Jillian Dawn
I got to talk to Jillian Dawn about her musical journey, her latest EP how simple this all started and her spring/summer tour.
Based in Nashville, Jillian Dawn is first and foremost, a storyteller. She’s an artist who delivers songs that come from the heart, an artist who knows how to convey emotion and sincerity into her songwriting and performances. Her latest EP completely showcases what I’ve just mentioned and I suggest you go take a listen if you haven’t yet :) Jillian Dawn is a beautiful talent, that’s for sure.
She is currently on tour. Click here to grab your tickets !
Photo credit: @susiemckeon
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
A great place to start! I am singer-songwriter, artist, and part-time balloon animal enthusiast, Jillian Dawn Hobaica. I grew up with my parents and two younger sisters in Mansfield, Massachusetts, just about 40 minutes south of Boston. Singing the National Anthem when I was about 5 years old was the first real moment I fell in love with music - and I explored many other things, like dance, theater, and sports, before finding my true passion in songwriting at 12.. It became my outlet for the woes of adolescence; I turned to songwriting when my heart was broken, when I was extremely happy, and throughout all of life’s ups and downs. In high school I recorded and released two EPs, and decided to go to the University of Miami Frost School of Music to pursue my career further. It was during my time at UM when I discovered my true sound. My artistry would not look or sound like it does if it weren’t for my fellow classmates and peers. I dug deeper into my lyrical and melodic abilities and unearthed the acoustic, soul-driven pop sound that I have today. My debut album, 20/20, is a collection of songs I had written during my first 3 years at UM. After graduating, I released an EP last year titled “how simple this all started”, which reflected on how far I’d come as an artist, songwriter, and person. It was around this time that I took the plunge and moved to Nashville, TN. Since arriving, I’ve played at Whiskey Jam, the Listening Room Cafe, the Analog, and many more stages that remind me why I love what I do. I signed with FRNDLY Media in March 2022 and have been having a blast with the team so far! Between meeting new people, writing with great artists, and building my repertoire, my time in Nashville has been nothing less than thrilling and I am so excited for what comes next. Phew, I think that’s it!
What did you grow up listening to?
Lots of Taylor Swift (I grew up in a house with all girls - how could I not?). My parents are big country fans so I’d spend summers listening to Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, and anybody on country radio. When I started developing my own playlists and libraries, they consisted of The 1975, Sara Bareilles, The Killers, even some musical theater albums. My taste in music definitely varies, and I think the various genres collaborate so perfectly within the music I write and create. I’m sure you’ll be able to hear all those influences as you listen.
When did you start writing songs?
I wrote my first song on the bus with my neighbor when I was about 10 I think? I didn’t take it seriously until I was 12/13. The first song I can actually remember was called “Coming Back”. It was about not backing down after rejection - I don’t know what kind of rejection a 12 year old could go through to cause THAT significant of an impact but I’ve always had a wild imagination.
When did you know you could sing?
I’ve been singing since I was about 5, but I’d say I really started believing in myself when I was in middle school. I started doing theater and entered school talent shows and thought “oh yeah, I’m definitely better at this than sports. I should put my energy into this.”
What gave you the confidence to be an artist and release your original music?
Honestly, I think the reaction my friends and family had towards my music was what made me feel like I could do this. My parents are my biggest supporters; I wouldn’t be doing this without their belief in me. Although most of my music is about personal experience, the fact that others connect to it and ask for more is what’s keeping me going to this day.
Who was the first person to ever believe in you?
My parents 100%.
how simple this all started is your latest project - what did you learn about yourself after releasing this EP?
I learned that sometimes you have to let go when releasing music and not concern yourself with numbers. I’d been holding onto those tracks for about a year and just wanted them out in the world. I make music because it feels good to me; I never expect it to be top of the charts or go viral - only become the best art I can create. All I can do is hope it touches other people the same way it has touched me and I’ve felt that so specifically with my latest project.
You're going ready to go back on tour this summer - how does it feel like? What can we expect to see during this tour?
Oh I am SO excited for this summer. I’ve only been to LA once for a vacation, so I’m excited to experience it in the music realm. I also have a ton of friends out there that I can’t wait to reconnect with. You can expect some new tunes, probably some awkward banter, definitely a little bit of swearing, and maybe some stickers? I don’t know, you’re just gonna have to come to a show and find out!
What do you like the most about performing?
Sometimes, in a few of my songs, the audience gets extremely quiet and really listens; there’s a pause when I finish before people understand it’s okay to clap. If I could bottle a moment, it would be that one. I love knowing/feeling that people connect with my music without them actually TELLING me they do; that silence alone makes me feel like I’m doing something worthwhile.
Why do you make music? What keeps you going?
I make music for myself, for my friends, and for my fans. I’ve been in this business for over 10 years now; I’ve received both constructive and destructive criticism that could scare anybody into backing out. My personal circle of people have put too much time and effort into supporting me for me to just give up. The best thing is when I get a message from a fan or somebody comes up to me after a gig to let me know that they resonate with my songs; that alone is the biggest push an artist can get to keep moving forward.
What does singing make you feel?
Singing makes me feel free and most like myself.
As an artist, what is the hardest part? And what is the best part?
I’d say the hardest part is finding consistency with a brand. I am so many different things and I evolve along with my music; showing that on paper can be difficult. The best part is when I meet people in real life and they realize that I am just a girl in her 20s from Massachusetts who excessively rambles on when bantering and making music. Because at my core, I am just like every other 20 something; I’m trying to navigate my place in this world without completely losing my mind!
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
I appreciate the accessibility of today’s industry; everybody and anybody could blow up at the press of a button. TikTok and social media have created a streamlined channel for artist breakthroughs and that is amazing. I will say, it is really hard to keep up with that kind of accessibility. Music is constantly being released and poured into the universe, while I tend to take more time to craft my art, so sometimes I feel like I am behind.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
More kindness. Treating people the way you want to be treated. Choosing love over hate. These are all cliches but I try to implement them into my everyday life because they are the truth. Also free Starbucks on Fridays - I feel like that’s a cause we could all get behind.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
When I was in middle school, I really wanted this part in a school play. I worked my ass off and thought my audition went really well, but I didn’t get it. I was HEARTBROKEN. I even asked my teachers what I could do to get better. By not getting that part, my teachers taught me the most important lesson that I would carry with me to this day; you will not get every opportunity. You need to make the most of every situation, even if it’s not the outcome you wanted. You learn from every experience, good or bad, and only you can manage how you react. Since then, I have been rejected and criticized a countless amount of times, but I have never tapped out. You never know when that real, life-changing opportunity will come along, so you just have to stay the course.
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