Neus FloresWith a new album shaped by intimate stories, restless curiosity, and an unfiltered love for music, Catalan singer Jan Nieto is carving out a voice that feels both #raw and refreshingly honest.
Far from chasing trends or algorithms, he approaches songwriting as a deeply human #craft — one built on emotion, experimentation, and the courage to begin even when conditions aren’t perfect.
Recorded during the quiet strangeness of the holiday season after a Verkami campaign and already resonating strongly in live shows with soulful songs, his debut album Elijah marks a pivotal moment in his artistic journey.
In this recent interview with cultural journalist Neus Flores, the silky-voiced Jan Nieto opens up about creativity, #resilience, and the evolving landscape of modern music.
1. Why did you become a singer in the first place?
Singing, for me, is a natural consequence of writing songs, and wanting to share them with the world.
I am starting to see myself as “a professional singer” now, and it’s an essential part of bringing my music to life. I became a singer the moment I felt the need to give a #voice to the songs I was writing.
2. What is the narrative thread in your new album Elijah?
#Love is the core theme of this album. It appears in different forms — sometimes from a deeply personal perspective, other times through fictional stories — but every track is connected to it, in some way or another.
3. Do you address it to a specific kind of audience?
Not really. I make the kind of music I’d want to listen to myself. So the album is for anyone who #resonates with it and enjoys it.
4. What do you think about music being streamed on platforms like Spotify?
Honestly, I think it’s problematic. Beyond the low revenue Spotify pays to musicians, or their investments in AI-related industries, or even the AI-generated bands they’re promoting simply to increase profit, the entire concept feels inhuman to me.
It’s incredible to have every song ever made in one place, but that convenience contributes to the devaluation of art.
The #relationship you build with a physical record can’t be compared to an album saved in a digital library, at all.
In the end, it’s a system that benefits neither the artist nor the listener: the artist is underpaid, and the listener becomes dependent on a monthly #subscription. If they don’t renew it, every song or album that shaped their life disappears until the next #payment. I find that quite sad.
5. Do you prefer recording in the studio or playing live on stage?
They’re two completely different experiences. I tend to prefer #recording, mostly because I don’t get to do it as often.
The studio feels like a fun #playground to me — a place where I can experiment and try to capture the sounds I imagine in my head. I love performing #live too, but if I had to pick just one, I’d say recording is my favourite of the two activities to do.
6. Any anecdotes you can share from the making of this Elijah record?
We recorded the album during the #Christmas season, so we actually worked on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, which was an #unusual experience to us.
The #vocals for the first track, Motor Boat, were recorded while I was lying on a sofa. We were looking for a specific vocal #tone, and that relaxed position happened to produce the character and style we wanted for the whole album.
7. Are you planning to tour internationally?
I’d love to. We’ve already played a few #gigs, and they went incredibly well!
I’m working hard to book more dates this season and keep sharing my songs with as many people as possible.
8. What would you say to young people about the resilience and commitment required to reach their goals?
I’m still young myself, but I believe no goal can be achieved unless you truly #believe in it.
Many artists wait for the “perfect moment” — no work obligations, no gigs, months of free time to write and record. And so, that moment never comes. If you want to make a record, start saving, start planning, and begin with the recording ASAP. The perfect conditions appear only once you’re already in #motion.
9. Any new projects on the horizon?
Yes! There’s an EP on the way, and I’m really excited about it. It includes new songs, new recording approaches, and feels like a natural #evolution from the first record.
10. How can people contact you for bookings?
They can email bookingjannieto@gmail.com
or reach out through my social media channels.
We want to thank Jan Nieto for his time with us. You can listen to Jan´s full album on youtube.
For further #cultural articles by Neus Flores please click here.
