Alt-folk musician Janie Shaw is back in St Bathans this summer, saving money for her first album which is due to be released in May 2026.

The 27-year-old draws inspiration from the late sixties and seventies, weaving folk influences with hints of Americana. 

Based in Christchurch where she has been working full time on her music and part-time as an art therapist, she’s back on the family farm driving tractors for her father’s contracting business, to help pay for her debut album - ‘Mythology of the Girls.’

“With an album there’s a lot of moving parts. Everything has to be mixed and mastered.” 

Otherwise known as ‘Just Janie,’ - her EP ‘Muse and Musician’ surpassed a million streams and gained her nationwide recognition in 2024.

But she’s enjoying being home, working out in the fresh country air with Daisy the Jack Russell by her side in her tractor cab, which has air conditioning and Wifi to play her music (most importantly).

Just Janie’s top 2 songs on her playlist:

1. ‘Kāhore He Manu E’ - Marlon Williams and Lorde: 

Click here to listen

Janie and her mother went to this concert in Christchurch earlier this year at the town hall, and were blown away with the atmosphere.

“I don’t think I have ever felt so overwhelmed with pride from such a beautiful experience. You could feel the energy and the meaning behind the songs,” she said, even though she doesn’t understand Te Reo Māori.

Janie has fond memories of singing waiata right back to her primary school days and can still remember the words to every song she’s learned in Te Reo.

“As someone with very basic Te Reo, this album has encouraged me to learn more and practise through music.”

2. ‘See You Later I’m Gone,’ - Robert Lester Folsom.

Click here to listen

This song was first released back in 1978 but never made it big - until 2010. Robert gave up music to become a house painter and then for some reason the song went viral more than 30 years later - with 9 million streams worldwide.

“It was just one of those unlucky things. But now with the power of the internet… how beautiful that he is getting his time now. The world is so mysterious,” Janie said.

“I think this is really inspiring as a musician trying to break into the industry that your moment may come when you're least expecting it.”