Seeing Society through Songs: A Conversation with Jane Watson
Getting to Know Jane
For some people music is more than just sound. It can be a medium through which systemic issues and life’s beauty can be explored, and this is exactly how Jane Watson, a junior at Columbia University uses it. Over the past few years Watson has been creating music under the moniker Jane, hoping to explore society’s most prevalent problems. But her appreciation of music is rooted in her childhood. Growing up, Watson was exposed to all different genres of music due to her parents’ diverse interests. But it wasn’t until her teenage years when she realized her own passion for music. “In 4th or 5th grade I started to write songs.” Chuckling, she says, “I would sing from the bathroom, and have my parents stand outside and listen.”
Coming to Columbia and The Politics of Jane’s Music
After participating in voice lessons as a high school student, Watson looked to embark on a more expansive music journey in college. But when she got there, she had a clear realization. “I thought I would go to college and find a producer partner. Then I realized that others were making stuff happen for themselves. So I decided to do it myself too.” With YouTube tutorials at her disposal, Watson began the arduous process of learning how to use Logic Pro, a music editing software. The result? In the fall of 2019, Watson released her first song titled “Birth Control.” The track’s fresh house-infused pop production is as authentic and bold as its lyrics; the first few lines read: “Hey ladies, don’t this world make you crazy? I don’t like it, when they tell us what to do.” Other artists often avoid exploring controversial topics, because it affords wordsmithing challenges and potential contention. But Watson has firmly placed herself at the intersection of art and social relevance in the most tasteful way.
Her lyrical focus on politicized issues, such as abortion rights and the patriarchy, stems from her proven interest in bettering society. As an American Studies major with a special concentration in Urban Teaching, a program offered at Barnard, Watson is acutely aware of the many problems prevalent in our society. After college she wants to work as a teacher, then become involved in educational politics later in her career. “I think it’s important for policy makers to know what it’s like to be in the classroom.”
The Power of Collaboration
Despite being in the competitive classrooms of Columbia, Watson has been able to recognize the power of collaboration. While she’s “pushed to create her best work,” it often feels intense:
“I feel as if I’m competing with myself and others that I don’t want to compete with. We all have our own place and should be more collaborative.”
Fortunately for us, her desire to work with others was not deterred by the pandemic, but rather spurred by it. This past summer, she began connecting with other artists online more frequently due to the new virtual environment. After hearing her music on Soundcloud, UK producer Robaroe reached out with a track that eventually became “Manchild,” a commentary on the former presidential administration. The fun and energetic chorus almost makes you forget that you’re dancing to a song about President Donald Trump. She also worked with Yale student Gabrielle Barnes to create “2020,” a track about the Black Lives Matter movement. They met on Schefs, a site which allows students to host small group discussions on various topics. During a session on pop music, Barnes mentioned she was stuck on a project. By taking on the role of producer, Watson was able to help craft a dreamy, smooth R&B track which beautifully encapsulates the black experience in America.
The Future for Jane Watson
In terms of what’s on the horizon for Watson, she hopes to explore working on her first EP this summer. At the moment, she’s continuing to work with others:“I’m basically working with as many people who said yes when I reached out.” She’s also taking in the extraordinary qualities of New York City to fuel her art. In addition to finding creativity through her beloved museums, Watson continues to be inspired by the world around her on a smaller scale, by the guy who plays the drums outside her window, for example. Without a doubt, Manhattan’s wealth and variety of resources is unmatched by anywhere else. “Sometimes overwhelming, but sometimes it’s great.”
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