G: Tell us about yourself? How long have you been performing? What did inspire you to start? What was the inspiration behind your name?
Hello! My name is Greta and I’m 18 years old. My music journey began when I was 12. Something inside me started repeating me, that i must buy a guitar. So i started to save money for whole year. I’m that type of person, that if I want something really bad, i must have it, and until then, I will do everything to have it.. I remember how I was running to music store to buy my first guitar. I even give my guitar a name – “Maroon Hawk”. It was because it smelled like maroon, and i added Hawk just to make it sound more awesome… lol. So this was my start.
And about my name… The story is that i always wanted to call myself GJan. It’s the first letters of my name and surname. When i was little, my grandma was always tagging GJan pseudonym on everything that she was afraid i could loose, or afraid that someone could stole it, for example – my notebook, toys, even underwear.. I know it sounds weird. Who would want to stole my panties? Haha. But she was like that and it was impossible to change her. By the way, i still have my old glasses case with her signature..
G: What was your most successful or most enjoyed gig so far?
I don’t know. All of them were great in some way. It doesn’t matter for me how much people are listening me, if even one person would come to my concert, I would feel really good about it. It’s not about the size of the audience, it’s really more about how you feel, and what you want to say to people.
G: How would you describe your typical fan?
I don’t have the slightest idea! And I never call anyone who listening to my songs my fan. Maybe it would be better to call them congenial people? Maybe they are a little bit like me? Maybe they find their self in my songs? I really hope they do.
GJAN gig in London 13th of Oct, more info here: http://bit.ly/1dRYc1V
G: Who writes the lyrics of the songs? Are the music and lyrics written in conjunction, or separately? How would you describe your creative processes?
I write a melody, lyrics and then my friend Rokas helping me with all production stuff, mixing, mastering.
Maybe it will sound strange, but for me, one of the most important things is weather.. I would never write happy song if its raining outside. The melody and the main idea of the song comes to me from everything that i see, feel or from other people stories, accidents, and of course my mood and so on.
G: What are your plans for the future?
I really want to go around the world, to see other cultures, nature, to meet other people. Now I’m trying to save as much money as i can for trip to America, Asia and so on. And I really love animals. Actually I’m a little bit crazy about those cuties, so if someday i will win a lottery, i will definitely open animal shelter.
If there won’t be opportunity for me to live from music, maybe i will start something with painting again.. I finished art school few years ago.. But no matter what is going to happen, i will write songs with my oldie Moroon Hawk guitar. Maybe they will be only for myself, maybe not. It doesn’t really matter.
G: Who/what are your favourite Artists/Businesses in Shoreditch/UK?
There are a lot of really good artists like Jessie J, John Newman, Adele and so on. I actually can’t say witch one is my favourite, because I just don’t have my favourite artist at all. Maybe I have my favourite song, but I don’t have my favourite artist.
Social links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GJanOfficial
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/nelogiska
Website: http://www.gjanmusic.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GJanMusic