Janet Devlin has come a long way since she first caught the attention of millions on The X-Factor. While many of her fellow X-Factor colleagues have fallen by the wayside, Janet’s career continues to go from strength to strength, and her new album ‘Emotional Rodeo’ is a testament to just how much she’s grown both as an individual and as an artist. Here, she reveals to XS Noize her favourite track on the collection, shares which venue she’d most love to perform in, and teases what’s ahead in this brand-new year.
You recently released your new single, “Best Life.” Where did the idea come from, and what do you hope listeners take?
If there is something I’ve become over the last few years, it’s annoyingly optimistic. There’s always a silver lining. There’s no breakdown without a breakthrough. I just wanted to write a song that could embody this new part of myself, as cheesy and annoying as it may be to some people. I guess they’ll probably feel the same way about the song, too, haha – but that’s why I wrote it for me!
The song is taken from your new album ‘Emotional Rodeo.’ Can you talk me through the creative and songwriting process for the collection?
I have a pretty odd way of writing/creating. I will create a song title or theme and make a note on my phone. Usually, they just come to me as I’m out and about living life – luckily, we have phones with notes apps, so I don’t have to carry a journal with me anymore haha.
In the note I’ll add a bunch of idioms, jokes, poetry, and a glossary of words to do with the topic. Next, I’ll write a bunch of example lyrics with different rhyme schemes. I’ll also record a few example melodies into my voice notes. Then, when I arrive to the sessions, I’ll invite the producer into my note. Honestly, I love research so it’s fun for me! Also, it saves time on googling in a session haha. If I don’t co-write, it’s the same process but with just myself haha.
What was it like working with award-winning producer Jamie Sellers, who has worked with Ed Sheeran and Elton John?
Aw Jamie is lovely! I love working with him. He’s so chilled but also oh so talented! We’ve only ever written together, not produced; he’s great with both!
Do you have a favourite song on the album and if so, which is it and why?
It’s probably the song that I wasn’t going to write, and that was “Funeral for My Best Friend.” I wrote it with my mate Maddox Jones. It must’ve been the 10th song we’d done together when he asked: “What do you want to write about?” I was playing nonchalant and listed a bunch of up-tempo track ideas. Since he’s a friend, I was met with: “So you don’t want to write about the breakup you’re going through?” No one else would’ve known about it. I’m glad he did. It was the day after the event. Everything was still raw. I was very much in the spraying their cologne and sleeping on their pillow part of the breakup. I’m glad I was able to write it when it was still raw and not a distant memory.
You worked with some impressive names making the album including Lowell Reynolds (known for his work with Taylor Swift and Shania Twain) and Vance Powell (producer for Jack White) – can you talk about what they each brought to the album and what that collaborative experience was like?
I met Lowell on my first trip to Nashville when I was road-testing the concept of doing the album there. I think I could’ve been swayed on the whole notion just from meeting him. Nothing was ever too much and no question was ever too silly. I’m a big fan of his work but also his nature. Lowell definitely knows how to get the best out of everyone but also knows all the best spots for food and bars haha.
Working with Vance was something I never thought I’d get to do. He’s worked a lot with one of my biggest heroes – Chris Stapleton. To be frank, I never thought he’d say yes to the project and when he did, I absolutely screamed the house down with joy! Talk about someone with a wealth of stories – naturally as he’s been a cornerstone of the industry for so long. I loved what he did to the album, but also I feel like I learned a lot from working with him which is always a bonus!
Will you be touring in support of the album?
Yeah! We’re currently making plans to get the album on the road! If anyone want to keep up-to-date with that then go to www.janetdevlin.com and sign up to the mailing list for info.
Is there any particular venue in the world you’d most like to play?
The grand ole, for sure!
Many people will likely remember you from your appearances on The X Factor years ago, and you’ve come a long way since then. Looking back, how do you think your time on that show helped prepare you for the journey you’ve been on and to be where you are now?
Going straight in at 16 to a high-pressure environment, especially with live TV, was a great baptism of fire! If I couldn’t handle that…I don’t think I would’ve pursued it.
2025 has just arrived, but what were your highlights of 2024?
Playing a few shows with Russell Crowe, my songs getting played on national radio, making it into the charts. Also getting to be creative with music videos and content creation.
Finally, what can you tease about what you have in store for this year? Where do you want to be and what do you want to have achieved come January 2026?
Hopefully lots and lots of live music! I’ll definitely be going out to Nashville at the start of this year to record some more music. I just want more; more listeners, more shows, more, more, more – haha!
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