Boston artist Najee Janey sat down with the HIGHSTREET crew for an insightful conversation about carving out a sustainable music career in today’s industry. In this candid discussion, Janey reveals how he shifted his focus from just creating music to exploring alternative revenue streams like sync placements, songwriting, and direct-to-fan sales. Alongside his latest collaboration with Dallas, he shares valuable insights for emerging artists looking to diversify their income sources.
The talk kicked off with some lighthearted banter about names and pronunciation before delving into the importance of self-presentation. Janey opened up about how his wife played a crucial role in helping him elevate his style and fashion choices to reflect his dual identity as an artist and entrepreneur. It’s clear that Janey understands the need to present oneself in a way that’s both authentic and professional in the music business.
From psychedelic trips to an unexpected U-Haul truck adventure, Janey and the crew reflect on how unique life experiences shape their artistic outlook. They delve into the deeper side of creativity, touching on the highs and lows of substance use. Moving from personal stories to the practical side of the business, they explore essential revenue streams for musicians, including songwriting royalties, TV/film sync placements, and the vital role of sample clearance. They cite notable sync placements on shows like Issa Rae’s “Rap Sh*t” and Tyler Perry productions as prime examples of how artists can earn from multiple avenues.
The conversation doesn’t shy away from the hard-hitting realities of the music business. Among the topics discussed were music catalog sales, new digital marketplaces for investing in artists’ catalogs, and the strategies behind merchandise sales. Janey emphasizes the importance of building a community around your music, creating not just a fanbase, but a network of supporters who are deeply engaged in your artistic journey.
As the talk turned toward technology, the group explored their thoughts on AI’s growing influence in both music and social media. They discussed the rise of generative AI tools, including ChatGPT, and debated whether AI will enrich human creativity or replace authentic interactions. Janey expressed a cautious optimism, believing that AI could lead to a new wave of creativity, even though he also acknowledged the potential downsides—such as the “AI sludge” flooding social media and the growing concerns over screen addiction.
Diving deeper into personal experiences, the group reflected on their drug use, from smoking to the increasing normalization of designer drugs. They discussed how substances like marijuana and psychedelics have influenced their creative processes and outlooks on life. In a turn toward their past, they also reflected on how high school habits around smoking and drinking have changed over time, expressing concern about how easily these behaviors can lead to addiction in today’s culture.
A deep dive into how music shapes our emotions took center stage next, with Janey explaining how certain genres—particularly trap music—can influence negative thoughts and behaviors. He shared how he’s become more mindful of the content he consumes, opting for more positive and uplifting music. Both he and the crew agree that music holds an unmatched power in influencing the human experience, often even shaping our behaviors and outlooks.
As the conversation wound down, Janey teased an upcoming nine-track project with Tony Royale, promising fans a fresh sound that’s been in the works for years. While the album’s title remains under wraps, the buzz around the release is palpable. Janey also shared his gratitude for the continued support of his fans and reminded them to keep up with his music and social media updates.
Wrapping up the conversation with a bit of industry insight, Janey discussed the challenges of advertising music on social media platforms, particularly Meta’s ad restrictions following iOS 14 changes. He recommended YouTube as a far more effective promotional tool and shared how he discovered rising artists, including Mexican OT, through YouTube ads. With his own promotion strategy, Janey is finding success by selling his album “Break Free” directly to fans. For $5,000, fans get exclusive access to private content, shows, and even merchandise discounts—demonstrating his innovative approach to music distribution.
By shifting the focus from just musical performance to a well-rounded understanding of how the music industry operates, Najee Janey has crafted a model for independent artists looking to take control of their careers and income streams. With his blend of artistic integrity and entrepreneurial spirit, Janey continues to push boundaries and inspire the next generation of musicians.
