Jann Klose is an award-winning pop singer-songwriter, who has released six albums and two EPs. Jann was raised in Kenya, South Africa, Germany, and the United States and now resides in New York City. His music has been streamed over 1,000,000 times online and his new album IN TANDEM feat. collaborations with with Annie Haslam (Renaissance), Karen Zoid, RJ Benjamin, Tamara Dey, Ziyon (Liquideep), Peter Gabriel, Tlale Makhene, James Stewart (The Usual), Larry Beckett (Tim Buckley) is now available via Gallo Record Company / Sheer Sound. Jann is an ambassador for Desmond Tutu’s Tutudesk campaign.
Jann’s most recent solo album, MOSAIC featuring ‘Make It Better’ entered the Roots Rock charts at #22 and won three 2014 Independent Music Awards. The single ‘Make It Better’ is featured on the Billboard Top 10 charting compilation album ‘Action Moves People United.’ The record also made the first round of the 2014 Grammys® in the categories Pop Vocal Album and Album Of The Yea His voice is featured in the movie 'Greetings From Tim Buckley' (Universal) as the voice of Tim Buckley starring Penn Badgley and Imogen Poots. His songs have been heard on the Grammy® nominated 'Healthy Food For Thought' compilation as well as MTV Cribs and movies 'Dead Broke' (Warner Bros) featuring Paul Sorvino and 'A Venue For The End Of The World' (BrinkVision) featuring Dick Cavett and Ian Anderson. Most recently Jann scored the music for the award-winning short ‘The Beauty of Disaster.’ He has performed as an actor and singer in touring companies of Broadway musicals, including 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' 'Jekyll & Hyde,' and 'The Who's Tommy.' In 2005, the off-Broadway production 'Moonlight Interior,' a musical based on Klose's music, premiered in New York City.
Jann Klose has periodically collaborated with members of classical rock group Renaissance and tours regularly in the U.S., Europe, Africa and Asia. He has worked with a wide range of artists including Pat Benatar, John Oates of Hall and Oates, Suzanne Vega, Paula Cole, Annie Haslam, Ann & Liz Callaway, Gary Lucas, Brett Dennen, Rusted Root, Vonda Shepard, Ben Taylor, RJ Benjamin, Karen Zoid, Tamara Day, Ziyon (Liquideep), Shekhinah, Amanda Black, Jeffrey Gaines, Bret Michaels, Rosanne Cash, The Byrds' Roger McGuinn, Marty Stuart, The Yardbirds' Jim McCarty, Pete Seeger and Les Paul.
Above: from left: Amanda Black, Jann Klose, Siphokazi Jonas, Colin Sher / Music Exchange Cape Town
Above: Jann Klose, Annie Haslam / soundcheck snapshotAbove: Jann Klose, Jim McCarty
Above: from left: Jann Klose, Alexander Markov, Willie Nile, Danny Burstein
Above: Jann Klose, Jim McCarty (Photo: Steve Triolo)
Above: Jann Klose with John Oates (Hall & Oates) at Evanston SPACE
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
PopImpressKA Journal: What is the best memory from your childhood growing up in Kenya, South Africa?
Jann Klose: Probably the music and African culture… Traveling and seeing large parts of Eastern and Southern Africa before I was 10 years old. I feel very lucky to have experienced this.
PJ: From all the artists that you have worked with in the past which one inspired you and make a difference in your life the most?
JK: There are many but I would say John Oates (of Hall & Oates) for his beautiful musicianship, Jim McCarty (The Yardbirds) for his kindness and mad drumming skills and Annie Haslam (Renaissance) for her friendship and supportive nature, not to mention that legendary voice! She sounds great on our duet “Don’t Give Up” (written by Peter Gabriel) and we are planing to record some more together soon.
PJ: How has Broadway performances influenced your career and changed your life?
JK: Work ethic… That first tour I did (Jekyll & Hyde) was gruesome! Learned a lot about what life on the road is all about.
PJ: What is your next project / performance you are working on?
JK: We are about to release a music video for my new single “Love High” and then I’ll be on tour in South Africa this November!
PJ: Who do you think are the best influencers in music and performance world today?
JK: You and me!
PJ: What is happiness to you?
JK: Silence :)
PJ: What does success means to you?
JK: Living your dream! Having a life partner… Not giving up!
PJ: What would be your advice for other young artists in the industry how they could become successful?
JK: Perseverance… It’s the one thing that has gotten me this far. I don’t believe in giving up.
PJ: What stage would you like to perform at and you have not done it yet?
JK: It’s not so much a particular stage but different parts of the planet that I’d like to see. Like Russia, Japan, China, Indonesia… Singapore! That being said, I’d love to sing at Wembley Arena. :)
PJ: What artist you would like to do a duet with?
JK: Daft Punk!
PJ: Your favorite time of the year, your favorite book, cuisine, time spending?
JK: Autumn, 1984, Asian, Running
PJ: What are your three wishes?
JK: To keep healthy, working and experiencing joy!++
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