Jana Diab: "Music doesn’t define me, but it adds layers to my identity."

Jana Diab’s debut EP, Season One, dives deep into the raw, unfiltered corners of her personal life—touching on themes like self-doubt, the search for clarity, and the turbulence of a complicated relationship.

In just over 20 minutes, the 23-year-old artist creates vulnerable narratives that feel both intimate and healing. Following the success of the initial four-track EP in September, Jana released the extended version on November 8 with four additional tracks that continue this journey, delving into her ongoing struggle with self-acceptance. The storytelling remains rhythmic yet unflinchingly honest, driven by a central theme: the fight for self-love.

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The tracks feel intimate like voice memos, each one a piece of her life laid bare. This raw vulnerability is evident from the opener, “Escape Plan,” layered with a driving beat and synthesizers oscillating between moments of doubt, resilience, and a yearning for connection. The introspection continues with the second track, “So Stupid,” a standout that begs to be played at full volume on a late-night drive. It’s packed with tension, self-doubt, and unresolved conflict, captured perfectly in the line: “A guilty feeling, I’m sick. Did I cause this?” sings Jana.

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Another EP highlight is “I’ll Just Say It,” capturing the inner turmoil of someone wrestling with self-worth and inner peace. With a blend of electronic and acoustic percussion, the track draws influences from indie pop and '90s alternative rock, creating a sound that mirrors the emotional highs and lows within.

Later on in the EP, “Honey” starts with an acoustic guitar and dreamy melodies, offering a raw, candid look at a relationship in freefall. What begins with love soon shifts to a faster tempo and heavy beats, delving into themes of betrayal and selfishness. The song’s atmosphere shifts between anger, cynicism, and a lingering desire for what once felt like genuine love.

In a crowded space of emerging talents, Jana’s vulnerability is her superpower.

The EP stands out because it resonates beyond her personal experiences, speaking to anyone in their early twenties navigating self-discovery. “Creating this EP helped me embark on a journey toward accepting myself, and I hope it inspires others to feel that same freedom,” says Diab.

The authenticity of the project shines through in the creative process itself. Jana’s boyfriend, Orlando Giannini, contributed to the writing, including the melodic chorus for “So Stupid.” But what makes this EP truly personal is its minimal roster of contributors. Aside from Giannini’s input, every track was created solely by Diab and producer-songwriter Couros Sheibani, delivering an unfiltered journey straight from the heart and mind to the listeners.

‍“We wanted listeners to feel like they were inside Jana’s head, so we incorporated chaotic electronic elements to mirror that mental landscape,” Sheibani explains on the inspiration behind “I’ll Just Say It.”

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Jana’s musical influences range from Anderson .Paak and Gregory Alan Isakov, to Novo Amor, and Missy Elliott. Her ultimate dream is to perform at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. “I never want to seem above anyone,” she shares. “I want the crowd to feel like they’re part of the experience.” Born in Cairo and raised in London, Diab draws inspiration from the strong sense of community and generosity she witnessed growing up in Egypt. “I want to mirror that spirit in my music, creating a safe, welcoming space for listeners—just as the community has done for me.”

Interestingly, Jana hasn’t always been this open or comfortable sharing her vulnerabilities. “Music doesn’t define me, but adds layers to my identity without shaping it entirely, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful. It doesn’t change who I am but gives my identity purpose, helping me express things I might not otherwise say.”

As she perfectly describes in “Escape Plan,” “The trouble with healing is that it takes time.” Much like a season, this EP marks a period of transition for Diab, which is currently in Season One.

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