Janell

A bass guitar pounds. Strings shimmy in arpeggios over syncopated high hats and cymbals as chords chime together in smooth, soulful harmony. A voice, sweet and melodious, yet powerful and edgy, renders a melody that rides atop the collection of instruments bringing even more pizzazz to the already rhythmic instrumentation. The lyrics that accompany the melody vividly describe a variety of typical situations in ways unimaginable by the average musician. Through vividly described verses and contagious hooks, feminine strength, pride, and confidence are asserted all without sacrificing urban appeal. Whether singing over an up-tempo dance track or crooning a smooth, mellow ballad, 27 year old R&B singer/songwriter, Janell, proves that she is unlike any other vocalist or lyricist. And then you see her. She possesses a youthful glow and timeless beauty that provides her with an image just as versatile as her vocal styling. Janell has the ability to transform from the sexiest of sirens to the cute and trendy girl-next-door in the blink of an eye. It is apparent that this girl possesses all of the ingredients needed to concoct a star that's destined for success. All she needs is the recipe. Janell is a native of Washington, D.C., who has been singing and performing in front of audiences since the age of two. She grew up in New Carrollton, Maryland, and began her musical career singing in church and school choirs. Janell was classically trained in voice at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Northwest Washington, D.C., and she majored in Vocal Music Performance at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland and performed with the world-reknown Morgan State University choir for two years. While in high school, she performed throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area with a singing group called Noire that was comprised of four female vocalists. After singing five years with Noire, Janell decided that a career as a solo artist would better suit her. Currently, Janell is working with producers, David Mitchell and Deanna Hawkins, on her first solo project. She has written, arranged, and co-produced all of the selections for her project, and she anticipates very positive reactions to her music. Janell describes her raspy, soprano vocal style as "urban and soulful," and admits that while she loves all types of music, she is most highly influenced by artists such as Faith Evans, En Vogue, Pink, Jill Scott, Destiny's Child, India Arie, Maxwell, Kelly Price, Alicia Keys, and Lauryn Hill. Janell writes and sings lyrics that send messages of self-confidence and security to today's women. About her lyrics, Janell says, "I think it's important for women to value themselves and not allow themselves to be taken advantage of. That happens too often. I write songs that exemplify what I believe a strong, secure, and self-confident woman personifies. I just hope that someone can relate to and maybe even be inspired by what I sing and write about." After completing this project, Janell plans to further her musical career by pursuing a recording contract with either a major or independent record label and/or pursuing a publishing contract with a major music-publishing corporation. Recently, Janell has been avidly working to acquire dates and venues for live, local performances and to shop her project to major record labels and publishing companies. In addition to singing and songwriting, Janell keeps herself busy by working as a social worker in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, pursuing graduate studies at Howard University in Washington, D.C., researching new trends in fashion and cosmetology, and remaining active in her community by volunteering and facilitating life-skills groups with teens. Janell hopes to assist young, aspiring artists and musicians in the enhancement of their artistic talents.