Jane Doe is shaking up the rock scene with their latest music video, Atlas—a visually striking, hard-hitting anthem wrapped in absurdist comedy. Frontwoman Izzy Kay and her bandmates tackle themes of arrogance and self-importance, all while delivering searing vocals, blazing guitars, and a punch of classic rock energy. From oversized cupcakes to towering beach balls, Atlas reimagines the weight of the world in a way only Jane Doe can.
In this exclusive interview, Izzy Kay shares the inspiration behind Atlas, how Jane Doe fuses old-school rock with their modern sound, and the challenges of being a woman in the industry. Plus, she gives us a glimpse into her creative process, pre-show rituals, and what’s next for the band.
Hello Izzy Kay, welcome to Blackbird News! Your new music video Atlas has such unique imagery and storytelling. Can you share the inspiration behind it?
We wanted to highlight the salty lyrics by giving the music video an absurdist comedy twist. Everyone knows that person who plays the victim and acts like they’re Atlas with the world on their shoulders, so this is our take on that theme. Instead of the world, it’s a cupcake or an enormous beachball. We’re also all about honoring those in the music and rock world who came before us. The suits let us dress the part, but with a Jane Doe flare.
As an artist, how do you approach blending classic rock influences with your own modern style?
We want to have a sound that feels familiar to people, yet still authentic to Jane Doe.
What do you hope listeners take away from your latest music?
Rock is not dead. It cannot be killed. It’s just in a bit of a lull right now, and if you like having fun and banging your head and laughing at salty lyrics – Jane Doe is for you. We’re an old school plug and play band that is looking to help keep one of the greatest genres of music alive and well.
How has your journey as a frontwoman in rock music shaped your perspective on the industry?
If you read Ann & Nancy Wilson’s “Kicking & Dreaming” autobiography, there is unfortunately not a lot of progress as far as female representation and how women are treated in the industry. I get straight up ignored sometimes as men greet the rest of the band at a gig, or a plethora of other eye-roll inducing scenarios. There have been maybe 10 women in rock to cross over to the mainstream, and it’s certainly not for a lack of trying. It’s about time that rock, a genre for people from all walks of life, has that reflected in the bands at the forefront of the genre.
Can you walk us through a day in your life when you’re in full creative mode?
Oh gosh. Well, if I have a busy work day for my day job – I’ll take notes on what I want to accomplish once the boring stuff has been finished. Then if it’s a full Jane Doe creative day – I edit our videos for social media and then the guys will come over for a writing session. We’ll suss out an idea or finish something we’ve already started. Charlie, our bassist, normally brings his equipment to do some demo recording and then we’ll eat dinner together and discuss or watch old music performances on YouTube.
What are some of your favorite pre-show rituals or routines that help you get into the zone?
I always try to have a solid vocal warm up before a show. Complete with plenty of water, maybe some electrolytes in the morning. I have these Grether’s Pastilles my mom got me because she saw an interview with Ariana Grande and she mentioned them – those are great. I always hand-write our setlist, which I feel like is a ritual for me.
Beyond music, what are some other passions or hobbies that inspire you?
I’m a screenwriter by day, and I have some really exciting things in the works that I can’t wait for people to see. I sew and do embroidery. I love movies and television and am an avid reader. Does being a dog owner count as a passion or hobby? If so, count me in!
What’s next for you and Jane Doe? Any exciting projects or upcoming releases fans should look forward to?
We have a mini tour coming up at the end of March. We’re super stoked to be playing in Eugene, Olympia, Portland and Seattle. We have another mini tour in the Southwest we’re planning to do in June. Tons of other shows and festivals in the works – so hopefully we’ll be coming to a city near you soon! We’re also working on some new music that we hope to share in the near future!
You can connect with Jane Doe through website www.janedoe.band, Instagram @officialjanedoe, X @janedoe_band, TikTok @janedoeandboogie, and Facebook @JaneDoeRocks
