Jane Paknia

Jane Paknia's musical journey began in New York City, where she was born on November 30, 2000. Her early exposure to music came from her Iranian grandmother, who taught her piano starting at the age of five. This foundation in classical music was further enriched when Jane took up the trumpet at thirteen. During her high school years at Weston High School in Connecticut, she excelled as the principal trumpet in the Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestra's Principal Orchestra and won the GYBO's Concerto Competition. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for her diverse musical talents.

Pursuing higher education, Jane attended Columbia University, graduating in 2022. It was here that she met and collaborated with singer Sarah Kinsley, further expanding her musical horizons. Her time at Columbia was instrumental in shaping her unique blend of dance-pop and electronic jazz, as she immersed herself in various musical genres and honed her compositional skills.

Jane Paknia's professional career took off with the release of her debut EP, 'Orchid Underneath', on April 26, 2024, under Eat Your Own Ears Recordings. The EP showcased her innovative fusion of dance-pop and electronic jazz, drawing influences from artists like SOPHIE and Alice Coltrane. Tracks like 'Glimmers' and 'Whirlpool' received critical acclaim for their intricate compositions and emotive depth. Notably, a remix of the title track by producer Hagop Tchaparian was named among the best songs of 2024 by Pitchfork.

Building on this success, Jane announced her second EP, 'Millions of Years of Longing', set for release on June 6, 2025. The lead single, 'Solace', released on March 11, 2025, is a tribute to her inspirations, SOPHIE and Alice Coltrane. Jane described the song as a 'crying in the club vibe', aiming to blend sensitivity with pulsating energy. Her music is characterized by a seamless blend of classical training and contemporary electronic influences, creating a sound that is both innovative and deeply personal.

Jane Paknia's music is deeply influenced by a diverse range of artists and genres. Her classical training in piano and trumpet provides a solid foundation, while her exposure to electronic music has shaped her unique sound. She cites artists like SOPHIE and Alice Coltrane as significant inspirations, blending elements of dance-pop with electronic jazz to create a distinctive musical style.

In her own words, Jane expressed her admiration for these artists: 'I devoted the song to SOPHIE and Alice Coltrane, two artists that were in my heart and on my mind during the composition and who are a big part of the 'you' I was so effortfully stepping towards at that time.' This fusion of influences is evident in her compositions, which often feature complex arrangements and emotive melodies, reflecting her multifaceted musical background.

Jane Paknia's discography, though still in its early stages, showcases her evolving artistry and commitment to pushing musical boundaries. Her debut EP, 'Orchid Underneath', released in 2024, includes tracks like 'Glimmers', 'Whirlpool', and the title track 'Orchid Underneath'. The EP received praise for its innovative blend of genres and intricate compositions.

Her upcoming EP, 'Millions of Years of Longing', set for release in 2025, promises to further explore her unique sound. The lead single, 'Solace', has already garnered attention for its emotive depth and homage to her musical inspirations. Jane's ability to seamlessly blend classical training with contemporary electronic elements continues to captivate audiences and critics alike.

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