Xhejn Kumrija known as JANEX is an Albanian musician who made her breakthrough after taking part at several music shows including Top Fest, Kënga Magjike, The Voice of Albania and FiK alongside her sister Enxhi. Now she lives in New York, where she continued her studies in Music and Audio Technology at New York University. JANEX is a singer-songwriter and producer of Pop / Synth Pop / Indie Electronic music.

Hello Xhejn, welcome back at the Festivali i Këngës for the fourth time, after taking part at 51st, 52nd and 53rd editions of the show together with your sister Enxhi  the best result you two achieved was 6th place at your second appearance at FiK with the song “Kur qielli qan”. Now you are back at the festival for the first time as a soloist what inspired you to return to the show and how does it feel to be back?

-Wow, ok that’s quite a trip down memory lane. My decision to participate this year, it was kind of random. It was a good opportunity to give it a try since I was already planning on spending the holidays here in Albania with my family.

What is your favourite memory of the previous participations at FiK?

– I just love performing with the orchestra, so that’s my favorite memory. ( I can’t wait to experience that again).

In March 2018, you were  awarded with the “Best Dance Electronica” at the Independent Music Awards in the US, how did that feel and what does that prize mean for you?

– It was my first American award, so it definitely felt like a step on the road to success.

Can you tell us more about “Deluzional” and creative process behind it?

-“Deluzional” (Delusional) is different than my past releases. It was originally written in English, and I had to rework the lyrics and the main theme to adapt it to the Albanian style of singing. In the past few years, I’ve developed more production skills, and I’ve been experimenting a lot with genres and sounds that I like or find interesting.

You have been living and working in the USA for a while now. Will that experience help you bring something completely new to the stage of FiK? Can you share some plans for the performance?

-My experience in the USA has influenced my sound, as well as my style. There may be some surprises on the stage, although I’m not very much into theatrics or pyrotechnics.

You describe yourself at YouTube as a bedroom music producer, aspiring audio engineer and queer artist. What does it mean to you to represent queer community in the music scene especially in Albania and at the stage of FiK?

– My intention is to represent myself, and hopefully, a modern Albania. However, I would be honored if people such as the queer community felt represented by me.

Which artist competing at FiK 60 you see as your biggest competitor/s? And whose song are you most excited to hear?

– I’m looking forward to hearing all of the songs in the live orchestra/band setting. I think all of this is just very exciting and fun. I also can’t wait to see what Ronela and her dance team will be presenting on stage. But overall, there are many great songs competing, and I don’t feel the competition yet, (maybe I will on stage), but we’re all different and unique in our own style.

If you become the next Albanian representative at the Eurovision Song Contest, what would it mean to you?
-I would be simply shocked, because this would be such a departure from what Albania has traditionally sent to ESC, and it would also be very emotional for me.

Have you watched Eurovision in the past and do you have a favorite song of the contest?

-Yes, I love watching Eurovision.  I really liked the 2019 winning song Arcade, and also loved his interval act during the 2021 Eurovision.

What do you do when you are not creating music and singing?
-College keeps me quite busy (which again, it’s all about music), then working part time and you know, spending time with my, family, friends, and my two pets.

What are your plans after Festivali i këngës 60? Do you plan to release an album?
-I have more than enough songs for an album, but I want my first album to be perfect, so that’s a big expensive project. Hopefully soon. Meanwhile, I will continue to release singles, finish school, and focus on my career as a professional in both music and film.

Thank you so much for your time Xhejn. We wish you the best of luck at Festivali ikëngës.

-Thank you so much for having me. It was a pleasure!

Do you want to share something else or you maybe have a message for followers of escbubble?

-Hope you enjoy FIK 60. Everyone is working really hard to make this a memorable edition, so be kind. Thank you for following and supporting us.

You can listen to “Deluzional” below

Don’t forget to vote for your favourite at Festivali i këngës 60!