Jillian Goldin
Don't forget after reading this to enter the competition, where you can win a digital download of Jillian's album! And why not listen to a few tracks here or on her website.
Where are you from? Do your origins (no pun intended!) affect your songwriting?
I was born and raised in Lexington, Massachusetts - which, aside from being the birthplace of the Revolutionary War, sounds like your typical New England suburb. But the public school system there is wonderful. I was privileged to work with some very inspiring teachers of music and theater in my high school days, which led me to pursue a degree in classical vocal performance. My studies at The Peabody Conservatory of Music were invaluable, but family and friends have been known to joke that I received my first degree from "Lexington Conservatory"!
How long have you been singing? Was voice your first instrument?
I have been singing since as far back as I can remember. One of my first vivid memories of music is of myself singing Ariel's theme from The Little Mermaid in preschool - and terrorizing the other little girls for not being able to stay in tune! But in all seriousness, I did start singing at a very young age. The interesting part, however, is that I never had formal lessons until my summer in the Tanglewood young artists program at the age of 17. There were piano and cello lessons in there, too, but my heart was in the participation of choirs and musical theater productions.
What are your main musical influences? Who do people say you sound like?
I have always enjoyed listening to artists of New Age and World music; the sounds and scales of foreign cultures are much more interesting to me than your typical Pop progressions! Reviewers and fans have likened me to Enya, Loreena McKennitt, Lisbeth Scott, Priscilla Hernandez. But every singing voice on that list (or anywhere else, for that matter) is entirely unique. I think the comparisons are more associations of musical genre and style than anything else. Ms. McKennitt definitely makes the list of personal influences, and Andreas Vollenweider and Sting (post-Police) continue to spark my imagination as well. I think I derive some of my more contemporary leanings from the latter artist.
What song are you most proud of writing?
I am proud of any song I've written that has touched my listeners in some way. Every time I receive fan emails with messages like, "Your song Avalon makes me remember my trip to Ireland!" or "The lyrics to Red July have helped me get through some really hard times," that is something very special to me. I do have compositions that carry more personal significance than others, but I find that the beauty of creating music is in allowing others to discover their own meanings. I feel very lucky when a listener lets me in on the experience!
Do you support any causes?
I am a member of several environmental organizations such as National Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy. There are so many worthy causes out there, but I find myself most impassioned by environmental issues because much of my music is so intrinsically linked with nature.
What's your favourite internet radio station?
I love Mystic Soundscapes - and no, not just because it is one that plays my own material! Pete Havey, the guy who runs the station and its official podcast, is just a great guy. He brings artists and listeners together with his humor on E-Scapes. I have met a lot of nice people there. But I am very excited to be a part of Mondo Blu, and hope to make friends and fans here as well!
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