Biography - Extended

Years to Burn is a Live Hybrid-Electronic Synth Pop collaboration between producer and singer-songwriter Janessa van Koppen & Oji-Cree First Nations electronic music artist Jakean (Keaton). The Ottawa based duo features live synths, bass guitar, guitar, and vocals with darker lyrics, drawing influence from artists such as Metric, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Justice, Madeon, & Porter Robinson.

Janessa is an experienced singer-songwriter and guitarist with years of playing solo and local festivals in her area. Jakean’s notable shows include opening for A Tribe Called Red in 2018, opening Ottawa U’s Post-Panda Game Party for Jessia & Felix Cartel in 2023, to playing keyboard/synth for Danielle Allard at Bluesfest in 2024. As a duo in 2025, Years to Burn in has played headliner shows in Brockville and Gananoque with a festival performance for The NXT LVL which features emerging and established artists in Ottawa.

Using their combined experiences of being solo artists they created a unique blend of indie folk from Janessa and electronic based techno from Jakean. The sound is a mix of 80's retro inspired synths with a modern indie flair in lyrics and vocal tones stemming from Janessa’s musical roots. The instrumentals morph in and out of genres from uplifting progressive house style to dark and aggressive downtempo driven bass while maintaining the cohesive Years to Burn “soul” through the writing.

The full live show is a hybrid setup of live instruments which builds up from fun and upbeat to then crashing into more aggressive and high energy dance soundscapes. It leaves off with an emotional note through the last few soulful and inspiring songs. The show is designed to make the audience move through tense and release while also creating surprises and memorable moments. The goal is to leave the audience wanting to hear and see more while reflecting deeper on the themes of Janessa’s lyrics. The full show is best displayed on medium to larger stages with accompanying lights to give the fullest impact but can still fit well in smaller spaces.