Cat Janice, a local 29-year-old alt-pop artist, is ready to release her upcoming single, “Dance You Outta My Head,” on her birthday, Jan. 19. It will be her second release since her 2023 album, Modern Medicine. It will also be her last.

In the spring of 2022, Janice found out she had cancer. Now, after a long two years of treatment, she’s unsure if she’ll make it to her 30th birthday or even see the release of her newest song. Her condition has become so dire that she’s using radiation therapy to try to buy herself enough time to see it through. “Cancer has won,” she tells her followers in a TikTok video. “I’ve fought hard, but sarcomas are too tough.”

Janice wants something good to come out of people buying her last song. She announced in an Instagram post on Jan. 5 that she’s handed over the rights to all her songs to her 7-year-old son, who she says is very musically inclined. She hopes the proceeds from her music, particularly her upcoming song, will help let him pursue his talent. “I changed all the rights of my songs to my son so I can leave him behind something,” she says in her latest TikTok video. “I don’t have much … I might not be here but my baby boy will be.”

The pop artist has been releasing music for a decade; she says in a District Fray interview published in December 2022 that she released her first EP back in 2014. And, as her career grew, she built a large community in the local music scene, where she has certainly left her mark.

“Not only do I have my personal story behind this song, but I cannot thank enough the years of D.C. music influence that has gotten me to this point,” Janice tells City Paper over email. “The connections that brought me to these songwriting sessions have strictly come from D.C. word of mouth, and I will forever be grateful for that support.”

Joe Lapan, co-owner of Songbyrd Music House, has known Janice for roughly eight years and has seen her perform several times at both Songbyrd’s current and original locations, including the last show she headlined in August. He’s always been impressed with how she’s able to play multiple instruments and make each performance feel intimate.

“Cat is an energetic and commanding performer,” Lapan says. “I’ve never seen an audience not love her.”

Guitarist and singer Emily Yaremchuk from local pop rock band Massie was there to perform with Janice at her August release show. It’s a performance Yaremchuk won’t forget. “Cat represents what is best about the D.C. scene—artists supporting artists, and making the music for the pure pleasure and necessity of it.” Yaremchuk says. “We’ve only had the privilege of sharing a single bill with Cat and her band, but it was a show we loved, in no small part because of Cat’s enthusiasm and desire to put connection at the center of everything she does.”

Many people Janice has befriended over the years have been vocal on social media about their support for her. While they’re devastated by Janice’s worsening condition, they’re just as determined to bring attention to her upcoming song. “Please support our dear friend … who has been fearlessly battling an extremely rare and aggressive cancer,” says Monica Alford, former editor in chief of the recently shuttered District Fray Magazine, on Instagram. “Help keep her legacy alive.”

The song itself is classic Cat Janice, according to Lapan, while also showing off the continued evolution of her production, songwriting, and arrangements. “Dance You Outta My Head” describes how it feels to be wrapped up in a romantic interest backed by a funk-pop sound reminiscent of Chromeo, Bruno Mars, and Mayer Hawthorne. “But as a female lead she distinguishes herself from them,” Lapan says.

“Most of the song was worked on in the studio during workshops, but I am so proud of the parts my son had to play in it,” Janice adds. “He has gotten very confident at chiming in on my car writing sessions and he has had some pretty great ideas. I am very proud of it!”

Janice’s soon-to-be-released single reflects her attitude in the face of her dire prognosis. She wants her fans to celebrate the upcoming release and to continue enjoying the discography she’s leaving behind with her son. 

“I am not scared because I know I have so many loved ones around me,” Janice says on Instagram. “I want to leave behind smiles, grooves, and joy for you and I know this is the right song for that.”

Fans and music lovers can help Cat Janice achieve her goal by pre-saving “Dance You Outta My Head” here. All proceeds go to Janice’s son.

Correction: A previous version of this article misstated the publication date of a District Fray interview, which was published in 2022, not 2024.