When trying to navigate the tumultuous sea of relationship issues, we often turn to music and art to find healing and make sense of the circumstance. For multi-lingual singer/songwriter and producer Janalynn Castelino, music has not only become her vessel through rough seas, but also her vehicle to communicate messages of empowerment to her fans.
We caught up with Janalynn as she released her dramatic pop single ‘Drama’ on the 20th of September. Gravitating sentiment without diving into the melancholia zone, Janalynn’s ‘Drama’ is her personal expression that appeals at ditching the agitation in an amorous entanglement.
Sharing the strong message of prioritizing your emotional well-being, the single acquaints listeners with Jannalynn’s vocal powerhouse in a way that’s never been depicted before. Delivering the song with an indisputably powerful voice and ethereal layering, the song talks about repudiating emotional upheaval in an upbeat pop style.
Bearing Italian-Indian ancestry, Janalynn Joseph Castelino takes pride in celebrating culture through music. The versatile artist credits culture to have designed her artistic sense in music. She has millions of views across her music videos and covers on YouTube, building a loyal fanbase even before her first original release.
Transcending across versatility while maintaining authenticity, Janalynn marked her Spanish debut with ‘Drama’ that dropped during the Hispanic Heritage Month. It is a new chapter in music for the artist and doctor, who has been embracing more pop elements of late.
Besides artistic leverage, Janalynn makes an effort at deploying her education to promote self-expression. Drawing inspiration from like-minded independent women in the industry, Janalynn emphasizes on the importance of women’s education. “If the Choice is to repudiate the brunt, no storm in the world can stop us.”
Discussing her newest single and her unfiltered opinion on mental health awareness, it’s a double celebration for the singer-songwriter, who turns 26 on October 18th, with the official music video for ‘Drama’ scheduled to release the same day.
Your voice shines on the song in a way that it’s never been depicted before. In addition to the vocal dynamics beautifully showcased, what message does the concept behind ‘Drama’ serve your fans?
‘Drama’ expresses my understanding of love in a sense that can be applied universally and not just to a romantic alliance, alone. I believe that irrational egos crater complexities that may possibly sicken a relationship. So, ditch the emotional drama for your own sake and for the sake of your loved ones. Prioritize your emotional well-being. Cut it out at the toxicity.
The idea conveyed by ‘Drama’ lyrically is widely agreed upon (rejecting the emotional drama and the trauma caused thereafter). But at the same time do you feel that in a relationship, it’s the women who are forced to let go and bear the sacrifice as the chorus says ’No Existe Drama’?
If the Choice is to repudiate the brunt, no storm in the world can stop us. The graph varies generation and culture-wise. For Gen Z and millennial females, the school of thought lies in Women Empowerment. Today, globalization and access to informational resources have enabled women across borders and cultural boundaries to stand by each other and work towards a common goal. They are there for each other, fighting against injustice and revolutionizing the security of rights.
Your single is your personal expression to listeners. How important is self-expression to you and how does music play a pivotal role?
Self-expression when channelled in the right direction holds tremendous potential to inspire the people around you, encouraging them to seek a non-toxic environment as well. Music provides you with the ability to communicate. Songs are an excellent mode of verbal and emotional expression. I feel songwriting promotes storytelling in a way that’s impactful and entertaining at the same time. It’s so much easier for the masses to ingest a core message when delivered through art and its form. More specifically with singing, it’s your own voice rendering an expression that’s unique to you. Moreover, it’s often intentional.
Do you believe that women need to be at the forefront of their craft more often?
Firmly! Be the ambassador of your art and take pride in your work. Women today are at the forefront of their craft, the trend is changing across every sector and that’s indeed so inspiring.
What role have the women in your life played on your artistic development? How does it shape your work?
The woman in my life influencing me is my mother, Lorna Castelino. She has played a pivotal role in every developmental phase that I’ve ever been through. Educational, emotional, psycho-social, and in every sense. I can keep enumerating only to add more. My father and she have been my pillars of support and guidance, throughout.
My mom imbibed the value of sacrifice and ‘keeping family above yourself’ from the one strong woman in her life (my grandmother). With that being said, I draw inspiration daily from so many incredible women in the industry and beyond. From my interactions with them, I’ve learnt independence. My creative team comprises female talent – in the studio, on set, on stage – they navigate through with their charisma. The artistic contribution from these talented individuals belonging to diverse cultures, when pooled together gives an outcome that’s so amazing.
How important is mental health to people belonging to the music industry and showbiz?
Mental health is rarely prioritised and widely ignored. All of us deal with anxiety at some point in our life. For some of us, persistent anxiety left unattended over a period of time can dwell into depression. In showbiz, people are subjected to dynamic stress and pressure, creating ‘mental-health awareness’ is of utmost importance.
So many of us might just need another like-minded individual to share our thoughts with but at the same time, we can unintentionally be so cold and self-restricting without realisation. I think it’s important to address the concavities with introspection, in a psychological context.
What advantage does a strong educational background hold on your creative process? How did you transcend from medicine to music?
Education imparts practicability. My love for singing existed since I was child, maybe right from the time I could first speak. My life as a student was academically oriented along with procuring professional training in sports such as lawn tennis and swimming. And I did actively participate in cultural activities but devoid any formal training. My dad was an all-rounder during his years of schooling, he is a mechanical engineer and an athlete with a strong passion for music and literature. In my family, no one’s been a professional musician even though they love music more than I do.
I started uploading covers to YouTube as a hobby while studying medicine. At that time, graduating as a doctor was the only thing in mind. Things here worked out immaculately well for me, and while in final year I was certain that I’d love to pursue music after completing my degree. Which I did. I knew in my subconscious that if things don’t work the way I want them to, because I essentially want them to work my way; then in that case I have a profession to fall back on. That enabled me to pursue my passion with even more resilience.
What are you most excited to share next?
The music video for ‘Drama’ releases on October 18th, which is also my birthday. And I’m writing and recording a sequel to ‘Drama’.
You can listen to and download ‘Drama’ by clicking HERE, follow Janalynn on Instagram, and subscribe to her Youtube Channel.
