(Jill Barber. Photo by Matt Barnes.)
The last time we spoke with singer-songwriter Jill Barber, she had just released her latest album, the sultry, jazzy Chances. Since that time, Jill has continued to tour to promote the album, which was recently named one of Spinner.ca’s top 10 Canadian albums of the decade.
The multi-time East Coast Music Award winner and Juno nominee was born in Ontario and now lives in Vancouver, but it was on the east coast that her artistic talents were first noticed and Jill will tell you the east coast still holds a special place in her heart.
Jill was gracious enough to join us for our Fridays with … series in advance of her upcoming Maritime tour dates (see dates below).
1. What are you up to these days, musically or otherwise? (Feel free to plug whatever you’ve got coming up.)
I am shooting a new video for a song that I recorded in French, Tous Mes Reves, in Montreal … then I am doing a tour of Quebec and the Maritimes with dates in Saint John, Truro, Lunenburg and Halifax. On Valentine’s Day I am playing The Confederation Centre with Symphony PEI. I’m also writing for my next album which is due out at the end of 2010.
2. How did you get into the music business and what was the first major lesson you learned once you got your feet wet?
My older brother (Matthew Barber) played guitar. I taught myself a few chords, wrote some songs and started putting on basement shows back when I was in high school. Before long I graduated to club gigs. In my twenties I decided that I wanted to devote my life and career to music and haven’t looked back. The lesson I learned is that making it in the music business takes a lot more than just talent; it takes a lot of energy and ambition.
3. What song or album have you been listening to most lately?
My two favourite albums of late are Bahamas Pink Strat and Melody Gardot’s My One and Only Thrill.
4. What’s your favourite way to waste time or relax?
Sitting by the fire with a glass of wine and good conversation.
5. The Internet and social media are allowing artists to get closer to their fans than they ever were in some respects. What are your thoughts on this?
I think it’s a great way for people to connect with their fans and for fans to “follow” their favourite artists. I’m not a fan of Facebook really, it’s too complicated and I came into it too late. I missed the boat. But I am a Twitter girl. I like being forced to be concise.
6. If you weren’t in the music industry in some capacity, what would you be doing today?
If I spent my days imagining plan Bs then I would get much done, would I?
7. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?
That there are more pyramids in Peru than Egypt.
8. If you could hit the “delete” button on anything related to music (a song, artist, trend, whatever), what would you delete?
That’s a bit harsh don’t you think? I admire everyone who makes music and stands behind it. That said, I will hit the mute button from time to time
9. What’s your favourite thing to drink (alcoholic or otherwise)?
A really lovely pinot noir from California or an Australian shiraz.
10. Finish the sentence below and please elaborate on what you mean:
The east coast music scene… will always hold a special place in my heart because it’s where I found a musical community to be a part of.
11. What’s the next thing you want to accomplish, musically or otherwise?
A new record.
Check out Jill at any of the following Maritime dates:
Feb. 7 – Saint John, N.B. @ The Imperial Theatre
Feb. 10 – Truro, N.S. @ The Marigold Cultural Centre
Feb. 11 – Lunenburg, N.S. @The Pearl Theatre
Feb. 12 – Halifax, N.S. @ St. Matthew’s Church
Feb. 14 – Charlottetown, P.E.I. @ The Confederation Centre
Check back to EastCoastNoise.com next Friday for a chat with: We, The Undersigned’s Jai Sadler
