Every artist has a story. One built from quiet moments of reflection, late-night writing sessions, and the places they’ve called home. Your Story Starts Here is a series dedicated to capturing these journeys. For this chapter, we handed Naomi Jane a disposable camera and asked her to document the world behind her music. Her snapshots offer a glimpse into a life shaped by coast-to-coast influences, raw emotion, and a deep love for storytelling in all its forms. Alongside the photos, we spoke with her about how songwriting became her outlet, the meaning behind tracks like “Little Miss,” and what she’s learned while turning her diary into a debut EP. ✍️ 🌊 Here’s how her story began…
Your Story Starts Here: A Chapter of Naomi Jane
The Story of Naomi Jane
Naomi Jane is a singer-songwriter, actor, and storyteller raised between New York and California. Classically trained as a mezzo-soprano and fluent in multiple instruments, she crafts songs that blend emotional depth with melodic clarity. But her story didn’t begin in a studio; it started with a notebook, a pen, and the need to make sense of big feelings.
For Naomi, songwriting has always been like keeping a diary with melodies. Her music explores everything from loneliness and heartbreak to joy and hope, with an honesty that invites listeners to feel seen. Tracks like Little Miss and her Letterman Trilogy offer glimpses into her growth, both as an artist and a person, each song marking a chapter in her story.
Her debut EP, sweet talk, is a powerful first statement, five tracks that capture the highs and lows of love, layered with lush vocals and vivid storytelling. “If my songs help someone else feel understood,” she says, “then I’m doing something meaningful.”
With sweet talk, Naomi Jane opens the door to a sound that’s personal, poetic, and perfectly her.
🎙️ We talked with Naomi Jane about her story, what inspires her, and more. Check out what she said below…
How does your community inspire you?
“Living and going to school in Santa Barbara has a huge impact on my music, sparking my creativity every single day. I basically live life to write music, and each day at school feels like collecting experiences I can turn into songs. What really inspires me is the artistic and musical culture all around: local bands playing in downtown cafés, colorful murals brightening our streets, and the creative energy buzzing through my classroom. This environment encourages me to be vulnerable, take risks in my songwriting, and discover beauty in everyday moments. Santa Barbara isn’t just where I live, it’s the heartbeat of my creative process.”
Why do you create music in Santa Barbara? (Why here, vs. another city?)
“I always say it’s because this is where I feel most at home, both as an artist and as an individual. My family moved back to California specifically so I could follow my passion for music, and we chose Santa Barbara for its unique blend of beauty, creativity, and community. We’ve always loved this city, from its breathtaking coastlines to the lively arts scene that weaves through it. There’s something about the energy here that just fuels my songwriting. The mix of nature, culture, and a laid-back vibe allows me to grow as a musician. Whether it’s the sound of waves crashing or stories from local artists, every corner offers new inspiration. Being in a community that celebrates art makes all the difference in creating music that truly resonates.”
What are your favorite places to see live music in your city?
“I have to mention the Santa Barbara Bowl, which is one of my all-time favorites. It’s an amazing venue where you can catch huge artists in the midst of beautiful nature, with mountains and sky framing the stage. There’s something especially magical about watching a show outdoors on a warm summer evening. Then there’s the Funk Zone, a bit of a hidden gem with galleries, wine tasting rooms, and unexpected pockets of live music. It’s raw and real, and I love exploring the area to find new sounds.”
“Finally, SOhO is the perfect chill hangout—a small venue where you can see local bands or grab a bite while listening to music. Whether it’s the grand concerts at the Bowl, the laid-back funk in the Funk Zone, or the cozy shows at SOhO, each one brings something special to the community.”
What are your favorite record stores in your city?
“I always rave about The Record Shop. It’s this cool, no-frills place where you can just disappear into stacks of vinyl for hours. They carry everything from old-school classic rock to newer indie bands, and the staff is super chill, always ready to geek out about music or help you track down a rare find. Another spot I love is Metropolis Music, which feels like a treasure trove of vinyl, CDs, and even music gear. Their selection is huge, so I usually find exactly what I’m looking for, whether it’s a hard-to-find album or a new discovery to vibe with. Both shops blend that sense of nostalgia with the thrill of finding something fresh, making it easy to lose track of time flipping through records.”
What are your favorite local music festivals?
“I can’t help but single out the Santa Barbara Bowl’s Summer Concert Series as one of the best parts of living here. It’s more than just seeing amazing artists—it’s the whole atmosphere. I’ll never forget the night I saw Slightly Stoopid with friends; the energy was electric, everyone dancing and singing as the sun set behind us. It was the perfect summer evening. I also love how you can stumble upon new acts at the Bowl and leave with a whole new playlist of favorite songs. On the other hand, there’s the Live Oak Music Festival, which is a totally different but equally awesome vibe—laid-back, tucked away under the stars, and filled with folk, acoustic, and bluegrass tunes. It feels like a mini-getaway where you can camp out, chill with friends, and just enjoy great music. Both events capture exactly what makes Santa Barbara’s music scene so special: a blend of excitement, discovery, and community.”
This is just a chapter of their story… where does yours begin?
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If that’s not convincing enough, how about 50% off to try it out for yourself? Use code MYSTORY50 to get half off your first year of Starter and get your music heard by new fans all over the world.
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