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!
We Speak Actors
‘Sugar’ Actor Brian Gilleece Talks Colin Farrell, the Season 2 Finale and His Next Chapter
Brian Gilleece is continuing to make his mark across some of television’s most recognisable productions, most recently appearing in a recurring role as Iain in Season 2 of Apple TV’s acclaimed neo-noir drama ‘Sugar’ alongside Colin Farrell and Laura Donnelly. The actor and filmmaker has already built an impressive résumé spanning major networks and streaming platforms, with credits including HBO’s ‘Westworld’, CBS’ ‘Matlock’ opposite Kathy Bates, FX’s ‘Mayans M.C.’, Netflix’s ‘Hollywood’ and the feature film ‘Echo Base’.
Throughout his career, Gilleece has had the opportunity to work alongside an array of celebrated performers including Colin Farrell, Kathy Bates, Aaron Paul, Evan Rachel Wood, Dylan McDermott, Darren Criss and Jim Parsons, while also collaborating with leading filmmakers and creatives across film, television and advertising. Earlier in his career, he worked closely with director Derek Cianfrance while stunt and fitness doubling PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy for Nike’s award-winning ‘Enjoy the Chase’ campaign.
Following the recent Season 2 finale of ‘Sugar’, Gilleece reflects on watching Farrell work at close range, an unexpected connection between Farrell and Kathy Bates, the impact of the show’s original storytelling and what he learned from the experience. He also discusses his passion for hockey, an unscripted project he is currently developing, the type of television role he would love to take on next and the reality of returning to auditions after every major job.
Brian, can you tell us a little about your experience working on Season 2 of Apple TV’s ‘Sugar’?
It was incredible. Also, I’m certainly working my way through Ireland’s finest here, having worked with Rory McIlroy a few times on the commercial side of things and now Colin and Laura. It’s pretty surreal. Obviously, growing up watching these actors who are in some of my favorite films and TV shows, and then getting to watch them play up close is the best “acting class” anyone can have. I honestly am so grateful. There are fewer and fewer opportunities to work on original material that is specifically created for the screen first.
“And the fact that this series not only shot here in LA, but it’s a neo-noir and pays direct homage to the incredible films and filmmakers of that era, is really a dream gig.”
What did you take away from working with Colin Farrell, and do you have a fun story from the set?
My goal is to always leave each job having learned something new about the craft, and this certainly planted some seeds for me in terms of things I’d like to improve in my own performances. To see something like his transformation in ‘The Penguin’, and then to be on set with him embodying a character that is just as distinct and fully formed, is a privilege. I auditioned for the role on ‘Matlock’ opposite Kathy Bates in between episodes of ‘Sugar’. I got the call from my agent and manager while I was on set for ‘Sugar’, and Colin saw my face when I was on the phone and asked what had happened. So I said, “I’m going to do this ‘Matlock’ episode with Kathy,” and he just instantly said, “Oh, I love Kathy, that’s amazing. We worked on a movie together 20 years ago. She’s the best. Please tell her I said hello.” Which definitely helped with my nerves getting to meet her for the first time at the table read later that week. After the read for ‘Matlock’, I went over to Kathy for the first time and said, “I hear you worked with Colin Farrell. I’m actually shooting ‘Sugar’ this week as well.” Kathy instantly said, “Oh, I love Colin. I worked with him on a film 20 years ago! He’s such a sweetheart. Tell him I said hello.” So yeah, it felt pretty cool to be playing telephone for two of my acting heroes.
How did you feel about the finale of the series, and what has the audience response been like?
I just remember being there to shoot that final scene and trying to piece together what was going on and how it would get constructed. But of course, that final sequence in the mansion came out even cooler than it felt on the day to shoot. But that’s sort of par for the course with the show, and that’s sort of why Sam is Sam. He’s so good at what he does, elevating what’s on the page. Also, I have to say — without too much of a spoiler — Laura’s moment at the end there is just another lesson in great acting and not telegraphing anything about your next move. I have rewatched it a couple of times. I know the show as a whole has been very well received.
“I don’t know if folks are quite as shocked as last season’s ending, but I also think some of the themes in this season are exactly why we need more original storytelling.”
Which other projects are you currently working on?
As most people know, I’m a HUGE hockey fan. I still skate 3–4 times a week and absolutely love the game. Recently, there has been such growth in the popularity of the sport itself and also in seeing it on screen. Even having it be the sport that the main character in ‘Inside Out 2’ played was so fun for me to see, knowing how much the sport has grown — especially for women too. I’m developing an unscripted show set in that arena, which I am super excited about. I don’t want to give too much away, but it builds on a concept that a buddy and I explored during the pandemic and really amplifies it in a new way.
What’s a dream role you would love to play?
Honestly, that’s a really challenging question because you don’t know what you don’t know. There could be some fantastic writer out there right now sketching up a character that ends up being perfect for me that I would never have thought about. But if you’re asking in terms of what type of job, I’ve always said it: I think a regular on a network soap is one of the best jobs in Hollywood. Just the frequency — getting to play a character day in and day out, 3–4 days a week consistently? Sign me up! Also, I have a knack for absorbing a lot of material quickly, so frankly, it looks like a lot of fun. So ‘GH’, ‘Days’, ‘Y&R’, I’m here if ya need me. If we’re talking film, anything Tom Cruise is doing looks like a ball to be involved in, and I really loved ‘The Rip’ too. That high-octane storytelling that people like Joe Carnahan, Joseph Kosinski, Gina Prince-Bythewood and David Leitch are carrying the torch for are the kinds of stories that made me want to be an actor in the first place. I mean, who doesn’t watch ‘Con Air’ or ‘Speed’ when it just happens to be on in your hotel room?
What should audiences look out for from you next?
I’m back to auditioning, and as a working actor, that’s the gig. I remember seeing Kevin Bacon talk about that years ago, that after every job you’re now an “out-of-work actor.” It was really crystallizing to hear from someone like him, and a great reminder that getting the next gig is always going to be part of the career. It really helped with my mindset. And this is the part the audience doesn’t see, right? Getting in front of new people who don’t know your work yet, reintroducing yourself to those who do. Finding producers, directors and casting professionals telling the stories you also want to tell, and then showing them what you bring to the table and believing there will eventually be a crossover between what you do well and what they are looking for at any particular time.
Featured photo credit Carina Conti
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