Janine explores past heartache and growth on expanded edition of Pain and Paradise, releases new single “Reset”
New Zealand-born artist Janine has been exposed to grief in a profound and intimate way. Last summer, she graciously presented her emotionally stirring album, Pain and Paradise, to her followers during her headline tour across North America. Today, she astounds us with the deluxe version of this album, courtesy of Little Mixtape Records, which showcases three additional tracks: “Reset,” “Running Through Your City,” and “Someone.”
Through a captivating blend of soulful ballads and airy house-influenced anthems, Pain and Paradise (Deluxe) expands on Janine’s already deeply personal collection of songs, incorporating these new pieces to enhance the emotional journey woven throughout the album. This deluxe edition wraps up the narrative beautifully, delving into themes of heartache, healing, love, and happiness, often intertwined within the same moment. Genres like soul, indie R&B, and alt-pop, with subtle hints of electronic and house influences, harmoniously mix together throughout the 19 tracks on this album, shifting between intimate, minimalistic arrangements and grander, more expansive moments.
Written amidst the tranquil beauty of New Zealand’s scenery, Janine experienced her struggles and heartbreak in solitude. She recalls, “I knew I was so lucky to be in such a beautiful place, and most importantly, lucky to have loved so deeply that the weight of loss could be so heavy. I stood there and thought, wow this is the most unbearable Pain and Paradise. I decided that the album would be named ‘Pain and Paradise’ because I believe that they always coexist.”
On the deluxe edition’s standout track, “Reset,” Janine elaborates on the song’s meaning: “’Reset’ is my Romantic ADHD Anthem. I’m constantly working on my own brain to stay happy (or not sad), not overthink, and be streamlined in the way I operate. I’ve noticed there are people who will do their best to steer that into the biggest truck they can find, and then there are the Reset people. I love my Reset person. They help regulate my mind and peace in so many ways. They love in a way that is so clean, so pure, and so full, that I feel loved and secure enough to focus on all the things I want to achieve or just enjoy.”
Since her music debut in 2014, Janine has continuously made waves, with numerous chart-topping singles and albums on Billboard, a Best R&B album win at the New Zealand Music Awards in 2015, and sold-out tours across Australia, Europe, New Zealand, and the US. Janine’s impact has been profound and universal, as evident through the incredible success of Pain and Paradise, which has garnered over 115 million streams worldwide.
Through her US headline tour, Janine brought her music to life, enthralling audiences from coast to coast with soulful and emotionally immersive performances. Strengthening her bond with listeners, she transformed deeply personal pieces into shared experiences, forging lasting connections that extended far beyond the concert hall. Additionally, her track “Good Vibes” gained immense popularity on TikTok, boosting her visibility globally.
Janine’s Pain and Paradise album, featuring tracks like “Fit,” “Loving Me,” “Make You Proud,” and “Pain and Paradise (Interlude),” encapsulates the essence of her artistry. She skillfully blends soul, indie R&B, and alt-pop to create dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes that evoke genuine emotions. From recording songs at the tender age of five to mesmerizing audiences with her soul-stirring performances today, Janine’s journey reflects her unwavering dedication to her craft.
Janine’s remarkable return to the stage in 2023 marked a significant moment in her career, culminating in a sold-out show at LA’s iconic Troubadour. Her live performance reignited her passion for connecting with fans, leading to her signing with top booking agency WME and embarking on her first world tour. Spanning 14 cities across three continents, this tour was a monumental success, with multiple sold-out shows across the globe.
In the wake of her father’s untimely passing, Janine poured her heart and soul into creating Pain and Paradise, her most intimate project yet. Focused on themes of grief, healing, love, and joy, the album encapsulates the duality of pain and paradise that coexist within life’s challenges and triumphs. Through heartfelt ballads like “Make You Proud” and energetic tracks like “Good Vibes,” Janine’s work reflects her profound belief that life’s complexities are best embraced in unity.