Janet Devlin Chats About “Working For The Man” with The Luna Collective
OK!Good Records artist Janet Devlin recently sat down with Kimberly Kapela of The Luna Collective to discuss putting out “Working For The Man”, her lower-middle class upbringing that inspired it, and the freedom of being an independent artist. The new single was released on April 9th, with a same-day radio debut on The Radio 2 Breakfast Show with Gary Davies on BBC Radio 2. It was added to four Apple Music editorial playlists, including New in Country, New In Americana, UK & Irish Country, and Country Wide, and was performed live on BBC Radio 4’s Loose Ends program.
Janet opened up to Kapela about her childhood and the way that class consciousness influenced the song:
LUNA: You’ve described the track as born from reflections on the “rat race.” What inspired the single and what themes or emotions did you feel compelled to explore?
JANET: It was inspired by growing up poor, really. I remember once my mother apologising to me because we couldn’t go on foreign holidays like a lot of my friends did. Though, I never once expected us to. It broke my heart because they did such a great job of making the most of what we had. They both worked full time jobs and everything but the recession hit us and everyone hard, except the banks, which confused and angered me as a kid. It still does. Also as a teen, my awareness of politics, capitalism, and social issues was coming into bloom, so naturally it poured into my writing.
Janet has been an independent artist for well over a decade, and talked in great length about her experiences:
LUNA: You’ve spoken about choosing the path of an independent artist. What does independence mean to you now, in this current stage of your career?
JANET: Independent music releasing is much more of the norm now than it was 14 years ago when I started which is great to see, because back then, the labels had all the power. I love that artists have more options now — it’s a win for everyone in my opinion. I’m blessed to work with a great independent label, OK!good, out in America. We’ve worked together for 12 years and we have a great relationship. They feel like family now so that does make me even more grateful for choosing independence all those years ago.
You can read the full interview with Janet on The Luna Collective.
This release kicks off the year for Janet, who is set to take her unique country-rock on the road across several dates. Following a whirlwind 2025 that saw her perform at the likes of C2C Festival, The Long Road and The British Country Music Festival, she re-emerges at London’s Camden Club on 2nd April with a headline performance for the Chatter Hoochee Podcast. She’s also set to appear at In It Together Festival on 22nd May,Belladrum Festival on 30th July alongside artists such as Mika and Callum Beattie, before making a stop at Essex’s Country Calling on 16th August.
“Working For The Man” arrives hot off the heels of 2025’s ‘Not My First Emotional Rodeo’ – a captivating deluxe edition of her critically acclaimed album ‘Emotional Rodeo’. Building on the original’s success, which topped the iTunes Country Chart and garnered widespread radio support and glowing press, the expanded collection further secured Janet’s reputation as one of the most distinctive voices in the UK country and Americana scene. The album includes the flyaway hit single “Houston”, which was added to the BBC Radio 2 playlist and an acoustic reimagining of Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler”, recorded at George Ezra’s studio, Hotel Quebec.
Released in November 2024, ‘Emotional Rodeo’ was a major success, cementing Janet’s prominent place in the country-rock scene. The album reached #1 on the iTunes Country Chart, #4 on the UK Official Country Artists Albums Chart, #5 on the UK Official Indie Breakers Chart, and #21 on the UK Official Independent Albums Chart. Janet appeared for a session on The Scott Mills Radio 2 Breakfast Show ahead of C2C Festival and has received praise from the likes of Russell Crowe, who previously took her on tour and continues to applaud her talent – comparing her to Stevie Nicks and admiring her ability to be both “ethereal” and “very direct” on stage.
‘Devlin has crafted a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh’ – Maverick Magazine
‘Giddy Up! Janet Devlin reborn as country contender’ – Garry Bushell, Express
“Devlin’s lyrics are clever and relatable” – The Upcoming
“Enchanting vocals” – Sunday Mirror
For orders shipping to the UK/Europe visit JanetDevlin.com
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May 22 – In It Together Festival, Port Talbot
May 23 – Darwen Live, Darwen
June 21 – T C Live, Trafford Centre, Manchester
July 11 – Country at the Castle (supporting Elles Bailey), Nottingham Castle, Nottingham
July 18 – Rock & Ribs Festival, Shepton Mallet
July 30 – Belladrum Festival (supporting Callum Beattie & Mika), Inverness
August 16 – Country Calling, Writtle, Essex
October 3 – Newcastle Cathedral, Newcastle
Also Available:
Not My First Emotional Rodeo (Deluxe)
Emotional Rodeo
It’s Not That Deep EP
Confessional
Running With Scissors
