This story is about an artist’s ability to be resilient and optimistic through difficult times—the legacy of music and its effect on those who listen. Music can live on forever and leave an imprint on the world to remember.
Cat Janice is an indie artist from Washington who brings a fresh wave of creativity to the modern music landscape, blending emotional depth with captivating musicianship. Her music features soaring vocals, dynamic guitar melodies, and euphoric synths, offering a unique take on contemporary pop and drawing inspiration from diverse influences like Portugal. The Man, CHVRCHES, and Dua Lipa, Janice’s versatility shines through in her high-energy dance tracks and intimate ballads. With roots in classical training and a diverse musical background, she has earned recognition as a pop sensation and a promising writer and producer in the D.C. music scene.
Right now, she continues to battle with a rare malignant tumor called sarcoma, which started in 2021. Following the diagnosis, Janice continued to create music and engage with her audience on social media despite undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment. On July 22, 2022, she received news that she was cancer-free and enjoyed nearly a year without the disease. However, this past June, she shared the heartbreaking update that her cancer had returned, this time affecting her lungs.
In her single “Wishing I Was You,” Janice candidly addresses the experience of losing her hair to modern medicine and finding inspiration in her circumstances. Despite facing setbacks, including a recent update when she revealed that her tumors had tripled overnight, she remains resilient and determined to pursue her passions. Before her cancer diagnosis, Janice was recognized for her musical talents. She won the Washington Area Music Award for Best Rock Artist in Washington, D.C., in 2019 and the Robert Allen Award from The ASCAP Foundation last year.
This year, she released a disco-pop song titled “Dance You Outta My Head” on January 19, intending it as a final gift to her seven-year-old son, Loren. The song unexpectedly charted No. 7 worldwide on iTunes and garnered half a million streams on Spotify. Janice, who is now in hospice care and unable to use her voice, expressed gratitude for the song’s reception on Instagram, calling it a “miracle” and attributing it to God’s power. She transferred ownership of all her songs to her songs to her son, ensuring he receives all streaming proceeds.
In interviews and social media posts, Janice emphasized her desire for her last song to bring joy and fun, reflecting her enduring spirit despite her health challenges. The song, inspired by moments shared with her son, carries lyrics that speak to the emotions and experiences she’s faced throughout her battle with cancer.
Here is a recent quote from her TikTok account:
All of this is because of you guys. I am so lucky to even be alive. Let alone with such an amazing, strong family of Music lovers by my side. My son and I will forever be grateful. I feel like I can rest in God’s peace from all of your love! Just so wild.
Cat Janice
Despite facing challenges in her health, Janice’s transparent storytelling and infectious energy resonate deeply with listeners, making her music a testament to her unstoppable, resilient, creative spirit.
I am a writer and photographer based in Houston, Texas. I am currently attending the University of Houston as a Marketing major, and a PR and MIS minor. I am passionate about my work through the various creative avenues I use such as writing, designing, and photography. In my free time I enjoy delving into rabbit holes and discovering new things!
