Janeth hanging with her pooch pal.
AF: Tell us a little about your role in the Brooklyn music scene!
JG: Well I first and foremost consider myself a dancer and vocalist. I am currently in a gypsy trip-hop project called Espejismo. I also run a DIY event space called Barranquilla Studios. I haven’t been as active with booking shows lately at my space because I have been producing lager events for BUST Magazine. We recently just had a show with Erykah Badu that was super dope.
AF: If you were allowed to have any pet in the world as a little girl— real or mythological— what would you have asked for?
JG: I think I would have just asked for more puppies. I love dogs so much. The other day I saw three golden pups down the street and I literally ran - full out sprinted - to pet them. The owner looked at me like I was crazy, and she wasn’t wrong - I am crazy for pups!AF: While dancing, what (non-human) animal do you channel the most? Is it the same as the animal you channel while singing, writing, and booking, or are there different species for each?
JG: I am definitely a she-wolf; I’ve always considered myself to be a lone wolf. When I sing I think I am a siren - that's half animal right? I don't know.... is a mermaid an animal?
Janeth playing in her she-wolf element with Espejismo: the woods. (Photo credit: Jake Wisdom)
AF: At what age did you develop an interest in music?
JG: I have been singing since I was like three years old. From fourth grade on, I sang the National Anthem at all the town events, competed in talent shows, etc. I joined a band and started doing promotions and PR when I was 16. Music has always been one of the biggest parts of my life.
AF: How have your experiences growing up shaped your current path in life?
JG: Well I grew up in an all-white town in Massachusetts. As much as I love some of the people from there, to be honest, I had a pretty harsh and racist experience growing up (besides my amazing family of course). However, I do not regret or resent anyone for it - in fact I am thankful. It taught me how not to be ignorant from a very young age, to be strong, independent and most importantly inclusive and compassionate. I think that this plays a huge role in the way I conduct myself now. I make an extremely conscious effort to create events that are inclusive and to create spaces where underrepresented people can have a voice.
AF: You have been very open and encouraging to others about their experiences in regards to your adoption and struggles with self-image and mental health. How do you work to channel this into your art?
JG: Well the majority of my earlier music with Espejismo is extremely dark and honest. A lot of my songs talk about my issues with mental health in a way I typically don’t hear when I am out at shows. I have always been an extremely honest person; I showcase my failures along with my successes. I think it is crucial to talk about issues and subject matters that people typically shame. Mental health needs to become normalized so people aren't afraid to ask and seek help. I truly do feel like writing music about this makes a difference. It is always so awesome to come off stage from playing a show and have girls come up to you and thank you for singing about and expressing things that they couldn’t. Nowadays, as I find myself growing into my womanhood, my songs are a bit lighter: about sexuality, being queer, and living my best life. I think it is important to have well-rounded art showcasing both the light and darkness.
Photo Credit: Jeff Weller
AF: You have also been very active in the feminist cause. Do you find that you are treated differently in the music industry as a woman? How do you combat these frustrations in your daily work?
JG: Yes and no. I would say that most of the heat I have faced has been because I am a woman of color. But to be honest, even when I do get treated differently, I don’t stand for it. I am extremely vocal with what I need in order to feel respected in my space. I am not afraid to stand up to anyone who is spewing toxicity. I think it is so important to handle things as they happen - don’t let things fester, face them head on, stop the ignorant bastards in their tracks! I have always said this, but I would rather walk alone than with someone who doesn’t see me, respect me, or add positively to my life. So again, even when I do face these frustrations it is usually just a blessing because I get to leave those people and situations behind. I am also lucky to have BUST Magazine as a platform, for I get to use it to continuously push content of underrepresented people.
Janeth at the BUST 25th Anniversary Show at House of YES this past August 2018.
