Most emerging voices struggle to find a unique place in today’s music scene, but Andi Jane stands out by weaving southern gothic grit with cabaret flair and a storyteller’s heart. If you appreciate music that tells a story, blends genres, and carries emotional depth, then her sound will resonate with you deeply.
You might find it fascinating that Andi Jane hails from the small town of Trilla, Illinois, a once quiet place surrounded by cornfields and starry skies. This stillness, often overlooked, serves as fertile ground for creativity and songcraft. Though she describes herself as a late bloomer, her music reflects a seasoned, mature voice. You’ll hear a thoughtful blend of old country, New Orleans jazz, bluegrass, and the smoky drama typical of a backroom cabaret within her work.
Now living in Nashville, Andi Jane performs both solo and with her band, Andi Jane & the Honky-Tonk Cabaret. If you attend regional venues or festivals such as the Summer Sundown Music Festival or Pickin’ on Picknic Bluegrass Fest, there’s a good chance you’ll catch one of her captivating performances. She brings playful lyrics and unexpected musical arrangements that keep listeners engaged and intrigued.
Recently, Andi Jane released “Cicada Song,” a single that you might find particularly enchanting if you enjoy atmospheric, neo-folk music with a hint of mystery. The track is a ghostly waltz that hums with quiet defiance and the feeling of transformation deeply rooted in the earth. You’ll notice how it’s carried by fiddle, upright bass, piano, and a voice that seems to drift between this world and the next, evoking Southern Gothic imagery and the eerie beauty of emergence.
What makes “Cicada Song” especially meaningful is its context. It arrives in a year marked by the rare 17-year cicada emergence, adding a symbolic layer to its themes. According to Andi Jane, the song is about coming out of the dirt—shedding old skin, revealing hidden beauty and talents, and learning to make noise despite imperfections. Whether you interpret the song literally or metaphorically, it represents a slow waltz of becoming rather than an anthem that offers easy answers.
If you listen closely, you’ll realize that Andi Jane doesn’t roar in your ears—she rustles gently, whispering tales of growth and renewal. The track’s evocative soundscape combined with her subtle vocal delivery invites you into the quiet yet profound space of transition.
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You might also appreciate the collaborative nature of “Cicada Song.” Written, produced, and performed by Andi Jane herself, it features guitar by Andrew Lambie, fiddle by Zach Bunton, and bass by Seth Darby. The song was mixed and mastered by Eli Meltzer, resulting in a polished yet intimate listening experience just for you.
As you explore Andi Jane’s music, be prepared to be drawn into her distinctive collection of Americana genres. Whether through her solo work or performances with the Honky-Tonk Cabaret, you’ll find a voice that softly but powerfully invites you to embrace transformation and the beauty of emergence.
What first got you into music?
My mom had a collection of cassette tapes that she played all the time, and what made it better is that she would buy second hand ballet outfits for my sisters and I and film us dancing and singing to the cassettes. My two favorite tapes were Patsy Cline and the Beach Boys. This absolutely created this performer-at-heart side of me. My parents also put us in piano, tap, ballet, and gymnastics to see what would stick, and for me it was piano. I loved playing, and started composing little piano ditties–nothing spectacular, but they were mine! Between those two experiences–a musician was born!
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Part of what I do is blend multi genres to create a live show with a cabaret feel. My genre could be described as Cabaret Country… There is an element of Jazz, Americana, but also theatrics! I really lean into camp, drama, and playfulness.
What’s the worst show you’ve ever played?
The two worst shows I’ve ever played were both parties that I hosted at my house, including setup, organizing other bands, decorating, etc… Hosting a party and headlining a show is TOO MUCH for this lil lady! Lesson learned… Twice!
Do you have any rituals before you hit the stage? If so, what are they? (i sort of blended these 2 together!)
I love performing, but it doesn’t mean I don’t feel the pressure or get nervous. Before a performance I usually disappear to my van and close my eyes to meditate and ground myself for a few minutes while taking deep, calming breaths. I visualize a great show, with an excited audience. Then I go outside and throw my arms up in the air, to feel powerful and celebratory before walking into the venue.
If you could open a show for any artist, who would it be?
I would love to open for Sierra Ferrell. We’re both in the jazz-grass/americana world with a theatrical flair. I think it would be so fun!
What would you be doing right now if it weren’t for your music career?
Oh goodness, I would be in sales, making a good living, and when I got off work, instead of doing a million little musical tasks–content creation, website updating, emailing, merch designing, show booking, rehearsal scheduling, piano practicing, etc…. I would watch tv, or plant a garden, or go camping. And my life would probably be much more peaceful–but I would feel like there is a hole in my heart. To be honest, I daydream of that life sometimes, but I know the truth is that I HAVE to create, I HAVE to perform, and I HAVE to share my music with the world, in order to feel fulfilled. It’s a crazy thing being an artist.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
The internet is a blessing for musicians, in my opinion. You can build a career from the comfort of your own home, making content and Livestreaming. Some artists resist social media, but I think it’s because they haven’t figured out how to have fun with it. I’ve recently leaned in, and I’m having a blast. I do still have a full time job, so it’s great that I can perform at home with my own setup to folks who would have otherwise never heard of me.
What is your favorite song to perform?
My favorite song to perform is The Great Peacock Farm. It’s a dixieland jazz farm rap that’s quirky and fun. It’s out on Spotify, and there is a video on YouTube!
Has your musical journey had a deliberate direction, or did it simply gradually evolve in whatever direction it found?
I love how my musical journey has evolved naturally over time. I always wrote music, but it started as dark indie pop. It never truly felt like me, but it’s what I knew. Then I moved to Nashville and wrote my first country song. Something about it CLICKED for me. I grew up listening to country, and singing this style was such a challenge–country singing is very active, athletic, and FUN. I co-founded a band called Catfish Seminar, and we bridged my theatrical country with his bluegrass/folk, and some of that rubbed off on me. I took up washboard for that band, which has been a big part of my show to this day.
What are your plans for any future releases?
I’m working on a full length album as we speak!!
Could you please share how you manage writer’s block?
I set a timer for 30 minutes and make myself write an entire song. I have said many times that you’ll never write a good song if you don’t first write a bad song.
If you could impart a single piece of wisdom to the upcoming musical generation, what would it be?
Don’t create music for someone else, create it for yourself, knowing there will be people like you out there to enjoy it. It’s ok if your music doesn’t fit in a box. Just create!
We would love to hear about your most unique talent or party trick.
I’m a great whistler, and I can whistle out the side of my mouth. If you’re looking at my other side, you’d never know I was the one whistling!
What would you do if you were the only survivor of a plane crash?
I would immediately play the lottery, then get therapy to deal with the trauma, then do something absolutely ground-breaking because I would feel like I have one more shot at life and I better use it wisely!
What do you think of garden gnomes?
They’re watching us…
If shipwrecked on a deserted island, what two non-essential items would you prioritize?
A subwoofer and some dance music. Every day is a dance party for my sanity.
If you had a time machine, would you travel to the future or back to the past?
I would definitely travel to the past so I have an unfair advantage of knowing what works, and what people like. You could use that to be very successful.
Do you have a cherished childhood teddy bear or other stuffed animal sitting on your bed at home?
I have a patchwork rat pillow that my Chicago best friend made for me. She’s obsessed with rats. I’m just the rat-cipient.
If you had to describe yourself as an ice cream flavor, what would it be?
Smooth and creamy vanilla at first, but surprisingly salty and a little nutty as you dig in.
Would you prefer to be the hero or the villain with the best lines?
I’ve always preferred the sidekicks or the comic relief characters. Give me quirky over queen any day!
Thank you so much!! I thoroughly enjoyed these unconventional questions!
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