Interview with Rock's Power Couple Janet Gardner (former Vixen) and Justin James

June 08, 2020

Interview with Rock's Power Couple Janet Gardner (former Vixen) and Justin James

By Mick Michaels

COSMICK VIEW: Hello Janet and Justin! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.

CV: Husband and wife duos have always been a popular attraction, especially in the music world...Captain and Tennille, Ashford and Simpson, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo and Sonny and Cher. What do you find most rewarding about working with your spouse especially in such a volatile industry?
Justin James: For me it’s getting to create something special together and watching it grow from the early stages of a riff, or a vocal melody.

Janet Gardner: It’s great for multi tasking. We can both be doing other things and working on a song at the same time. Plus, we are very comfortable together so everything comes together very naturally. Justin has a great sense of humor so if we start to get stressed, he lightens things up.

CV: What kinds of challenges does a Rock n Roll husband and wife duo face in order to keep the music coming and the relationship alive and well? Is it a tough balancing act?
Justin: I don’t think so. For some it might, but for us I think it keeps us alive. We just have so much fun doing this together that it never seems like work. The best part is once a song or an album is finished we get to share in the moment together.

Janet: It’s one of our favorite things to do together. so it actually helps us stay close.

CV: Does having a strong and dynamic female presence fronting a band create more of a marketable edge over that of other bands in your opinion? Are the rules different?Janet: It has advantages and disadvantages. There is a fine line that is hard to walk between your artistry and image/marketability. I still think it’s more difficult to be taken seriously as a female Rock artist.

CV: How and where do you find inspiration? Is it about taking advantage of any given moment and running with it to see where it goes? Can it be that spontaneous?
Justin: Most of the time for me it’s any given moment. I’ll pick up a guitar and start playing and if something interesting comes out then I run with it.

Since Janet writes most of the lyrics, she will have a subject matter from time to time that she wants to write about.

Janet: I’m not one to sit down and noodle around. I usually have something in my head so I have to get it out before the inspiration goes away. Sometimes, it’s not at a convenient time so I’ll just hum something into my phone and sit down later and lay something down quickly on a guitar or keyboard.

CV: For you, what makes good songwriting? Is it a matter of chance, hinging on luck... maybe even some kind of set scientific formula? Or, as an artist, do you consider it more as a culmination of your talent, time in and artistic passion that actually trumps any amount of chance or formulas regardless of style or genre?
Justin: I think good song writing comes down to writing something that you believe in first and foremost. Something that represents who you are and what you’re about. Artistic passion is the most important part for me.

Janet: I think a good song is one that moves people in some way, so that is always the goal...to make some sort of emotional connection. Happy, sad, angry…whatever.

CV: Today "Hair Metal" has become a catch all phrase for all Metal music of the mid to late 80's. Many artists and fans of the time have a love hate relationship with the umbrella term, some are very resentful of the notation. How do you feel about the term? Does it detract from the artist and the music's integrity or is it something that should be embraced?
Janet: There are so many genres and sub genres in music that there’s no point in resenting what label has been placed on you. We’re fortunate to have fans. You can always do the music that’s in your heart regardless.

CV: Do you feel there is a need for Rock music today to recapture some of its former 80s glory?
Janet: Hmm...those were great times and I have some amazing memories from that time. There will always be some of us still making the kind of music that we love.

Justin: The 80’s was all about having fun and letting go of the daily drama. I think the world needs that escape again.

CV: Everyone has their definition of what success is and what it actually means to them. How would you define success? Is real success found in the small things in life and not necessarily in what the world generally views as such? What are your thoughts?
Janet: To me, success is having a balanced happy life. It’s not about fame and fortune because that is so fleeting. Up one day and down the next. If you’re basing yourself worth and happiness on those things, you will be spending much of your life unhappy. Family, friends and true fans are where it’s at!

Justin: Success for me is being able to start something and see it through to the end. Once you do the best you can and give it your all, then you’ve accomplished what you set out for and that it’s succeeding at something.

CV: Everyone is looking for a little inspiration at the moment. Any words of encouragement and hope you would like to relay to your fans amidst the world's current COVID-19 crisis?
Janet: Things are starting to open up and everyone is beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. There seems to be a general sigh of relief. Hopefully, everyone can start the rebuilding process. These kinds of crisis bring out the best and the worst in people. It’s been amazing to see so many people trying to help each other through this difficult time!

Justin: Just like Janet said, these times can bring out the worst and the best in people. We are getting through this and getting closer to the finish line each day. It’s very uplifting to see people come together and help one another through these tough times. We are all in this together.

CV: What's next for you? What can fans expect to see once we've all gotten past the pandemic?
Janet: We can’t wait to get out and play some shows! I think we will all have a new appreciation for the magic that happens with live music!

Justin: Like Janet said…the shows! We were lucky enough to make it back from our Australia tour and now we can’t wait to get back out there and promote our new CD, Synergy.

CV: Thank you again Janet and Justin for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. I wish you all the best and continued success.
Justin: Thank you for your thoughtful questions Mick, it’s been a pleasure!

Check out Janet and Justin at:
Official: https://www.janetgardnermusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanetGardnerofficial/

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.