The Place For Emerging Women In Music
One of Music Connection's Best Websites of 2002!
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By
Alex Teitz
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Jill Stevenson is quickly becoming the 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 and is available at www.jillstevenson.com |
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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.
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