JANN KLOSE – The Pilot Light Phenomenon!
3 min read
- Hello Jan, you have a new track called “Pilot Light” which has passed 1,000,000 views on YouTube! Which is the concept behind the lyrics of the track?
Thank you! The song centers around a breakup or rather a slow “burning out” of one… The metaphor of the “Pilot Light” is used in that context. An actual pilot light is a small gas flame that allows older gas stoves to be lit.
- Do you remember the video shooting for this promotional video clip?
Yes, we initially shot footage at Jones Beach out on Long Island, New York but after the untimely passing of my manager Gary Salzman from Covid-19 related illness we shelved the first shoot. We eventually re-shot the video with my NYC band filming themselves at home playing along to the track and then Alex Vishno (who also directed my last music video, “Love You the Most”) edited it together into what you see now.
- Is this track part of a full album or your current plan is about releasing singles?
Yes, I am releasing singles now. We shall see about an album… Not sure it’s relevant anymore.
- Your most recent full album came out in 2018, are you satisfied from the feedback?
Yes, it’s been very well received. I put everything I had into it, literally. It’s been great to see it become a success and develop a life of its own. I’m very thankful to my listeners. They made it possible for me to make the record. The Academy of Sound Engineering in South Africa also deserves a massive shout out as that’s where we recorded it with SA producer and artist RJ Benjamin.
- How does the lockdown affect your activities on professional level?
I’m doing a lot more writing, producing and teaching/workshopping currently and my shows take place online. I’ve started to slowly get back into public performances whenever it’s possible.
- I am reading that you have been active in the film industry by placing your music in several movies. Would you like to talk about this part of your career?
Sure, I love working with film. It’s a medium a naturally gravitate toward. Visuals always inspire me and I’ve had the chance to work with a few directors and film producers to contribute music and/or singing. Most notably my singing and guitar playing in the movie “Greetings From Tim Buckley” in which you hear me as the singing voice of Tim and scoring the music to the short film “The Beauty of Disaster.” Most recently my duet with Alicia Madison, “Love You the Most” is on the soundtrack to the movie “Married Young” and I have a song called “Let Me Be Brave” on the “One Little Finger” soundtrack alongside Quincy Jones, Siedah Garrett and Julian Lennon.
- What would you advise young musicians that are interested in composing music for the film industry?
Network… Develop relationships with people in the film business. Find out who the music supervisors are in your favorite shows and movies. Work closely with your PROs.
- What about your work in theatrical productions? How different is the music industry in comparison with the theater industry?
Well, there are many similarities and some differences I suppose. As a writer I wanted to be on that side of things. I love performing but I am much more interested in creating content. It has a longer life (we hope 😉
- How do you adjust yourself to the current status of the digital music industry?
Stay informed, read, research…. It’s changing all the time and sometimes it’s tough keeping up with what’s coming. It’s important to find things to do that are fun, that inspire you. That usually leads the way.
- What about your next musical plans?
I’ve got several new songs written that I am planning on recording and releasing this year! Also planning a video podcast that I’m hoping to roll out in the coming months.
Artist information: https://jannklose.com/
