GILLIAN
Singer/songwriter GILLIAN reveals new single “High”.
Produced by Sergio Sanchez, “High” tells the story of how addiction can affect a relationship.
“I took true emotions I was feeling in a relationship and created a story with them,” says GILLIAN.
The Boston-based artist released her debut EP, Unfiltered independently last year. The lead single “What It Felt Like” reached over 200k streams on Spotify.
“High” is the first single off GILLIAN’s upcoming album 3AM , due for release this Summer.
Stream “High” now on major streaming platforms.
Photo credit: Jenn Curtis
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
I’m Gillian! Ever since I was little, I’ve loved music. I started taking piano lessons when I was four, guitar lessons when I was twelve, and I’ve been singing ever since I can remember. Music has always been a huge part of my life. Outside of music, I love fashion, horror movies, and hanging out with my close friends.
Could you describe your childhood a little bit?
I grew up in Massachusetts with my brother and my parents, and my brother and I have always been super close. He’s two years older than me and, when he started playing piano at age six, I followed his lead. He inspires me every day. I went to public school up until sixth grade, when I transferred to an all girls prep school. In eighth grade, I transferred again to a co-ed prep school, and I’ve been there ever since. The workload is heavy to say the least, but I adore all of my friends there.
When did you start feeling connected to music?
Ever since I was a little girl, I would walk around the house singing. I think that taking piano lessons at such a young age really inspired me, and so did having teachers that made me love music. Artists like Taylor Swift inspired me to write songs at a young age too.
How would you define GILLIAN, the artist?
I try to be as authentic as possible when it comes to my music and who I portray myself as through it. Though Gillian the artist is a more dramatic and confident version of who I am, I think that my artist persona comes from my true self.
Who was the first person to ever believe in you?
My parents and brother. Ever since I was little, they have been my biggest supporters. Through my best songs and my worst, they have known every lyric.
"High" is your first single of the year. How does it feel like to release new music?
It feels so good to release music I am so unbelievably proud of. “High” is one of my favorite songs off of my upcoming album, 3AM, and I can’t wait to share it with others. Music has always been a sort-of therapy for me, so I hope that my songs can provide that for someone.
What's the inspiration behind "High"?
“High” takes emotions that I was feeling in a moment, amplifies them, and builds a story. At the time, I was feeling like my relationship was one-sided, and that my boyfriend at the time was too busy partying to be there for me when I needed him. I took these emotions and crafted the story of “High” with them.
Who helped you create "High"? How was the songwriting/production process?
I wrote “High” mostly alone, but my friends did help write some lyrics. The production is where the song really came alive. I write all of my songs acoustically, either on piano or guitar. “High” was originally only on piano. My producer, Sergio Sanchez, and engineer, Brandon Blanchard, made the song what it is. Writing the harmonies and riffs was a collaborative effort between us three, and they made the production of the song so unique and special.
What made you want to release "High" as a single?
I think that “High” really captures the vibe of the album overall. It feels dark and angsty, which is definitely an overarching theme throughout 3AM. “High” has also always been one of my favorite songs from the album.
What do you like the most about this song?
I think that my favorite part of “High” is the lyrics. They are true and authentic, and they are some of my favorite lyrics on the album. “High” also has a super unique sound and vibe to it, which I also love.
What can you tell us about your upcoming album?
3AM is very real and authentic. As I previously mentioned, it has a dark and powerful sound. The album definitely has its ups and downs, with sadness, to anger, to joy. Overall, I am so proud of 3AM and I can’t wait for the rest of the world to hear it.
Who's helping you shape your sound and artistry?
My producer and engineer really helped shape the sound of 3AM, and even parts of my writing style after we finished recording the album. I think that the biggest people shaping my artistry are the artists that I listen to. Everyday I’m inspired by listening to artists like Amy Winehouse and Taylor Swift.
What does songwriting make you feel?
Songwriting has always been a release and an outlet for me to channel my emotions. As I mentioned, I listen to music as therapy. If my music can make even just one person feel less alone or more understood, that would be a dream come true.
Any favorite songwriters?
I’ve already mentioned them both, but Taylor Swift has inspired me since I was a little girl, and, as I got older, I’ve fallen in love with Amy Winehouse and her amazing, authentic lyrics.
What's the best part about being an artist? And what's the hardest part?
The best part of being an artist is getting to share my music with others. The joy that comes from music is truly incredible, and it’s amazing that people can find joy in my music. The hardest part is bringing my authentic, vulnerable emotions from where I write them on my bedroom floor into a studio and, eventually, into the world. Releasing an album can sometimes feel like publishing a diary.
What are your thoughts on today's global situation? How are you holding up?
Though this is a very hard time for everyone, I think that it is also an opportunity. The time that we have all gained can be used for self-reflection. Personally, I have been trying to work on my own sustainability to preserve our earth. I think that it is important to take advantage of a time like this, rather than letting the negatives drag us down.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
I think that we should all be more aware of others, and we should try to put more positivity out into the world. On the internet especially, I see people preach “girls supporting girls” all the time, just for the same people to go on to tear another girl down. In times like these, it is imperative that we support each other rather than tearing each other down.
What message do you want to give to the world?
I want anyone who is struggling to know that, even though it sounds cliche, you are absolutely not alone and there are people who love you. There will be an end to the chaos in the world right now. In the meantime, we must use coping mechanisms, such as music, art, or whatever you enjoy, to get through these difficult times.
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