We Speak Actors
Naomi Jane Talks New Song, Film and Television Appearances, and More
Rising Teen Pop phenomenon Naomi Jane, renowned for her captivating vocals and heartfelt lyrics, continues to captivate audiences with her relatable themes and emotional resonance. With a growing fan base and a passion for empowering others through her music, Naomi Jane continues to make waves in the music industry. Poised to ignite the industry in 2024 with a cascade of new releases, her latest singles have already amassed more than half a million streams. Naomi Jane has over tens of thousands of dedicated TikTok followers, and her song, “Little Miss,” won the 2023 International Songwriting Competition, teen category.
From New York to California, Naomi Jane has graced off-Broadway, regional theaters, and iconic music venues. Committed to philanthropy, she made her Broadway benefit directorial debut with a concert against gun violence. Recently performing as Kathy in the musical, “Singing in the Rain,” Naomi gained international attention for her gender-bending portrayal of Jack Kelly in “Newsies.” Her versatility extends to television and film, including appearances on PBS Kids and “Assisted Living.” Known as the “piano poet,” she masterfully incorporates powerful lyrics into her music, showcasing virtuosity across multiple instruments. Critics commend her vocal range, likening her to luminaries such as Sarah McLachlan, Alanis Morissette, and Joni Mitchell.
With her single, “Little Miss,” out now, we took some time to hear more from Naomi Jane. Read below to learn more about Naomi Jane, the story behind her single, and what’s to come.
Hi Naomi Jane! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
My artist name is my birth name minus my last name. I am named after my great grandmothers – Naomi on my mom’s side and Jane on my dad’s. I dropped the “Voigt” and that caused mixed reactions, mostly positive and some negative, but hey, ‘Naomi Jane’ is simpler and it suits me.
What city are you from and where are you based now?
I was born in New York City, and I have moved back and forth from coast to coast like five times – right now, I live in Santa Barbara, California, just north of Los Angeles.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
I was lucky enough to be born knowing exactly what I wanted to do. I always wanted to be singing. I started singing and performing when I was very little. For my fourth birthday party, we had a kid’s rock band play, and of course, I stole the mic. The group was ‘Monkey Monkey Music,’ and after the party, they invited me to be in their music videos filmed for PBS television. The rest is history. From there, I went on to do musical theater, television, and film.
Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?
My upbringing has really played a role in shaping who I am and defining my sound today. I am a classically trained singer from the age of seven. My voice teacher is from Juilliard. I have grown up loving and going to Broadway shows and the opera. My aunt, Deborah Voigt, is an opera star. I also have a huge part of my family that is in and from Oklahoma. So, I am country influenced as well. Oklahoma has a rich Country music history – Zach Bryan my favorite. So, I think all of these influences add to my unique sound.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
My sound is vast – I think. I have a strong and dramatic voice. I am told that I have a unique tone. I go from timbre to whistle, and my voice covers three octaves.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
Music and writing are certainly my main focuses, but I have recently gotten into sketching. I am surprised that I am pretty good at it, and it uses my creativity in a different way while it also relaxes me. I also enjoy playing softball, working out, running, and being at the beach. I try to keep a pretty normal high school life because that is what fuels my creativity.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
Many different genres influence my music as well as different individuals. Adele, the way she uses her dynamics and her phrasing to get an emotion across to her audience is an inspiration to me. As I’ve grown older and have been exposed more to the music industry, I also found my love for storytellers such as Joni Mitchell and Zach Bryan. It takes a good songwriter to create a setting; however, it takes a great one to put the listeners into that setting. That’s what they do. They’re both a masterclass in songwriting and storytelling. They encourage me to explore outside of my comfort zone and create stories through songs with the most specific (and maybe even dumb) details. Comparing my music now to when I was younger, I can see a growth in the craftsmanship of the setting/story. Lastly, I want to mention an artist who inspires me to be my genuine, unique self, Renee Rapp. That girl doesn’t give a you know what about anybody’s judgement or negative opinions towards her art. She thrives on her originality, which many artists do not do. She is a leader, not a follower, which is exactly the kind of artist I aspire to be.
What are some of your future music career goals?
My future music goals are to continue to write, record, and eventually tour. I am recording five additional final tracks in the coming weeks. These songs will be on my EP coming out in early September 2024. My first! Super hyped about that. I am also shooting five music videos this summer. I am in the process of planning live events and ultimately look forward to being able to tour.
Now onto your release, ‘Little Miss.’ What inspired this song?
I used to live in a posh town on the East Coast. It was, let’s say, a competitive place. Both kids and adults put each other down to make themselves feel imperious or overall better. Through their common share of jealousy and greed, other people’s success was a threat to their own ego. I especially struggled with that. I had several guy friends – I always related to the boys easier than the girls. So, at one point, two guys had crushes on me, and even though it was completely out of my control that they liked me, some girls painted me as this ‘man-stealing’ villain. They called me derogatory terms to basically shame me for just existing. Thus…’Little Miss,’ and at the time, it really hurt me – this song is about overcoming that.
What is ‘Little Miss’ about in your own words?
‘Little Miss’ is about reclaiming your self-worth. It’s about self-acceptance and empowerment. I want to inspire fans to take control of their own stories and assert their worth. Don’t accept the stories that others tell about you! ‘Little Miss’ is the second song in my ‘Letterman Trilogy.’
See, in each of my music videos, I use a vintage letterman’s jacket as symbolism of a boy, any boy really.
In ‘Pretty Boys,’ the first of the series, the girl is the victim. She losses the boy that she thought he was – it’s about coming to terms and raging about a love that wasn’t real. From being a victim in that song, we move on to ‘Little Miss’ – in this song, she steals the boy, she gets the jacket, she asserts and claims her self-worth. The final song in the trilogy is ‘Grown Ups’ – you get to see how the story ends. ‘Grown Ups’ releases on July 5th.
What is your favorite lyric in ‘Little Miss’ and why?
Say it to my face, say it to my face
Cause I ain’t gonna change,
I ain’t gonna change
Cause I’m happy to be
Little miss steal you man
Little miss
These are my favorite lyrics because this is when ‘Little Miss’ self-accepts and asserts herself against the catty stereotypes.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from ‘Little Miss?’
You know what I really hope, I hope girls take away that we should be building each other up and not tearing each other down. But, I also get that that’s likely unrealistic. I hope fans can relate to ‘Little Miss,’ and I hope that they feel validated. I hope ‘Little Miss’ encourages young women to assert themselves and not give into peer pressure.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
One of my proudest moments so far is ‘Little Miss’ winning the International Songwriting Competition in the teen category. It was selected out of 14,000 entrants from 120 countries. It truly validated that I was on the right path and that what I was making was good.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
The greatest lesson that I have learned so far is to surround yourself with great people. Work with positive people that have the same values and share your vision. I am super specific about everything that I do, and I am young, so I make sure that I only work with people who will hear me and do not try to change me.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
With the release of the single, ‘Grown Ups’ (July 5, 2024) followed by its video (July 12, 2024), I conclude my ‘Letterman Trilogy,’ bringing the compelling narrative of youthful love and self-discovery to a close. But, the journey doesn’t end here – fans can look forward to an exciting new chapter with my upcoming EP, set to debut in early September 2024. This new storyline promises a captivating adventure filled with fresh themes and unforgettable melodies! Stay tuned for what’s next as I promise to enchant and inspire with more storytelling and musical prowess.
Where can we follow you on social media?
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@naomijaneofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naomijane_official/
Website: https://naomivoigt.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NaomiJaneOfficial/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@naomijane_official/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NaomiJaneOffic
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/24e3hF9IcHsGYNWMqwjIZv
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
In an industry where the blank page can be the most daunting hurdle for aspiring screenwriters, Leonid Andronov offers a much-needed lifeline with his book ‘First Draft Survival Guide’. Drawing from his own experiences of struggle and self-doubt, Andronov provides writers with a roadmap to navigate the messiness of the first draft—offering practical advice, humor, and much-needed encouragement. In this interview, we dive into the inspiration behind the book, explore some of the challenges new writers face, and discuss how ‘First Draft Survival Guide’ stands apart from other screenwriting resources. Whether you’re a seasoned screenwriter or just starting out, Andronov’s candid insights are sure to inspire and motivate you through the tough stages of your creative journey.
What inspired you to write First Draft Survival Guide? Was there a specific moment when you realized this book needed to exist?
At the time, I was deep into the second part of a psychological thriller novel, and I’d been stuck for two years. Exhausted. Frustrated. On top of that, two of my scripts were under consideration, and with the holiday season approaching, I knew I wouldn’t hear back for at least a month. Waiting drives me crazy—I’m terrible at it. I needed something to keep me sane.
During one of my masterclasses, we discussed the idea of a workshop about writing a first draft. To distract myself, I started organizing my thoughts on the topic, just to stay busy. And then, almost out of nowhere, this book happened.
I wouldn’t say I had a grand realization that the book was “needed.” It was more like a sudden creative explosion. I worked like a madman—15 to 16 hours a day—and by New Year’s Eve, the first draft was done.
What’s the biggest challenge writers face when starting their first draft, and how does your book help them overcome it?
Starting is easy. You’re full of energy, inspired by your idea, and eager to dive in. The real challenge comes when you hit the middle. That’s where enthusiasm fades, self-doubt creeps in, and suddenly, the finish line feels impossibly far away.
By the second act, most writers feel stuck—unsure of how to move forward, overwhelmed by everything that still needs to come together. Even if they have a rough ending in mind, actually getting there is another story.
That’s where my book comes in. It doesn’t promise to teach you how to write a brilliant script—that’s up to your talent. But it does guide you through each stage of the process, highlighting common pitfalls and giving you tools to stay organized, focused, and motivated.
My goal is simple: to help writers survive the hardest part of screenwriting—getting through that first draft—and come out the other side with something they can build on.
You’ve mentioned laughing at your own mistakes in the book. Can you share one of the funniest or most memorable lessons you learned as a screenwriter?
Oh, I’ve got a good one.
I once made the rookie mistake of showing an unfinished script to a producer friend—just days after confidently telling a masterclass, “Never show your first draft to anyone in the industry!” I even stressed that early drafts are for you and your beta readers only.
And what did I do? I did something even dumber—I showed him a half-finished script. I was stuck, I needed feedback, and since we were good friends, I felt safe.
The moment I started reading it out loud, I felt like I was falling into an abyss. He just sat there with a poker face, and the deeper I went, the more I wanted the earth to swallow me whole. Funny enough, days earlier, we had been discussing me directing the project.
Let’s just say… nobody talks about that project anymore. Not even me. Don’t ask—I might start crying.
Your book isn’t just about writing—it’s about what comes next. Why did you feel it was important to include that “what next” section?
Many new writers think, “Okay, I’ve just written a fantastic screenplay. Where should I send it?” But the harsh truth is, nobody is sitting around waiting for your script.
The numbers say it all—back in 2020, the WGA registered over 50,000 works, yet only 25 spec scripts were purchased. Do the math.
Does that mean you should give up? Absolutely not. But it does mean you need to understand the industry. Many writers today are shifting into producing because it’s one of the best ways to bring their scripts to life. Others stick to the traditional path, but even that requires more than just a great script—you need a full package: a logline, a synopsis, sometimes a treatment, and a pitch deck.
When I was starting out, nobody explained why I needed these materials or how to use them. That’s why I included this section in the book—to demystify the process and show writers how to navigate the business side of screenwriting.
What makes First Draft Survival Guide different from other screenwriting books?
I didn’t want to write another theory-heavy textbook. Most of the screenwriting books I read early on focused on how to write a great script, using examples from Hollywood blockbusters. That’s great—but let’s be real.
When you’re starting out, are you writing the next Inception? Or are you aiming for something achievable, like an indie film?
A great script is the result of multiple rewrites. But nobody really talks about the first draft—the messy, flawed, crucial first step. My goal was to write a book that feels like a conversation with a friend—someone who’s been there, who understands how daunting the first draft can be, and who’s here to help.
And maybe I’m the only one saying this, but: Writing should be fun.
Apparently, I’m not alone in that belief—when First Draft Survival Guide became the #1 Hot New Release and later the #1 Bestseller in the Play & Scriptwriting category on Amazon, it was clear that this kind of book was exactly what writers were looking for.
If you could sum up your approach to screenwriting in three words, what would they be?
If you’re asking about how I write:
System. Research. Writing.
I’m very structured. I spend a lot of time researching and organizing my thoughts before I even start writing. And then, when I do write, I go all in. If I’m not feeling it, I wait. But when the moment comes, I work fast—sometimes finishing a draft in just two or three days.
If you’re asking about what I write:
Underdog. Drama. Visuals.
I love underdog stories. I started as a dramatist, and that love of drama has never left me. And my writing is highly visual—people often say reading my scripts feels like watching a movie. To me, that’s the highest compliment.
What do you think is the most misunderstood part of screenwriting?
For people outside the industry, screenwriting is practically invisible—and, frankly, they don’t care. The most frustrating misconception? The idea that “anybody can write.”
Some people assume that being smart or successful in another field means they can whip out a screenplay if they feel like it. Well, they’ve clearly never tried.
There’s also this ridiculous notion in filmmaking circles that, when it comes to financing, a script is only worth the price of the paper it’s printed on. It’s absurd. Without a script, there’s no movie. Maybe that’s why we end up with so many garbage films.
Many writers struggle with procrastination and self-doubt. How does your book address these hurdles?
When you’re stuck, it’s easy to spiral into self-doubt. Writers are naturally self-critical, and that can be paralyzing. I’ve been there—I know how miserable it can feel.
In my book, I focus on tools to help writers relax, rekindle their inspiration, and even prevent those blocks from happening in the first place. One of the most interesting ideas I explore is the inner child—understanding how to communicate with it and why it’s crucial for creative work.
For writers unfamiliar with this concept, it can be a real game-changer.
What do you hope readers take away from First Draft Survival Guide—not just as writers, but as creatives?
Any creative process is still a process. It’s not easy, and sometimes it feels like torture.
My hope is that this book gives writers the tools and perspective to push through the hard parts—but also to find joy in the journey.
Fetured photo credit: Jose D. Rodriguez
-
We Speak Music1 week agoRising Star in Southern Soul, Tiffany Terry aka Star Redd, Delivers a Soul-Stirring Cover of Shirley Brown’s Iconic Hit “Woman to Woman”
-
We Speak Indie Artist1 week agoQuinn Lemley’s Highly Anticipated New EP “Swinging Hot Tomato” Now Available Worldwide
-
We Speak Hip-Hop6 days agoDC Wordsmith Dumi Right Delivers New Maxi Single “Tell Em” & “Inside, Outside”
-
We Speak Hip-Hop1 week agoAWOL Da Mindwriter is “Disconnected” in new single