various artists all while her dog Miles waits patiently for her to come home with yet another master
track.
