Jill Stevenson
Jill Stevenson is quickly becoming a name to watch. She has made visits to labels, and built a strong band. She writes lyrics that transcend her age and make one wonder how far she can go. Her latest CD is called Underway.
FEMMUSIC: Can you describe your songwriting technique?
JS: Usually I come up with the music first on the guitar or piano. Often times the words just come to me out of nowhere! I write a lot of poetry, and I will use those words in my music, adding or subtracting words in order for it to make sense rhythmically and dynamically. Its amazing how the two just come together.
FEMMUSIC: What was the biggest challenge making your latest album?
JS: The recording process (aside from being interesting and exciting) can be very monotonous. It is difficult for me to listen to myself recorded when I am my own worst critic. Also, being cooped up in a studio all day listening to bits and pieces over and over can really fry your brain!
FEMMUSIC: What was the best experience(s) making your latest album?
JS: Watching my songs taking shape into something I never thought they would become. Before I went into the studio, my songs had never been played with a band,let alone recorded on anything other than a 4-track. It was quite a feeling to see the potential of my songs come to fruition.
FEMMUSIC: Who are your biggest influences?
JS: It ranges from the vocal style of Mariah Carey, the lyrical and instrumental brilliance of Ani Difranco, to the soulful Bradley Nowell. In terms of songwriting and rhythm guitar playing, I have been very influenced by Jono Manson.
FEMMUSIC: As a woman in the music industry, have you been discriminated against?
JS: No, not really. I mean, it is hard for us as a band to get booked, because we are not really a big party band. That is slowly changing though.
FEMMUSIC: What three things would you like to change about the music industry and why?
JS: –A big change would for the record labels to give an artist control of their career, the music they are writing, and how it is marketed.–I would also bring back more independent radio stations, so that ONE guy doesn’t choose all the hit songs and their rotation. –I would also make it more common to introduce new sounds and styles to listeners, bringing about some diversity in our tastes.
FEMMUSIC: What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?
JS: Constantly surround yourself with artists that are better than you. Challenging yourself will only take you to the next level, and then some