Singer-songwriter Janine made a stop in Atlanta this week for a stunning and deeply personal performance at The Masquerade. The show came on the heels of her new album Pain and Paradise, a project self-written and produced in her home country of New Zealand that stands as her most vulnerable work to date. The album — written in the wake of her father’s passing — finds Janine exploring grief, healing, and self-discovery through soulful R&B and emotionally rich songwriting. Each track carries her signature blend of smooth melodies and heartfelt lyricism, offering an unfiltered look at love, loss, and growth.
Janine took the stage to the roar of fans packed into The Masquerade for an intimate night of music and personal connection. The lights were low as her band began to play, and a faint image of her silhouette could be seen on the dimly lit stage as she made her way to the microphone, ready to take us on a roller coaster of emotions through her music and give us a glimpse into her musical soul. Dressed in a shimmering gold jacket and pants, the only thing brighter on that stage was her radiant smile. Her vocals told the story of her journey as an artist and the love she held for her late father. The visuals were simple yet elegant, with lighting that was bright but subtle, allowing the emotion and honesty in her performance to take center stage.
There was something healing about being in that room, surrounded by strangers who shared in the emotion of her music. I hadn’t listened to much of her music prior to the show, but I left not just a fan, but as someone who felt as if she were speaking directly to me through the songs she shared with all of us. Pain and Paradise may chronicle loss and heartbreak, but the live experience felt like the other side of that journey: community, connection, togetherness, and a reminder of how music can transform pain into something beautiful.
GALLERY: Janine at The Masquerade in Atlanta, Georgia (October 6, 2025)
