Jillian Rae

Jillian Rae
This blog is on Jillian Rae, who I found thru a good friend Vicky Emerson who is also a singer from Minnesota. I have a been trying to broaden my music horizon. Jillian is definitely not in my normal music wheelhouse. I recently purchased her CD “I can’t be the one you want me to be”. I have listened to it at least about 6 times. It is hard to pinpoint the genre of this album, which to me is a plus for any Artist. Jillian has a voice that soothing yet powerful. Jillian’s voice has a great tone to it, and she has amazing control of her vocals even when she breaks into a strong chorus. Jillian’s songwriting style is very refreshing, cause instead of writing about things happening she writes more about feelings and thoughts. Plus, a lot of emotions. I am looking forward to hearing more from Jillian, getting her other CDs. Jillian is someone who I will be listening to for a while and following. I highly recommend you do the same.
Here are some places you can find her music.
https://www.jillianraemusic.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/jillianraeviolin
I recently got to ask Jillian some questions, enjoy her answers.
 
1. How long have you been playing music? My whole dang life. Well, since
I was 7 so most of my whole dang life.
 
   2. How many bands have you been in? I had to make a list just now to figure out the answer…
11ish? (but forgive me I’m sure I am
missing some)
Jillian Rae
The Okee Dokee Brothers
Corpse Reviver
Fiddle Heirs
Steve Kaul and the Brass Kings
Brian Just Band
Adam Levy
Ilika Ward and the Moonlight Riders
Blackberry Brandy Boys
The Killer Hayseeds
Two Many Banjos
 
3. Where were you born? Eveleth, MN
 
4. Are you self-taught? No, I am not. I started out learning the Suzuki violin method, mixed with a well-rounded bit of Scandinavian and American fiddle
music.
 
5. Who are your biggest influences? I have so many different influences! I suppose you can either say that I have eclectic taste, or maybe that I have musical ADHD. Both are true, I suppose. A few favorites are Andrew Bird, Itzhack Perlman, Jean-Luc Ponty, John Hartford, Paul McCartney, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Wilco, Sheryl Crow, Dolly Parton, Stevie Nicks, Foo Fighters.
 
 
 6. What style of music do you consider yours?
This is always hard question for me! If you listen to my music you will notice that I’m not one to
stick to one specific style or genre. I suppose you could call my music, “indie alternative violin rock with an orchestral folky twist.”
 
7. What was your first gig? How old were you?
Oh my god, this is going to be a funny answer. Technically, my first “gig” was playing Scandinavian fiddle tunes on a float in the Land of the Loon parade, probably when I was in the third grade, or so. (Ha!) My first “Jillian Rae” gig, as a solo artist, was at The Cabooze in Minneapolis, in 2012. It was either a Wednesday or Thursday night and I remember feeling pumped to have my name on a marquee for the first time. I was 27.
 
8. What advice do you have for someone starting out in the music business?
Let the music come first and play as often as you can, for as many different audiences as you can.
 
9. Do you write your own songs? Yes.
 
10. What would people be surprised to hear that you have in your personal record collection?
Lol I can’t pick just one! My record collection is all over the place… from Fleetwood Mac to The Beatles and Paul & Linda McCartney’s Ram, to Edgar Winter Group, to Earth Wind and Fire, to Dave Brubeck, to Willie Nelson, to Johnny Horton, to all the great classical violin concertos, to Billy Preston… I have a little of everything.
 
11. What would you be doing if playing music was not an option?
Honestly, I have no idea. I’ve only ever really thought about doing music! I think it would be fun to learn how to work with wood and tools and make things with my hands.
 
12. Besides your own songs, what is your favorite song to perform? I love performing “The Ocean" by Led Zeppelin. And “If It Makes You Happy” by Sheryl Crow makes me pretty happy to play with my band.
 
13. If you were strictly a songwriter, who would you like to see sing your songs?
OooOoo, what an interesting question! It would be an honor to hear the voices of Stevie Nicks, Paul McCartney, Fiona Apple, Janelle Monáe, or Allison Krauss sing my songs.