Janine Elliot began playing the piano from the very early age of 4 and started having lessons at the age of 5  also later taking up violin  viola  oboe and composition and winning numerous competitions around the South East of England during her youth.

As an adult she has won competitions for music composition in the UK and abroad. She now plays some 25 instruments  and performs all the instruments in her albums.

She studied for B.Mus and later M.A in electro-acoustic music at Birmingham University  leading to a long career at BBC Radio working as a sound engineer. She has also worked as a classroom teacher and as a music teacher of piano  violin  cello  oboe  guitar  drums and voice.

She has written a total of 51 albums, argely ambient and electronica, some of which have been used as theme tunes for radio or in film productions.

This new album ‘Boxed in’ is about 21st century life and looks at the pros and cons of a 21st century existence.

The album ‘Boxed in’ features the melodic single ‘Bright Lights’ and is out on 12 June 2017 with distribution from Universal Music Operations worldwide.

All the music is written  performed and sound engineered by Janine.

CITY BEATS INTERVIEW – JANINE ELLIOT

Hi Janine, tell us about your new album ?

Boxed In’ is an album about the pros and cons of a 21st Century existence. Sometimes we can feel boxed in by all the stress of daily life, and my music is a sketchpad of people’s lives, including my own.  The opening track “Boxes” is about putting thoughts into a box so you can forget all about them and continue getting on with living.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time ?

I have spent the last 6 months focussing solely on teaching music, playing music and composing music, so I hope that my ability as an artist, composer and musician will keep me busy for the next five years!  I play keyboard for several bands and dep for others when they need me. I also play keyboard and violin in albums from other artists! I want to live, eat and breath music !

What’s been one of the most hilarious moments or highlights while touring or playing a gig ?

In some performances I play with my feet as well as my hands! Gets a few laughs and photos! Inspired by NRBQ “I Want You to Feel Good Too”.

Do you play all the instruments ?

Yes it’s all me! Piano, keyboard, violin, viola, cello, accordion, flute, banjo, drums and voices! I play 25 instruments !

Have you worked with any established names in music ? 

Working at the BBC gave me a chance to meet and join in with David Bowie and Sir Paul McCartney (who liked my album number 44!), and I have also worked with members of The Kinks, The Foundations and Robin Gibb!  Also The Magic Carpets, and did a London gig with Canadian group The Hidden Cameras !

What was the first song you ever played ?

I came home from nursery school and played Beethoven. I wrote my first tune when I was 6. I can still play it!

Is your family musical ?

My mum cannot play an instrument but my dad used to like the sound of his own voice. He sang in operatic societies. My sister tried to play the piano and sing, but did neither very well. She hasn’t forgiven me since.

Janine Elliot online:

https://www.facebook.com/janine.elliot1

@ElliotJanine

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