Jana Diab Breaks Into the Alt-Pop Scene with Her Authentic Debut EP ‘Season One’

Nov 7

— November 7, 2024 —

Jana Diab’s debut EP, Season One, marks the arrival of a powerful new voice in the alt-pop scene. At just 23 years old, Jana has already tapped into a wellspring of emotional depth and authenticity, drawing on her personal journey to create music that resonates universally. “I hope that when people listen to this EP, they feel understood and maybe understand me a bit better too,” Jana shared in an º1824 press conference. Season One isn't just a collection of songs—it’s a reflection of her life, a journey through personal growth, self-discovery, and a raw, unfiltered expression of her inner world.

Born in Egypt, Jana’s cultural roots shape both her sound and approach to music, giving her a distinctive voice in alt-pop. “There’s such warmth and generosity in the people I’ve met in Egypt—they give even when they have little, and I find that so beautiful,” she shares, reflecting the sense of community integral to her identity. This warmth carries into her music, where she seeks to create a space where listeners feel seen, understood, and connected, no matter where they’re from. Her heritage and the Cairo community she holds dear add a cultural depth to her sound, setting her apart within the genre.

Jana’s songwriting is as spontaneous and unfiltered as her music itself, allowing listeners to feel a genuine connection to her work. With ADHD influencing her creative flow, her process can be unpredictable. “Some people write constantly, but I’ll go months without a single song, and then suddenly write some of my favorite ones in a week,” she explains. This approach brings an element of emotional rawness and unpredictability to Season One, capturing moments of vulnerability that resonate with her audience and reflect her honest approach to life and art.

Collaboration played a crucial role in shaping the project, particularly with her producer, Couros. “That whole year was full of writing, and there are still more songs we made during that time that I’ll be releasing soon!” she shares, referring to the burst of creativity that defined the EP. Working with Couros helped her refine her sound and explore new sonic textures, resulting in the rich, layered blend of indie, pop, and R&B that characterizes Season One. Her boyfriend, Orlando Giannini, also contributed as a co-writer on several tracks, including “Out of Line” and “So Stupid,” grounding the EP in a sense of intimacy and authenticity.

The release of Season One marks a significant milestone for Jana, both personally and professionally. Reflecting on the past year, she acknowledges the growth and confidence she’s gained. “I grew a lot in the last year, especially with getting signed and traveling alone—it was all pretty outside my comfort zone. But I’ve learned so much from it, and now I’m pouring those lessons into my new music,” she admits. Her journey toward self-acceptance and independence is woven into the EP, which is more than music—it’s a reflection of embracing life’s imperfections and finding strength in vulnerability.

Jana Diab draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists, with Anderson .Paak and Gregory Alan Isakov at the top of her list. “Anderson .Paak’s style—almost talking more than rapping—is something I really admire, and I tried incorporating that kind of rhythmic storytelling into some sections. Gregory Alan Isakov inspires a lot of my melodies and the feelings I hope my music can bring out in people.” Their influence shines through in her distinctive storytelling approach and the rich emotional depth of her music.

The music video for the title track, “Season One,” serves as a visual complement to her storytelling. Shot in Cairo, it captures the city as Jana knows it, authentically showcasing her hometown’s character beyond its iconic landmarks. “My goal was to show Cairo/Egypt authentically, not as a tourist spot but as it really is,” she explains. The video’s symbolic use of a lamp reflects her journey toward self-acceptance, shining light on her life’s darker, complex sides while embracing her own sense of direction and purpose.

Looking ahead, Jana’s future is as bright as the music she’s already created. With Season One as a foundation, she’s ready to push boundaries, explore new sounds, and share more of her journey. “This EP is the beginning of something new for me. It’s ‘The Imperfect Life of an Impulsive 21/22 Year Old,’” she says, signaling the start of an exciting new chapter. With her unique voice, creativity, and honesty, Jana Diab is poised to make a lasting impact on the alt-pop scene and beyond.

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