The lyrics of “Heaven” are as moody and melancholy as the music is catchy, making for an interesting juxtaposition. What does this song mean to you, and what emotion do you hope to evoke in your listeners?
Jill: I wrote Heaven at a time in my life when I was certain that I must have been passed over by whatever gene is responsible for giving humans the capacity to fall in love. It holds a special relevance to me now that I know that to be untrue. I hope people who hear it can relate to looking at love from either or both of those sides
What was studying at Berklee College of Music like for you?
Jill: I feel very privileged to have experienced Berklee. Music school is weird. I wish I'd prioritized my time differently while I was there. I think the best things you can get out of a formal music education are the connections you make and the constant excuse to make music for the sake of making music. I think once I got into a rhythm there I spent too much of the time I had left just isolating and trying to get good grades.
What are some of your favorite memories from your Ren Faire show this past September?
Jill: Honestly, my set was a disaster at that show. A drink spilled in my bag, and fluid damaged my interface cable, so I had to run my vocals and track straight into the mixer, so I couldn't play the set I'd planned. I hate tech difficulties. I don't get any anxiety about the actual performance aspect of performing, just the tech stuff. If something goes wrong there it really takes me out of the moment. Pisha was great, though; her set was a highlight of the night for me.
How has being born and raised in New York City influenced you and your musical style?
Jill: I am a really typical New Yorker in that I never let anybody forget I am from New York City. It's the best city in the world, and if you don't think so you're wrong. There's literally nowhere else in the world where you can get a sandwich. I try to really imbue my music with that vibe.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of music?
Jill: I'm a visual artist as well but not really as an emotional outlet or anything; it's mostly just for fun. I've made all of the cover art for my music releases myself. I also am working on a spreadsheet tracking all of the seltzers I've tried around the world for the last year. I love a good seltzer. Not crazy about still water, though, trying to evolve out of needing it.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, be it industry or life-related?
Jill: Hard to pick one piece of advice to call the best piece of advice ever, but I think as far as life advice goes, if you want the most bang for your buck, reading bell hooks is a good place to start.
Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass
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