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Jeremy Williams-Chalmers
Arts Correspondent
@jeremydwilliams
6:04 PM 23rd November 2015
arts

Interview: Janet Devlin

 
Hi Janet, you are about to release a Christmas EP Can you tell us about December Daze...

"December Daze" is a festive EP with a collection of covers and original songs. I've covered some of the classics like "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' to the slightly more obscure songs like "River" by Joni Mitchell. I have three original tracks written for the EP, one of which is exclusive to iTunes. The title track to the EP is more of a reflective style track but the other two " Happy Holidays" and "Christmas Kiss" are a little bit bonkers to be honest! They're just a little bit more carefree and fun!

You received critical acclaim for your début album Running With Scissors and have since then released the EP Duvet Daze, do you feel pressure for each success to top the success of your last?

I try not to think of what I've previously released if I'm writing or recording, as it puts an unnecessary pressure on my shoulders. I Just always strive to create music that I'm proud of and that I'm happy with. So that when it's released, I can say that I did the best I could.



What inspired you to release a Christmas record?

When I was over in New York promoting the release of Running with Scissors, it was really really cold! The whole city was snow covered and beautiful. New York is where most of my favourite Christmas films were made. So when I was there I decided that this year I was going to reside my grinch like status and actually get into the holiday season! Thus December Daze was born.

What is your favourite memory of the festive season?

To be quite honest, I've always had fond memories of every Christmas! My family are creatures of habit when it comes to celebrating it. I think one of the fondest memories I have is of me and my family (and extended family) all having left the local midnight mass and heading to the local pub together. We were all sat beside the turf burning fire having a few drinks and a well issued catch up!

It has been a bit of a thrill ride for you over the last couple of years. What have been the highest highs and lowest lows?

It has been! Highest highs have been playing for the Dalai Lama, preforming in Croke park and really just the fact that I've done my own headline shows and released so much material in such a short time.

I don't really have much lows to be honest, the only time I ever get down about anything is because I've forgotten to be grateful for what I have and what I've managed to achieve.

Looking back, how do you view your time on The X Factor?

Janet Devlin
Janet Devlin


I look back on it fondly now. I was very blessed to be able to acquire the most loving and loyal fan base form doing the show. They are still here to this very day cheering me on, supporting me and buying my music. Without them this "job" wouldn't be possible. So I have the show to thank for the platform it gave me.

What was the biggest lesson you learnt from the experience?

Always speak up. If there's something I'm feeling unsure/unhappy about, I should always come forward and say so. That lesson has helped me not only in my work but just in life in general.

If you could go back and change one thing, what would it be?

Have you not seen back to the future? I'm joking haha. On all seriousness there isn't anything that I'd go back and change. Every mistake I've ever made has always lead me to an even bigger learning
opportunity.

What advice do you have for this year's contestants?

Enjoy it! It's so easy to say this now but you do forget to when you're living in it. There's so much work that needs to be done behind the scenes but I do think they should cherish the time they have on the show.

Have you been watching the series, if so who are your stand outs?

Unfortunately I haven't been able to tune in this year! I've been working on this EP and it's real ease 7 days a week since I started recording it back in April! But I wish them all the best though!

How have your ambitions altered since you entered the competition?

My ambitions haven't really altered at all! What I wanted to achieve from doing the show was the ability to make my way into the music industry and to start carving my name as a "singer/songwriter" and not just a "singer". I think I'm somewhat managing to do it by writing a lot and making as much music as i physically can.

When can we expect your sophomore album?

Honesty. This next record is all about me being open with my life and the things that go on within it. I can't guarantee however that the truths won't be hidden beneath a blanket of metaphors. So it may take some digging before people gather what I'm trying to portray within a track.

Are there any plans for a tour?

There is! I plan to be hitting the road late next year with songs from the new record! I'm not going to lie, touring for me is one of the most exciting parts of the job for me!

Do you prefer recording or writing?

I prefer writing. I tend to stress myself out over the perfect vocal take when I'm recording. With writing it's like free therapy for me. I get whatever I need of my chest, into a song that will be embodied into a song forever.

If you could record with one artist - who would it be?

I'm going to aim high on this one and say Ed Sheeran (a girl can dream) Possibly this could be a bit too much ginger for the world to handle!

What Christmas present would you give that artist to tempt them into a collaboration?

Going from his song lyrics .... Probably a bottle of tequila? Hopefully that'd sway him into a good sing song!

Lastly, what do you dream of for this coming Christmas?

I just dream for my whole family to be safe and well, all gathered around the dining table. For me that's what this holiday season is all about; spending time with loved ones. Sounds cheesy I know, but I don't get home often and it's rare to have everyone in the same room and Christmas day is the only day in the year when this happens.