Name: Janéka Johnson
Position: Client & Project Development
What does your day to day look like? Supporting the Project Managers and Press Operator in whatever way they may need, setting up and giving tours, reaching out to different studios and artists. Honestly a little of everything. We all wear many hats, which is really rewarding to have a hand in a lot of what goes on at Hellbender.
How did you get into vinyl record production? I’ve always been fascinated by different roles within the music industry, from playing in a couple of bands in my youth to managing one in Houston, TX. Years down the road I started a position at a makerspace where some of my favorite projects were assisting members with fabricating their own instruments. When Jeff Betten offered me a position at Hellbender Vinyl, it was a no-brainer. I’m thrilled to be part of an incredible team that supports artists and produces high-quality records.
Do you have a favorite record you own? What is it? It's between Love Sensuality and Devotion: Greatest hits by Enigma and T.A.P.O.A.F.O.M. The Awesome Power of A Fully- Operational Mothership by George Clinton and the P-Funk All Stars
What are your current top 3 favorite musicians/bands? Woof.... thats tough...in rotation right now I've been listening to a lot of Kwabs, Boy Harsher, and Gojira
What's the best live music performance you've ever seen? Hands down Iron Maiden
What was your first concert experience like? My first concert was seeing Iron Maiden at, I believe it was then named the Post Gazette Pavilion. I don't know if there is a correlation between it being my first concert and it also being the best live performance. I had been a huge Iron Maiden fan for years and it so happened to be that my partner at the time was as well, so we watched a documentary about the band leading up to it, which only heightened my excitement! From the moment they went on stage, it was intense! And when they played one of my favorite songs 'Hallowed Be Thy Name,' the energy in the venue was so insane, it felt electric! The experience was absolutely unforgettable. It deepened my love for live music and left a lasting impression.
Instagram? @Janekoj87
