Janae Jean

From Young Composers

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Biography

Janae Jean (born Janae Jean Almen, May 14, 1982) is songwriter and composer originally from the suburbs of Chicago. She grew up in a creative family, and began making up songs at the age of three and began composing at the age of eight. She studied formal composition and music education at Judson University in Elgin, IL where she studied under Chicago composer Dr. Christopher Lemons. Her main instrument is the piano, but also sings and plays guitar, double bass and a smattering of other instruments. Her formal composition include a piano sonata, a theme and variations, a mass and a string quartet.

Ms. Jean enjoys musical experiments that blend technology and acoustic instruments and voices. She also employs so-called "classical" components into popular music and visa-versa. Her current studio is based on Apple's Logic Studio and ProTools.

In 2006, Janae married bassist and producer, Benjamin Smith. They are currently starting their own record label Lover, Fool, Mad Man, King Music (LFMK music.) Their web address is lfmkmusic.com, and is currently under construction. She may be reached at janaejean@mac.com.

Influences

Jean's formal music has been greatly influenced by the works of Bach, Beethoven, Clementi, Chopin, Debussy, Ravel, Bartok, and Adams. Her popular music influences include: the Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Tori Amos, and Regina Spektor. Through a combination of these elements, Ms. Jean has constructed a distinguishable sound, that is all her own.

Formal Performance

Missa (Lux Aeterna) performed by string quartet, choir and piano in Spring 2004 at Judson University

College Senior Recital 2005

Clementi

    Sonata in G minor (all movements)

Chopin

    Nocturne in C sharp minor

Selected Works

Disarmed, a Rock Opera 2002 (still unfinished) Inventions 2003 Sonata in E flat major 2003 Theme and Variation in A flat major 2003 String Quartet No. 1 2003 Nocture in B flat minor 2003 Missa in Four Movements 2004 Theme and Variation for String Quartet 2004 Bells for Alms for piano and string bass 2007

Selected Songs

"Over Cigarettes and Cappuccino" 2002, revised 2007 "Pop" 2002 "Tower of Paris" 2002 "Sheep (Still Graze)" 2003 "Neon" 2003, revised 2007 "Silent Echo" 2003, revised 2007 "Beautiful Illusion" 2007 "The Burden of Tomorrow" 2008

"Discography"

Unreleased Demo 2002 Recital at the Fine Arts Performance Hall 2005 The Lost Places To be released Summer 2008