He is signed to Gnomonsong, a record label run by Devendra Banhart and Vetiver's Andy Cabic. His solo debut album Blank Unstaring Heirs of Doom was the label's debut release. He later completed his second album "There's No Home" as well as "Carrion EP".
While in Texas, Hunter founded and played in the Houston band Matty & Mossy with Heath Flagtvedt, Matt Frey and John Hunter. Their album, Fraimers Haimey, was recorded in Athens, Georgia with Chris Bishop and released on Fleece Records. The album reached #1 on the radio charts of KTRU-FM and KSPC, and songs from the album were used in the soundtrack of Andrew Bujalski's films Funny Ha Ha and Mutual Appreciation.
In 1994, when Hunter was 16, he was violinist in the Greater Youth Orchestra of Fort Worth (Texas.) This quickly and naturally led to smoking cigarettes, hanging out in a VW Van and joining local hippie band McGillicutty. Hilariously, this group soon disbanded due to creative differences, and Hunter began in earnest the pursuit of solo writing, performing at local open mics and house parties.
Arlington, TX (Jana's hometown) is a depressing place, and Hunter took that sentiment to New York (1996) and eventually Houston (1998), writing dark, severe and beautiful songs that more and more reflected a paranoiac view of the world. These were shared for the most part with a few friends, occasionally in the guise of rock songs in his now-defunct band, Matty & Mossy, and eventually, at a few shows in Houston, opening up for touring bands.
A show in 2003 with Devendra Banhart, led a year later to Hunter's inclusion on his Golden Apples of the Sun compilation (Bastet). In 2005, Devendra and Jana released a split vinyl album on Troubleman Records, followed quickly by the release of Hunter's debut solo album, Blank Unstaring Heirs of Doom, in October of that year on Gnomonsong.
Since his initial release, Hunter has repeatedly toured North America and Europe, joined forces with Castanets as their sometimes touring bass player and vocalist, guested on albums by CocoRosie and Metallic Falcons, played at the Banhart-curated All Tomorrow's Parties, recorded a soon-to-be-released album with a new band, Jracula, and prepared a split release with his fellow Houstonians, Indian Jewelry.
Hunter has also appeared on the following compilations: The Enlightened Family (Voodoo-Eros), The Black and White Skins (Les Disque Du Crespuscule), Furniture Record's Sheets of Easter Everywhere singles series, and the online lullaby collection from Blogupmusique.com. ...Heirs of Doom was re-issued in a very limited run as a double cassette on Fuck-It Tapes in June, 2006.
Hunter, in a fit of drunken ingenuity, helped devise a plan to tour by sea. Along with friend Red Hunter (Peter & the Wolf; no relation), Hunter charting a late summer tour for 2006 along the Intracoastal Waterway from New York City to Norfolk, VA., in a sailboat. Good friend and former WFMU staple OCDJ skippered his own vessel, and Ray Raposa (Castanets) completed the bill.
Christmas
Jana Hunter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Had me blushed and pale
What I heard, what I understood
It was no joke
"My aim is fantastic."
Bring back the guns
It's too much for the young
Putting blame back
Where blame can settle down
My name is elastic
Bring back the guns
The song "Christmas" by Jana Hunter is a haunting and poignant reflection on violence and its impact on society. The opening lines, "Last week's communsurate heartaches/Had me blushed and pale," set a somber and reflective tone. The lyrics go on to describe the singer's understanding of the seriousness of the situation, stating "What I heard, what I understood/It was no joke."
The line "My aim is fantastic" is a chilling reference to the accuracy of a shooter's aim. The phrase "Bring back the guns" is repeated throughout the song, but it is not a call to arms. Instead, it is a plea for people to recognize the danger of guns and to take action to address the issue. The line "It's too much for the young/And so the old throw it out" highlights the fact that society tends to ignore issues that are too overwhelming or difficult to solve.
The final line, "My name is elastic," is a poignant reminder that people can change and adapt. The singer is calling for society to "stretch" and adapt to a new reality where guns are no longer accepted as a solution to problems.
Overall, "Christmas" is a powerful commentary on the destructive nature of violence and the need for society to address the issue head-on. It is a somber reminder that we have the power to change things, but it requires a concerted effort from everyone.
Line by Line Meaning
Last week's communsurate heartaches
The heartaches of last week were equivalent in proportion.
Had me blushed and pale
These heartaches caused me to blush and become pale.
What I heard, what I understood
I comprehended what was said and understood the meaning behind it.
It was no joke
The situation was serious.
"My aim is fantastic."
I have a great aim or goal.
Bring back the guns
Refers to seeking a violent solution or using force to solve a problem.
It's too much for the young
The situation is too overwhelming for younger people.
And so the old throw it out
The older generation disregards the issue or problem.
Putting blame back
The responsibility is being placed where it truly belongs.
Where blame can settle down
The blame is being settled or established.
My name is elastic
My identity is adaptable or flexible.
Bring back the guns
Refers to seeking a violent solution or using force to solve a problem.
Contributed by Jason K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.