Neyom's View - An Interview With Jana Mashonee

With her new album, New Moon Born, poised to burst onto the mainstream music scene, it’s no wonder Jana Mashonee is all smiles these days. The album represents a significant departure from her previous endeavors, taking on a decidedly more upbeat rhythm and blues flavor. “The album is about rebirth and new beginnings; it reflects a phase in my life that has taken on a different shape and direction from anything I’ve done before,” she says. “This music conveys my personal truths and beliefs.” In addition to providing all the vocals and piano, Jana wrote and co-produced the album. Since the 2006 release of her GRAMMY-nominated concept album, American Indian Story, the Lumbee Indian singer-songwriter has not had a moment’s rest. Amidst her demanding touring schedule which has taken her to 48 states as well as Europe and Canada, she found time in 2007 to shoot a video for American Indian Story’s first single, “The Enlightened Time.” Met with critical acclaim and enthusiastic fan response, the video has won numerous film festival awards, as well as a NAMMY for Best Short Form Music Video, Jana’s seventh Native American Music Award. Despite her fast-paced career, Jana has still found time to give back by establishing her non-profit organization, Jana’s Kids, in 2002. Through the foundation, she helps Native American youth achieve their dreams. Starting in 2007, Jana’s Kids began awarding the David L. Boyle Family Scholarship to Native students. “I hope to raise more money so that I can fund a full two to four years of schooling for each person receiving a scholarship. That’s my current goal.” 7 TIME NATIVE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARD WINNER – FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR – SINGLE OF THE YEAR – 2X BEST POP RECORDING OF THE YEAR – RECORD OF THE YEAR – BEST PRODUCER FOR PRODUCTION OF AMERICAN INDIAN CHRISTMAS, AND BEST MUSIC VIDEO. STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN SINGLE REACHED THE #6 POSITION IN BILLBOARD MAGAZINE’S MAXI-SINGLE SALES CHART.