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Tanya Janca’s musical reinvention less political – Metro US

Tanya Janca’s musical reinvention less political

There’s not as much aggression, a little less politics, and a more upbeat vibe, but at the heart of things Tanya Janca is still the same soul-bearing girl with a guitar she’s always been.

The Ottawa-based singer songwriter has just released her fourth solo independent CD, Recreate.

“I’m very excited about it because it’s a new direction for me,” says Janca.

“A lot of my older music had the f-word in it and I was a lot more aggressive in my singing, but this is more poppy folk music with lighter tones.”

And if the tones sound lighter, it’s probably because Janca says she has a lighter outlook on life too.

“I think the main thing is that I am a lot more confident as a person and in my playing than I was before. I’m just more mature and happier these days too, and I wanted that to be reflected in the music.”

Janca’s sister, a graphic designer, has been helping her craft a new “image” to go along with her new sound. Although, Janca explains, it came as news to her that she even had an image.

“My sister said ‘you’re all over the place. When you’re in person or performing you smile, you look energetic and sweet, and in your press photos you’re wearing ripped jeans and scowling.’ So she said it was time for some new photos,” Janca says with a laugh.

Friendly photos aside, Janca hasn’t completely lost her edge. The lyrics on Recreate are as honest, emotional, and sometimes as biting as they have been on her other releases. Though she didn’t pen any further in-your-face anthems for U.S. President George W. Bush.

“People have been asking, ‘where’s a song like your Bush song?’ and I have to say I am still very political, but those songs just didn’t make it on here.”

After performing on her own and in bands since 1998, including her current side project with Eugene and the Eugenics, Janca is certainly entitled to a little reinvention — especially one as fresh and interesting as this.

Janca’s CD release celebration happens Sunday at Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray St. Opening for her is Andre Bourbonnais. Doors open at 7 p.m. for this 19-plus show. Tickets are $5 at the door and CDs cost $10.

kim.mannixvermette@metronews.ca