We Say…
Jane Herships has been making music for a long-time, almost as long as she can remember in fact. Growing up in New Jersey in a TV-free household, she played piano, sang in choirs and taught herself the guitar. After relocating to Brooklyn, Jane has played bass in countless bands and even released two solo albums under the pseudonym Spider. Yet it’s only now, with the release of her third album, The Home Record, that Jane is stepping out under her own name, and in many ways, the timing couldn’t be more fitting.
The Home Record is a real departure from Spider, while it might at first seem to sketch the same skeletal structures, beneath is something harder, crisper and unmistakably honest. The title, a play on home wrecker, is a fitting one, as Jane in her lilting, reverberating vocal, goes about tearing apart her own life and then piecing it back together. It’s hard to tie Jane Herships down to a single sound or influence, for every moment of wistful acoustic experimentation there’s a fluttering dream-pop counterpoint. One moment you’re hearing the clarity of Vashti Bunyan the next the unrelenting haze of The Sundays. The Home Record is an album full of highs and lows, insecurities and absolute faith, and just like life itself, sometimes you just have to stick around and go wherever the journey takes you.
They Say…
FTR: For those who don’t know who is Jane Herships?
I’m a musician from Brooklyn, NY who has played in a number of groups including TEEN, Annie Hart & Drawing Boards. I am currently releasing a solo album called “The Home Record” under my own name.
FTR: What can you remember about your first show?
My first band had practiced for quite some time in our practice space and when we finally decided to play a show, I remember it feeling very weird that we had to perform in front of people. It was like, why are all those people here? It has always been a learning experience to communicate with an audience, and that first show was a big eye opener. The experience changes constantly and is different every night. When I see an artist that is able to be honest and open with their audience, and share their art with others, it reminds me why I do this.
FTR: Why do you make music? Why not another art form?
I started out with visual art in college, but always came back to music which I had played since I was little. I’ve always been shy, so I think when people found out I could play guitar, it was a way to feel included. I think I felt less shy when I was playing music with people than when we were just hanging out.
FTR: What can people expect from the Jane Herships live show?
People have said that my songs are very intimate and personal. There is a lot of imagery in the lyrics as well, so I think my music is good for quiet listening. The shows tend to be pretty stripped down even though there is a lot of instrumentation on the record. I like to think that the songs can stand on their own with just voice and guitar.
FTR: What’s next for Jane Herships?
I’m already thinking about the next record and more shows.
They Listen To…
Loudon Wainwright III – Motel Blues
Cate Le Bon – Daylight Matters
Jenny Hval – Spells
Jenny O – Autommechanic
Judee Sill – The Kiss
The Home Record is out now. Click HERE for more information on Jane Herships.
For The Rabbits 