Meet Jane October: One of the Midwest’s Most Exciting New Voices

Nov 24

Making Her Own World

“Delulu at Its Finest”: Jane October on the Energy That Keeps Her Going

Minnesota’s Jane October has been building her world in plain sight for years, but it’s only now that the full picture is coming into focus. Since first releasing music in 2017, she’s carved out a distinctive lane shaped by the duality of her craft: a producer’s technical precision paired with an artist’s instinct for mood, melody, and emotional weight. What began as beatmaking in her home studio has evolved into a fully formed project — one defined by soft, intimate vocals laid over the kind of heavy, tactile low-end that makes her songs feel both hypnotic and atmospheric.

Across a steady run of singles, Jane has refined that balance, leaning into minimalism without ever sounding small. Her sound continues to open up — grittier guitars, real drum textures, a growing sense of urgency — all pointing to an artist actively stretching her own boundaries. She’s in the middle of a real-time evolution, the kind that doesn’t rely on hype cycles or viral tricks, but on the slow accumulation of craft, consistency, and a willingness to take risks.

In recent months, that growth has been especially visible. Her latest releases have pushed her into a sharper, more adventurous space, and her presence online has become more intentional as she works to connect with the audience she knows her music speaks to. We’ve been especially obsessed with her single “Pieces,” a track that captures her gift for emotional clarity inside a minimalist, immersive world. There’s a sense of momentum around her — not explosive or manufactured, but earned — a feeling that she’s entering a new chapter with a clearer voice and a deeper sense of purpose.

As she continues to refine her sound and vision, Jane October steps into our Nice To Meet You series as one of the more intriguing independent artists quietly rising out of the Midwest: someone who has built everything from the ground up, and who now seems poised for her most compelling work yet.

Thanks for doing this. Going back to the very start, what was the process that led you to writing your first song?

I feel like I stumbled into being an artist without the intention at first. I truly wanted to just be a producer. I quickly realized when I was first starting out that it was difficult to get an artist to hit my beats all the time, so I started doing it myself.

Do you remember the first time you shared your music online — and what that moment meant to you?

Yes! I was releasing just beats on SoundCloud for the first 6 months or so before I was releasing songs. It was always exciting putting up new music, but on the flip side, it was tough not getting recognition right away. I was always so impatient and had convinced myself I’d be a complete success story within 1 year. I was so entitled back then, and looking back it’s laughable — but also, that’s the energy that kept me going for this long. “Delulu” at its finest!

Was there a specific artist or moment that made you realize you wanted to make music?

My partner, engineer, and producer Natural. He taught me the ins and outs of how to make music. He saw potential in me when I didn’t. I wouldn’t have started doing this without him!

What’s an album or song that still reminds you why you do this?

Every time I release something new it reminds me of why I do this. I’m constantly evolving and growing, and I couldn’t be more stoked to see this evolution of sound unfold after all these years. It never gets old.

What’s a sound, sample, or texture you’re currently obsessed with?

Right now I’m obsessed with anything grunge. I like the crunchy guitars, real drum kits, blending with my sound. I’ve been having a lot of fun experimenting!

What inspires your approach to writing lyrics?

I get inspired by books, movies, and real life. Some songs are personal whereas others can be about someone or something else entirely. I like the idea that I can create characters and worlds with writing as well as my producing.

What is something you're proud of?

I’m proud of my grit, resilience, and drive. I’m proud of all the work I’ve put out thus far because it’s gotten me here.

What’s a recent performance, film, or book that left a mark on you?

Film: My Old Ass.

I just turned 30 and actually watched this the night before my birthday. By the end of the movie it has you realizing that everything in life happens for a reason — the good, the bad, the ugly. Enjoy every era of life because at some point that era will end, and you’re not going to want to live with the “what-ifs,” the “should’ves,” or the “would’ves.” Find something to be grateful about today.

What’s your greatest challenge right now — and how are you working through it?

My greatest challenge right now is finding “my audience.” Gaining a further reach with more listeners. I’m pushing content on social media, running ads on new musical drops, and trial-and-erroring as I go along.

What's one piece of advice you’d give to artists just starting out?

Have patience — sometimes the timing in your mind isn’t always life’s timing. If this is your passion and you love doing it every time you do it, never quit.

What’s the biggest goal you have for your music at this moment?

I have 3 big ones…