Local band Lovejane brings together layered instrumentation and pop vocals in new project
Set to perform at The California Aggie’s next Couch Concert, Lovejane’s creators discussed their musical backgrounds and aspirations
By HANNAH OSBORN — arts@theaggie.org
Marking her return to the Davis music scene, Lovejane is a new project headed by Katya Jane, a long-time musician and current masters student at the UC Davis School of Management.
“I’ve been playing here at Davis for many years, since I was an undergrad,” Jane said. “I started this project, Lovejane, to showcase my writing, but also to have a band with me.”
Jane is also the founder and lead production director of Velvet Red Productions, a platform for local musicians.
“I pursued Velvet Red [Productions] more, and then I realized I also wanted to start a personal project, and that’s what led me towards Lovejane.” Jane said. “I’m expanding more of my vocals, my creative side and writing.”
The project is also closely helmed by fellow musician Kian Abulhosn, a fourth-year music major.
“We both had similar musical backgrounds, we both played piano, so I think that’s where we really connected at first,” Jane said. “Then we just kept talking about wanting to play together once I moved back here.”
Jane and Abulhosn met due to their close connections in the Davis music scene, both having been members of local band First Name Basis at one point. Abulhosn joined Lovejane in the fall of 2025; until recently, the project was exclusively comprised of the duo.
“We started as a two-piece, and then as it evolved it became a little bit more collaborative,” Abulhosn said. “More people have been added to the band, and it’s been a fun experience.”
The expansion of the band included bringing in a horn section and additional strings, as well as shifting creative roles.
“In the past, it was just [Abulhosn] on keyboard and guitar with me singing, but currently [Abulhosn] is on drums,” Jane said. “I sing, we have a piano player, two horns right now, a saxophone, trombone and bass guitar.”
The addition of new instruments has transformed the live performances of the project, as Abulhosn explained.
“When we played as a two-piece, in terms of actual volume, it was soft and felt more like singer-songwriter stuff,” Abulhosn said. “But now that we’ve got a full band, it feels a little bit more rocky and loud and in your face, but still in a very polished way.”
The new composition has allowed Lovejane to add complexity to their indie pop-rock sound.
“It’s a cool thing when you see a band with keyboards and horns,” Abulhosn said. “That just opens up what you can do in terms of richer harmony and bigger arrangements. Now that we have them, there’s definitely a slight influence from jazz big bands.”
The project contains fluidity seen not just in the reorganization of the instruments, but through the creative process in which the music is created.
“I write the lyrics and usually the main melodies, and then I’ll bring it to the band,” Jane said. “[Abulhosn] and I work really closely together on all these projects and he’ll add drums and come up with his own creative way to add to the song.”
Jane also expressed the trust she has in her band members to come together and create music.
“I just have faith that everyone in the room is a great musician and I have that vision for the general structure,” Jane said. “I knew it would come together based off everyone’s talents, too.”
As Lovejane grows into a new sound, they draw inspiration from other vocalist-fronted groups.
“I feel like my roots are classic rock in general, but I’ve narrowed it down more toward that female-fronted kind of [band],” Jane said. “I feel like Amy Winehouse is a good example.”
Listed among their other inspirations were Raye, Al Green, Sienna Spiro, Sabrina Carpenter and The Who.
“I want it to be a little more chill, but also something that you could just groove on, sit there and enjoy the beat,” Jane said. “In terms of lyrics, I just try to pick a general theme to focus on, maybe some personal experiences or observations. I’m definitely more of a melody-based person.”
The motivation behind the project, for Jane and Abulhosn, is a shared love of music. This appreciation for sound permeates both their past experiences and future goals.
“I love music; it’s pretty much my whole life,” Jane said. “I would just hope that people would vibe with my tunes the same way and enjoy them. The emotions people feel when they hear my music is up to them, and I think that’s the beauty of it.”
Abulhosn also discussed what is special to him about making music in Davis.
“The Davis music scene and the Greater Sacramento music scene has been [like a breath of] fresh air for me,” Abulhosn said. “I’m super grateful to be surrounded by people in bands that are very kind.”
As a personal project, Lovejane’s activities remain tied to the professional ambitions of its members.
“I just hope to keep playing and have people who are around me play with me,” Jane said. “I want to continue pursuing Velvet Red in a new way as well. Currently it’s a live event platform, but I would like to turn it into a physical business one day — [I’m] just always going to be doing music, no matter what.”
Lovejane’s new EP "With Love" can be found on Spotify, with their performances announced on their Instagram, @lovejanelovejane. Prospective fans can also discover Lovejane’s sound at The California Aggie’s upcoming Couch Concert on Apr. 24, where Lovejane will be joined by local musicians Dogpatch, In Bloom and Brendon B from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at 2630 Temple Drive.
“I’d love to keep this band going, just take it as far as it can go,” Abulhosn said. “I have my piano aspirations I want to keep going with. I just hope to live a musical life.”
Lastly, Jane expressed that the band intends to expand their repertoire, audience and platform.
“We want to be rock stars,” Jane said.
Written by: Hannah Osborn— arts@theaggie.org