The Rise of a Northern Irish Songstress
Janet Devlin’s career has been full of surprises. The acclaimed singer chats with Absolutely about addiction, a new album, and moving back to Hertfordshire.
Ever since the public fell in love with Janet Devlin’s voice on the X Factor at just 16, she has rapidly built a career covering hit albums, a searingly honest book, and a TV documentary focusing on her battle to overcome alcohol addiction. Now, a month before turning 30, she’s back with a new album, “Emotional Rodeo.”
The Making of “Emotional Rodeo”
“The album is called Emotional Rodeo for a reason,” Janet explains. “It’s a lot of feelings on record. I have the ballads that people have come to know me for. I went through a big breakup in the middle of writing the record, someone I’d been with for three years. So I had a lot of hurt I needed to get off my chest.”
She continues, “On the flip side, I’ve got so much uptempo on this album, something I’ve never had before. I think it’s due to making peace with myself. I’m in a much happier place, so naturally the songs reflect this. For the first time, I feel like the bubbly, fun part of myself is finally being shown in my music as well.”
Musical Roots and X Factor Breakthrough
Janet’s childhood was surrounded by music, particularly country. “I grew up listening to so many genres, but country music was the one genre that everyone in my family listened to and agreed on,” she recalls.
Her singing career took center stage on the X Factor. “When I started to get further and further into the audition process with the X Factor [I thought I could make a career out of singing],” Janet shares. “It changed the trajectory of my life completely.”
A Decade of Musical Evolution
Reflecting on her journey since her debut album “Running With Scissors,” Janet says, “Every album feels like a season in my life. It’s almost like a summary of the years up until the next release. I feel that I’ve been really lucky in my career.”
Personal Battles and Public Revelations
Janet’s subsequent projects offered intimate insights into her personal struggles. Her album “Confessional” and book “My Confessional” provided a deeply personal narrative. In 2022, the BBC documentary “Janet Devlin: Young, Female, and Addicted” explored her battle with alcoholism.
On doing the documentary, Janet states, “Being able to be a part of something that could get the message of recovery to more people was an easy yes for me. I wanted to show recovery is possible.”
The Road to “Emotional Rodeo”
Recorded at Martina McBride’s Blackbird Studio in Nashville, “Emotional Rodeo” is set for release in November. Janet captures the heartfelt essence of country-rock with an authentic edge, blending sharp, witty lyrics with themes of fearless self-empowerment.
A Return to Hertfordshire
Janet is also moving back to Hertfordshire this month. “It’s already providing me a lot of peace,” she says. “Driving out of the city and being closer to nature again is a welcome feeling. I love that you’re always a stone’s throw away from a lovely walk in the countryside.”
“Emotional Rodeo” will be released in November. Follow Janet on Instagram and YouTube.
