In this episode, I’m joined by Naarm/Melbourne-based R&B and soul vocalist Janelle Ashley for a wide-ranging conversation about songwriting, identity, and building a music career on your own terms.

We talk about Janelle’s early musical memories, growing up with Filipino karaoke culture, attending a music specialist high school, and eventually studying at WAAPA. Janelle shares her experience moving from Perth to Melbourne, navigating new musical communities, and developing confidence as an artist in a competitive and fast-moving scene.

Our discussion touches on blending genres, studying the music of local artists like Hiatus Kaiyote, recording and releasing original music, and the role of social media in shaping both opportunity and pressure. We also reflect on maturity, learning not to compare yourself to others, and finding a personal interpretation of sound and storytelling.

A thoughtful conversation about growth, creativity, and the lead-up to the release of Janelle’s debut EP.