“I just have a passion for doing what hasn’t been done.” Veteran artist, songwriter, author, and activist Janie Liou is not content solely making music. To her, music is a tool to address social justice and to innovate movements beyond just making fans. In 2023, she continues to evolve with thoughtful, in depth music and reaching those on the fringes of society.

 

Born and raised in Georgia, Janie has lived through an era of unprecedented change and growth in her hometown of Atlanta. Now billed as the new Hollywood of the South and an eclectic mecca for diverse music tastes, Janie has long spent decades honing her lyrical, alternative pop sound while sampling a bit of Georgia’s burgeoning film industry. With an otherworldly voice that calls to mind Sarah McLachlan, Alanis Morrissette and even Florence and the Machine, Janie draws her influences from a plethora of bands, mostly sounds from outside the US. She counts Metric, Radiohead, Atlas Genius as some of her favorites, just to name a few. Her songs have been featured in the Atlanta 48 Hour Film Festival, PSAs for non-profits, as well as a book being made into film. 

 

From her beginnings at an FYE in-store music tour, traversing college campuses and venues all over the US, releasing multiple studio albums, playing with a full band and solo, and then having a hand in production herself, Janie has cut her teeth and established herself as quite the sought after musician. Her powerful, nuanced vocals, piano playing reminiscent of Tori Amos, and an electronic programming backdrop of Coldplay combine for a truly unforgettable sonic experience. A GA based artist, she has played and headlined the most renowned ATL venues including Eddie’s Attic, Smith’s Olde Bar, Vinyl and Red Light Café. A keynote artist for the National Association of Asian American Professionals, Janie is proud of her heritage and making a mark in arts and entertainment. 

 

Over the years, Janie’s involvement in social justice issues have transcended the arts and into media and film to combat sex trafficking. While partnering with several local ATL organizations, her song "Dear John" was featured in multiple PSA video campaigns and movements addressing perpetrators fueling demand for underage victims. This "END DEMAND" initiative resulted in new state laws advocating harsher punishment on perpetrators while protecting victims. Then she partnered with Price of Life NYC and IVCF to produce Exposing Darkness, a charity compilation album of original material released at a two week anti-trafficking summit to benefit NYC non-profits fighting the issue. The album was also promoted with a multi-city U.S. tour to raise awareness for various other organizations. Beyond just making music, Janie’s voice and gifts have become a clarion call for systemic cultural change. 

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Along the way, Janie became an author, focused on coaching and speaking to small groups in the corporate sector. Janie returned to music in 2021, playing a Nashville industry showcase and then traveled with The Extreme Tour to select U.S. cities. Using her experience working with groups, she hosted as a tour spot as well in her hometown. 

 

Currently, Janie is working on new music. Look out for updates in the coming months!

"I just have a passion for doing what hasn't been done"

                                                             - Janie Liou