Jillian Jacqueline

I wanted to write something uniquely classic that I hadn’t heard in the current mainstream music coming out today. I was so inspired by the thought of creating something that felt as timeless as “What A Wonderful World”. A song for any time, place or person. To me, this song feels like a simple and beautiful love letter to the world, and there’s something so innocent about the lyrics that feels interesting to me.

Well, we didn’t have the luxury of hiring players and booking time at a recording studio, as no one was able to be working in person. So- we got scrappy and ended up recording everything at my house. It wasn’t ideal but I think it just even more represents the nature of the time we are living in, and how the importance of making music right now far outweighs the obstacles.

In a nutshell, I had to let go of any expectations for a “release plan” since I decided to put the song out in less than 3 weeks after writing it… with little time to plan ahead and lay groundwork, my management and I knew we had to trust and work with the opportunities for exposure that were available in such a short amount of time. However, from a psychological standpoint, it was really a great learning lesson for me in allowing the process of creating something and releasing it to be free of anxiety, ego, or control. I knew that the song was special, so the release was less about me and more about the message being shared with as many people as possible.

Music to me has always meant intimate connection, comfort, and joy. When I hear a song from someone that makes me feel understood, it’s such a powerful feeling. When I get to write and perform a song that someone then tells me makes them feel that same way, I‘m at my highest capacity for fulfillment and joy.

My fans and I are in constant communication on Instagram and Twitter. I consider them my friends and we converse about everything. They feel free to share with me about their lives and I do the same. I recently got to include them in a video project for “Wait For The Light” and was overwhelmed with the incredible artwork, videos, and photos they sent in. I also started something a while back called “Things I Enjoy” where I shared a list every month or so and they all started posting their own lists. It was such a cool way for us all to share something positive and show our personalities a bit more. As for new music, when I play new songs live, I always take in to account their reactions and feedback. That has helped tremendously in figuring out what songs will be included on my album.

That I love to paint! I’m not technically very good but it’s very therapeutic. And I knew I was an introvert but I had no idea I’d be this good at staying home so much.

It’s a fast-paced world … I think there is a social shift happening where we are all realizing that we started running on this hamster wheel from a young age and it becomes normal to go go go, but when we keep ourselves so insanely busy to fit in to the chaotic environment around us, we’re often tuning out and neglecting a need for reflection, healing, and growth within. And what we ignore within often manifests on the outside in our daily behavior, physical and mental heath, and attitude towards others. So, I think this new situation is giving us much needed time to slow down.

It might not be necessarily inspiring but it’s a quote I carry with me as a necessary reminder: “Don’t search for the answers, which could not be given to you now … because you would not be able to live them. The point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer.” – Rainer Maria Rilke

My parents and my sisters have constantly believed in me and encouraged me every step of my career. And now, my husband is my biggest supporter and cheerleader. He has walked me through the toughest valleys and pushes me to keep reaching for the mountaintops.

These first couple months have been incredible and exciting. I love the team and I love what they stand for. So far, my favorite part of signing with them has been the amount of passion I feel from them for my songs. And probably, popping a bottle of champagne together over Zoom for my “signing celebration”.

My full length album. I’ve never worked so hard on anything I’ve ever done. I’m overwhelmed with the anticipation to share these songs.