10 Questions with ... Pat Via of January Jane

1. Where did the name January Jane come from?

Well that depends on who you ask, there’s many elements to how we created the name January Jane. One part is (guitarist) Mitch (C. Mitchell) and I met at an art gallery in New York City down on Jane Street in January, while a mutual friend was having an art exhibition. We also found out we had another mutual friend by that name who we might have both been dating, or not dating. You’ll have to wait for the book for the full story. 

2. New York City plays a big role in your lyrics and stories.  Describe what the city means to you and ultimately your art?

It’s everything. New York City has shaped who we are and in our case our art has imitated life. Many of the songs are from experiences and moments in NYC - it’s always evolving, revealing itself in different ways on every street, in the reflections of the windows of every building, and so on. Can’t beat it! 

3. Where else/what else inspires your lyrics?

While a lot of the music comes from being in New York City, other inspiration comes from all over the world in different forms. Whether it be people, a book, a movie, traveling - it's really endless where you can find inspiration for music, you just have to listen for it. 

4. JJ is a trio in the truest sense.  Tell us about your two compadres.

Mitch and (keyboardist) Peter (Scialla) are my brothers! We are like stages of a rocket, different parts of the band personality that create the Voltron that is JJ. Mitch is the part that can take his stage presence to a party and make it a bigger one - Peter is more the chess player on the worldwide board who always knows the next move. It’s quite the fun triforce we culminate together.   

5. Matt Pinfield is an industry icon.  How did you guys cross paths with him?

Meeting Matt was quite the experience - We were playing a show in a converted (I stress “converted”) adult movie theater in Times Square. He had heard about us and came to check us out. From the day we all met we were talking music, music history, and even headed back to Mitch’s old West Village apartment for hours and hours of listening to everything and anything. He really is an encyclopedia of music, a great mind and great person, we’re so grateful to work with him!

6. What was it like when you heard one of your songs on the radio for the first time?

Surreal I think is the right word. We worked so long and hard for that moment, so it really was a dream coming true through the speakers.  

7. Where did the idea for the cover of “I Can’t Go For That” come from?

BMG was so great to open up their incredible song catalogue and we jammed on a few of Hall & Oates’ songs and “I Can’t Go For That” was the most fun to work on in the studio so we ran with it. You really can’t go wrong with covering one of the most iconic duos of all time.  

8. If you could choose one band or person to cover one of your songs, who would it be and why?

There are so many I could pick! I’d love to hear Tame Impala take a crack at it. His sound has so many levels to it and every song is like a painting, I think he would make something crazy and it would be great to hear. 

9. The pandemic has not made it any easier to get in front of people.  What are some of the things that you are doing to stay engaged with your audience?

We have been playing some online shows and festivals, staying active on social media and hitting the streets anytime we can. The pandemic has been tough but we’ll find a way back to our favorite place in the world--onstage playing live shows soon!

10. SXSW has been an important part of your lives.  What are you looking forward to most about getting back to Austin?

Besides the ribs? The people and vibe of Austin and SXSW as a whole, of course. So many great artists and characters you meet when you’re down there so we are super- excited to get back. 

If you could choose one band or person to tour with, who would it be and why?

So many different ways to answer such a tough question, but as I answer right now it would have to be Bruno Mars. The way that he’s eloved his sound is mind blowing to me (especially that last album with Anderson Paak), so to be on a tour with a show and performer like that would be awesome. I’m always trying to learn from other artists so he'd be my pick!