Janessa-Nicole

About Janessa-Nicole

Janessa-Nicole is an R&B singer-songwriter with a 90's soul, and a passionate Pisces with soothing vocals. She grew up immersed in music, singing from the age of six. Her father was a singer and musician who played many instruments. "Growing up, music was always around me in our house and church. My first exposure to R&B and Neo-Soul was through my parents' CD collection. I spent hours listening to Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Patti LaBelle, and Jagged Edge. Eventually, I started developing a collection of my own. The first album I purchased was Moodring by Mya."

By the age of twelve, she was songwriting. "I was shy, and music became my world. Songwriting and photography became a way to express myself and pay homage to the artists who inspired me." That dual language, one written in lyrics, the other in light and composition has shaped her creative life ever since. Alongside her music, Janessa-Nicole works as a photographer and creative director, shooting portrait, editorial, and campaign work and leading projects from concept through final delivery. It's the same instinct for storytelling and visual mood that shows up in her songwriting and in how she presents her music to the world.

Her biggest influences are Anita Baker, Alicia Keys, Aaliyah, Beyoncé, and Brandy. "I knew I wanted to be a singer when I saw the 'Fallin'' video on 106 & Park. Alicia Keys's style, talent, and authenticity were refreshing."

Janessa-Nicole's album, Love On The Menu, is a conceptual work exploring love through a conversation between Issa and Lawrence from Insecure. The album examines mental health, love, anxiety, and insecurity. "Each track is curated around Issa and Lawrence's conversation in season four. I see myself in Issa's character — from her mirror scenes, to finding her purpose, to overcoming insecurities. I hope the album creates a space for healing."