JANET: Thank you! It's been great to do my own project...It is very satisfying. Though all the pressure, work and decisions come from me, which can be somewhat overwhelming at times to say the least. For the most part, though, I enjoy it.

Me: The late, great Randy Rhoads. Heavy metal guitar god. And, he gave you guitar lessons. What do you remember about him?

JANET: Well, he was an incredible inspiration to me as a young guitarist. He never 'saw' me as a girl. I don't remember any mention of that to me or my parents when I was taking lessons from him. He was so dedicated to the guitar and music. That was the most important thing to him. He was very dedicated to teaching as well. At one point, in between tours with Ozzy, he came back to LA just to teach. I thought that was awesome.

Me: Do you remember any techniques he showed you?

JANET: He taught me a great way to hold the pick so you can get a little harmonic tone upon hitting the string. When I adapted that to acoustic guitar it really added a new tone and unique sound.

Me: What direction in music do you think Randy would have been going in these days?

JANET: He probably would have gotten into more classical guitar. He was really into that style of playing right before his death. I think he even had a classical guitar teacher he took on the road with him. I'm sure he'd still be playing electric as well...who knows? I wish he was around, though, to see the seeds he planted in his students grow! I would have loved for him to come see me play...I can only hope he's watching from afar.

Me: Considering all styles of music, are there any guitarists today that have caught your attention?

JANET: Hmmm, that's a good question. Well, of course, I really like Lindsey Buckingham and think he doesn't get much attention as a guitarist in his own right. I think it's because he's a songwriter's guitarist and doesn't do all that wacko trick playing. He is so for real that he's incomprehensible! He doesn't really fit into that guitar hero mode, but that's why I like him. He's totally unique.
I really like Lawrence Juber. He used to play in Paul McCartney and Wings. He's now a solo instrumentalist, and excellent guitarist. And Stanley Jordan, I recently saw him and he's totally awesome with the finger-tapping stuff...
I really like Patti Larkin. She is totally unique and awesome. A great songwriter as well. As far as current guitarists in bands today, nobody really stands out...The guitar has taken more of a back seat these days, I think, in radio.

A central California rock club is the setting. Precious Metal is playing the second of their two-night stand in this dusty cowboy town. Seven friends and myself make the trip from San Francisco to check out the band. Precious Metal, much to my surprise, has clearly won the crowd over. I'm told the first night went pretty well, the crowd was attentive. But tonight there is no place left to sit and people are standing all over every square inch of the floor in this rather spacious club. But then, that familiar and annoying voice of 'the drunk guy in the corner' bellows out. I don't think he's saying 'show me yer tits!' No, it's much worse than that ... he's bellowing out the names of OTHER rock bands every time Precious Metal pauses between songs. He keeps yelping "FUCKEN METAL!" Some people laugh at him, most people ignore him. I'm thinking he probably has a pot-belly and isn't married.

JANET: After PM broke up, Leslie (vocalist) and myself started a little pop band for about a year, and then I got the gig with Lindsey Buckingham in his solo band...After his gig ended I made a conscious decision to go solo, and concentrate on my own work. After my stint with him I found that I really wanted to experiment with some of my own song ideas and playing and singing. I was really inspired by the gig with Buckingham.

Me: How'd you get such an awesome opportunity to play in Lindsey Buckingham's band? What was it like?

JANET: I auditioned through recommendation. I played with him from 1992 - 1995 in support of 'Out of the Cradle'. We (the band) were not featured on the record, only on the tours...Working with Lindsey was great. He's a genius musician, and puts 200% into his music. He also expects that from his musicians! He's an amazing songwriter, arranger, producer, and performer. Kind of a renaissance man. It was definitely one of the greatest musical experiences I've had.

Me: You've played shows with Ann and Nancy Wilson as the opening act. How'd that come about?

JANET: We'll I've been in touch with Ann and Nancy on and off over the years. In Precious Metal we wrote a song with them for our last record. When my solo record came out I did a lot of touring in the Northwest and a lot of shows in Seattle. I would see them up there occasionally. When their acoustic tour came up I simply asked to open for them... I was thrilled to do the spot and it really helped with exposure. I am also good friends with Sue Ennis, their longtime co-writer.

JANET: Yes, my first CD for sale. I was selling cassettes at shows in the early stages.

Me: You co-produced this CD, what does that mean to you as the artist?

JANET: That means more control...a producer helps the artist bring their vision of their songs to tape, (like the) sounds, arrangement, vibe, general presentation...

Me: So why not produce your music all alone, rather than have someone else help out if you don't necessarily have to?

JANET: (Solo producing) of course gives more control to the artist, but I like to have co-producers so I can bounce ideas off of other people. And, many times their ideas are something I would never have thought of, so at this point I enjoy co-producing.

Me: You weren't the main lyricist in your previous band, but now you have songs written solely by you. Ever feel vulnerable? You know, just putting it all out there.

JANET: Sure..., (though) I think most is in the singing part. You're so naked when you sing, and you want to make sure people are understanding what you're saying. So, there's a bit of insecurity too.

Me: How 'bout with your music writing? Is writing music just as revealing as writing words?

JANET: Depends on what I'm writing. Usually the more slower, heartfelt ideas tend to be more vulnerable. Or, if I start writing something that hits a certain nerve I'll get real emotional. One time I was jamming on a slow idea and I started crying!

Me: 'Open The Door' is dripping with heartfelt guitar work. Without going 'over the top' you've captured an incredible range of your talent. You have a lot to show-off but it all comes out so naturally. At such a young age you've matured with ease into a brilliant musician and songwriter.

JANET: Thank you for those awesome comments...

Me: And I think if I had to choose ONE favorite track it'd be "Catch My Breath", and "Say It One More Time", and also "Give It All Up (For You)", "Brilliant Disguise" and...well, do you have a favorite song off 'Open The Door'?

JANET: I can't really pick a favorite track on the disc. That's a hard question. I really like "Formosa Café" a lot, and "I Swore".

Me: Do your lyrics dictate the music or do you start out with a riff or melody?

JANET: I usually start out with riff or chord ideas, and work my way from there. Occasionally, I'll be inspired to jot down a sentence or two and work that way. But, usually the music part comes first.

Me: I wanna go back to your guitar playing for a sec. I've noticed in the inde world of female guitarists that there isn't a lot of big guitar solos in their songs...

JANET: Really?

Me: What are your thoughts on that?

JANET: I think maybe it could be because they don't want to seem like they have something to prove. I think, though, if it's recorded and presented in a certain way it could be cool.

Me: I bring this up cuz on your record I hear layers of guitar work. A lot of it is intricate rhythms, but there is lots of 'lead' guitar playing THROUGHOUT a song rather than the traditional break for a solo. I'm wondering if that was a conscious effort.

JANET: Somewhat...I didn't want too many out-of-the-ordinary solos for no reason, unless it fit. So we chose to do more part-playing. However, after doing a lot of touring I've found more of 'a voice' in my playing, and will probably have more (guitar) solo moments in the new CD.

Janet Robin and band are onstage. I haven't seen Janet perform live in quite a while. I'm more than curious to hear what she's up to these days and...uh-oh, I can see as I walk into the club that she's holding an acoustic guitar. My eyes and my ears and my senses are still trying to focus. Is she playing what I hope she's not playing? It's literally standing room only tonight. I know, cuz I'm standing instead of sitting comfortably. I think Janet and band are already a few songs into their set. She said to be prompt! I wasn't. I might split early anyway...I'm a little concerned about this acoustic guitar situation. I quickly notice that Janet doesn't ignore the audience by hiding behind her guitar and microphone stand. She's cute and personable. She giggles at her own playfulness and so does the audience. The guys in the band are also having fun, and I can tell this because the grins on their faces have yet to disappear. Then again, maybe they're just drunk. I dunno, but they're awesome players, man. I already love the bassist. It finally hits me: the music is LOUD and it ROCKS. And Janet is clearly in another stratosphere while playing. She's got a wild-eyed frenzy all the while and I'm thinking if I were standing a little closer I'd probably be able to see her fingers bleeding. She plays acoustic guitar most of the time but after a few more songs I learned not to discriminate. It just don't matter in this case cuz Janet is just TEARIN' UP the stage with her energy, her enthusiasm, her enormous talent. The packed house loves her, and lets her hear it. I'm very happy too, and I'm sorry I was late!


Me: You're currently recording a new CD. How's it going?

JANET: It's going, but slowly...Mostly because I'm busy with a lot of gigs and other stuff at the moment. I'm happy to be working on it though! I am co-producing with a few different people. I would have loved to work with Mark Karen again but he's on the road with Rat Dog, Bob Weir's (of the Grateful Dead) band. I'm working with a few different people. But a lot of the studio is at my house, so I've been doing certain tracks myself at home.

Me: Do you have a title yet, or what about a tentative release date?

JANET: No title yet. If we're lucky, maybe release Fall of 2000. Otherwise, I might wait 'til January, 2001.

Me: Think you'll be touring the United States?

JANET: Yes, definitely. I just want to totally be finished with the record, so then I can concentrate on touring and promotion.

Me: You know what my favorite percussion sound in the whole world is, even though it's totally and completely underrated and under-used? The cow bell...so, ya got one in the mix for your new CD, by chance?

JANET: No cow bell yet, but you never know!


Me: You have your own label too, Little Sister Records. Dude! You are the shit! But how difficult, or how easy, is it to have your own record label?

JANET: It's definitely a tough job. But, at least everything gets funneled through me, so I get to make the final decisions. Of course, that means more stress too. There is a lot of satisfaction, though, running your own label...from the beginning of a recording to the end result to touring to promotion, etc.

Me: Why do you think there is now such a surge in popularity in releasing one's own music independently?

JANET: Well, that's because major labels are very 'catagorizing', and if you don't quite 'fit' into a genre they're looking for - it's tough to get a deal. Now, with the ease in home recording and Internet distribution, almost anyone can start their own label.

Me: Are you at all interested in being picked up by a corporate record company?

JANET: I have had a few bites, but no commitments. I'm not quite sure a major label is for me. It would have to be the 'right' deal...A (solo) artist can easily get lost in the corporate structure of a major record company.

Me: Do you think 'sampling' other people's music should be illegal purely on the grounds that it is a lame ass thing to do? Or...did I just offend you cuz you are considering 'sampling' one day...?

JANET: I don't use sampling much. I have used legal drum loops before, which I think is fine. It's all part of the developing process of music these days...

Me: Well, what I don't like is rap bands using someone else's good music and only adding what's usually crap lyrics, and then they make a bazillion dollars off someone else's talent...

JANET: If someone samples something from another song the original writer gets royalties from the use of the sample, I don't think that's a problem...Sometimes it even kick starts the original writer's career again.

Me: I wanna talk about the Lilith Fair for a sec. What did you think about that tour?

JANET: I think the Lilith Fair was fine. I'm not a complete fan, though. I think it just put women in another category: "the lilith category" - I've actually heard that term before. That kind of pissed me off. (But) for the most part, I think it was fine to do.

Me: I thought I heard you were one of the finalists to play on the smaller stage...

JANET: Actually...I did a song for a stupid contest out here in LA to be considered for the opening slot, but (the 'slot') ended up being in the parking lot of the show. So, I'm glad I didn't get it!

Me: While I feel the Lilith Fair excluded a whole section and selection of female musicians, uh, yeah, I think it was a cool idea too. Would you ever want to participate in a tour like that at some point?

JANET: Sure, I would be involved in the future. But I also enjoy shows with boy bands, and other varied artists. I hate any 'club', 'clique' things!

Me: When was the last time you dropped your guitar pick while playing onstage?

JANET: Hmmm, well, I can't remember. BUT, I try not to drop picks, if possible. Sometimes it happens though!


Me: Do you have a weird, unplanned 'run-in with a celebrity' story?

JANET: I'm sure I do, but I can't remember one exactly. One show with Lindsey, I met Gary Busey backstage and he was a bit drunk. I thought that was pretty funny.

Me: Favorite scene from This Is Spinal Tap?

JANET: Hmmm, well, I have a lot of favorite scenes from that movie. I really like the scene where they get lost backstage and can't find the stage. I think because I can relate!

Me: Okay, best for last. Here's the hardest, most revealing question I have for ya, Janet. When you hear 'Tainted Love' by Soft Cell on the radio do you sing along?

JANET: Yes, definitely.

Me: Good answer! Thank you, Janet, for taking some time out from your hectic recording schedule to do this interview. I am so totally fucking looking forward to hearing your new stuff.

JANET: Thank you! It was my pleasure...cheers!