Stinger Press
Born and raised in Quispamsis and Saint John, Jill Godin has made our city extremely proud with her recent accomplishments through the national “It’s Your Shot” contest by Universal Music. From Saint John Idol, to large productions with Imperial Theatre, to pub shows around the city, Jill has taken every opportunity possible to expose herself through the Saint John music scene. She took the time to talk to Stinger Press about her experiences and future goals.
Q: First of all, I understand you were recently the recipient of an amazing opportunity through the "It's Your Shot" Competition. Congratulations, and for those who haven't heard, could you elaborate on what the competition is and what you have been rewarded with?
A: It's your shot is an undiscovered talent contest by Slaight music and universal music. The prize is 50K in services which includes song recoding, artist development, marketing sales, press promotion, tour support, social networking, photo sessions and performance on the Canada's walk of fame "emerging artists’ stage".
A: I will miss writing with some talented artists and my family and friends being a part of my shows. It was so quaint having pub shows with people there to support me and listen to my music. It was really appreciated. I'd thank my mom but she's coming with (haha). I definitely owe thanks to my singing teacher of nine years, Tammy Page, and to the imperial theatre (RockIt) summer camp which I was a student of for eight years.
Q: So you will be moving to Toronto soon - what do you think you will miss most from the Saint John music scene? Are there any local roots you can thank for where you are today?
Q: It seems like you have been working with some bigger names lately - have you met any new people recently who have been making big contributions to the work you are doing currently?
A: Well, I met the CEO of universal Canada, Randy Lennox and the CEO of Slaight music, Gary Slaight and their teams. Randy is an inductee of the Canada music hall of fame. His label is home to artists such as Drake, Justin Bieber, Arcade Fire and Shania Twain. As for Slaight music, it was founded by Gary Slaight and Derrick Ross. Gary Slaight is one of the top 25 riches people in Canada and he is my financial backer. I am so honored to be working with him. Derrick is the creator of DMD Entertainment- one of Canada's strongest radio promotion and marketing companies. Basically his company makes sure that your song gets on the radio. He was also in a platinum recording band called The Spoons! Mike Klose of Neverest has also been a great contributor to getting me to the next level by producing and recording my demos.
Q: How long exactly have you considered yourself an artist? I'm sure you have been singing from a very young age, but when exactly did you begin getting sets at local venues, performing with other local players, etc.?
A: I've never really considered myself anything but an artist. For my whole life I've always done artistic things like painting, singing, photography, jewelry making, knitting, etc. I've done pretty much a little bit of everything. I was briefly in a band two years ago that allowed me to perform in pubs, festivals and outdoor stages. It was a great opportunity and gave me a lot of good memories while learning to perform on stage with someone else.
Q: Thinking back to those performances, how do you think you have improved? What do you believe brought you to the level you're at today?
A: I believe every performance can teach you something. Whether it's making up your own lyrics on the spot when you forget them or how to carry on after hitting yourself in the face with a microphone. Never taking no for an answer and surrounding myself with good people went a long way to my success. If I gave up every time I didn't win a competition, wrote a bad song or hit a bad note I wouldn't have gotten where I am. Having good people in my life to cushion every blow and pick me up is something I've always appreciated and has been the foundation for my music. My family would say "you don't know what success is until you experience failure." I think that's very important.
Q: Going as far back as you can remember, who or what truly inspired you to reach for where you are today? Was there an up-there celebrity, a member of your family, etc.?
A: I was three years old when my mom came into my room and I was crying she asked me what was wrong and I said 'I don't want to tell you' she asked what was wrong and I said ' I can sing mom... I can really sing.' I was so scared for some reason, but she never discarded the fact I wanted to be a singer. It was something we both knew for a very long time. She never told me I wasn't good enough or I couldn't do it. She brought me to every singing lesson, every talent show, and every performance I ever had. She'd even watch me perform Britney Spears 'concerts' I'd put on in my basement with my disco ball karaoke machine. My mom and my music are the two most constant things in my life- I love her.
Q: What do you think is most rewarding about being a part of the music business? Have you had the opportunity to feel that yet?
A: Definitely something very rewarding for me is seeing an idea in my head go from an idea, to a lyric, to a melody, to a song, then to a final recorded product. Hearing that song for the very first time completely finished is such a magical feeling. Having people I don't know say positive things like "I love your lyrics" and "I've had your song stuck in my head all day" is something that I've never experienced before. When I was at Wendy's eating with my family this girl came up to me and said "Excuse me are you Jill Godin?" When I said yes she asked me to take a picture with her before I go because she loves my music. That was definitely the first time I got to experience anything like that.
A: For short term I'm moving to Toronto at the beginning of March to be closer to my label and to allow me to have writing sessions with artists from the area. For instance, Liz Rodriguez who co-wrote Survival by Eminem off his new album. Long term I hope to be established, touring, branching out into fashion, maybe restaurants? I'm still planning. I hope to have a couple hit songs and be doing the best that a possibly can at that time.
Q: Short term and long term, what is your current foresight for your career?
Q: Would you have any important advice to give to a local artist who is aspiring to do significant things with their music career in the future?
A: Currently I'm in artist development which could take 8 months to year if things go well so I'll be doing a lot of writing and a lot of demos but until then all updates will be announced through my Facebook page.
Q: Is there anything that fans of yours should be looking forward to? Where can we find your music next?
A: Just take advantage of every single opportunity even if you think it's pointless. It's probably not pointless. Anything that gets you exposed and make you gain experience is something you must do. I try and do one thing every single day to work toward my music career. Whether it's practicing singing, writing a song, looking up inspirations, or even daydreaming etc. Anything that will take me a little bit further and help me grow as an artist is worth my while. If you really want it, then it should be on your mind every day.
