Meet Neia Jane | Singer, Songwriter, Producer, and Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Neia Jane and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Neia, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
The most important decision that I have made so far in my career has been to have a growth mindset and to see each step of the way as progress, even when it doesn’t look just how I thought it would. This decision allows me to commit to my ideas and to adapt and keep going when I face challenges.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an alternative rock/pop singer, songwriter, producer, and educator from Queenstown New Zealand. I spent my childhood among the Mountains before moving to Olympia, Washington as a teen. As a descendant of the riot grrrl movement, I threw myself into the alt-rock scene of the Pacific Northwest, playing in several bands and discovering my love for writing songs.

At 18, I moved to Boston, MA to attend Berklee College of Music. Out of the context of my hometown, I began to explore musically, dipping my toes in several genres including indie-folk and electronic pop. With a strong focus on songwriting, I have an ever evolving sound. Rooted in alt-rock, infused with influences from all over the place. This experimentation culminated in my debut full length album, “Magic & Honey,” followed by the 90’s grunge-inspired single “Lady In Red,” the synth-driven and self-produced “Break Ur Heart,” the edgy and ethereal “Missing You Tomorrow,” the anthemic “I’ll Survive,” and most recently, the nostalgic grunge single, “The Moment.”

Now based in Los Angeles, I tell my stories with a unique sonic blend of distorted guitars, dreamy synthesizers, and soaring vocal melodies. With grit and grace, I showcase both my intense vulnerability and the rebellious spirit that is undeniably present in my music.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite thing about LA is how many wild spaces are just a short drive away. I love taking a day trip out to the beautiful beaches in Malibu, or to the mountains and the forests around Big Bear. When it comes to my favorite places to go in the city, I love to have a cocktail at Grandmaster Recorders in Hollywood, a recording studio turned bar and restaurant with a great rooftop view, and I recently had a fantastic dinner in what felt like a jungle oasis at Bacari in Silverlake. I love to go to the Melrose Trading Post on Sundays to get a good fix of unique vintage and antique items, and I’m a sucker for a hole-in-the-wall thrift shop.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout goes to a very important mentor, Erin Barra. She was my instructor while I was in university, and after I graduated she continued to support me and offer professional advice. She also played a huge role in my professional development by bringing me into the room on projects that I never would have thought to pursue without her guidance. She has been supportive and wise and has given me opportunities that changed my path for the better. I will always be so thankful for her, and I know I can look to her for reliable and honest guidance and feedback.

Website: neiajane.com

Instagram: @iamneiajane

Twitter: @iamneiajane

Facebook: /neiajanemusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NeiaJane

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4GNi2y070W4hi31jX2CqH3?si=sSkjVmaZSz-oim5poXgXzA

Image Credits
Holy Smoke Photography, Jacob McCaslin, Will Gerlach