February 03, 2010

“The best songs ever written are the ones that somehow transcend time and fashion. They may be old, but they haven’t aged. It is that timeless quality that I aspire to in my own songwriting.”
~Jill Barber


Jill Barber is the musical answer for all those who firmly believe they don’t write songs like they used to...her album 'Chances' brings much needed hope to all those old souled romantics.

This sultry Canadian chanteuse has flawlessly picked up the “torch” where the golden age of music left off.

On her latest album Chances, Barber takes a giant step forward from the typical confines of the singer-songwriter role and delivers an album of original, fully orchestrated songs that could be easily mistaken for classics..."Bathed warmly in a champagne glow of lush strings and suave horns...Barber's voice is the sophisticated attraction to a collection of 10 original love songs..." (The Globe & Mail).

Confession...I have been a big fan of Jill Barber for some time [and her equally talented brother Matthew]. Jill has this incredible voice that reminds me of a modern Edith Piaffe. When listening to 'Chances' you are instantly taken back to the days of knickerbockers, saddle shoes, swing skirts and zoot suits. So the geeky fan in me was thrilled at the chance to ask Jill a few questions about her life, her music and of course her brother...

Seeing that you and your brother, Matthew Barber, both ventured into the world of music, was it something instilled in you as you were growing up?
Our parents are not particularly musical, but they encouraged us to explore lots of different activities growing up. Ironically, we both rejected piano lessons early on. It wasn't until we were teenagers and returned to music on our own terms that we both developed a passion for it.

Growing up who were your musical influences?
My brother gave me a copy of Joni Mitchell's Blue for Christmas when I was 15 years old. It was the first time that I had heard a woman sings her own songs. It's the album that made me dream of being a singer-songwriter.

Are you and your brother competitive?
Matt and I have always been incredibly supportive of one another. We like to say we have sibling revelry, instead of rivalry.

'Chances' was a musical departure for you...what made you decide to take that leap in direction...or have you always been a '1940s sultry glam torch singer jazz girl' at heart?
Certainly not! As a young girl I was rather shy and nerdy. I'm sure nobody would have ever predicted a career on the stage for me!
My music has evolved and changed over the years, just as I have. I've always loved old music, and I've always tried to write timeless music.

You worked with Ron Sexsmith on this album...what was that experience like?
It was a really challenging and inspiring experience. It forced me to be a better writer just trying to keep up with him.

'Chances' is all about romance...are you a romantic girl at heart?
I like to think of myself as a "hopeful romantic" rather than a helpless one.
I tend towards a very romantic view of the world, and not just love. There is beauty and romance to be found everywhere if you are the kind of person that looks for it.

When listening to this album I got the impression that you are very confident and self assured [I think you'd have to be to sing songs like that and pull it off as flawlessly as you do]...how do you describe yourself?
I've gained a lot of confidence in recent years through my music career. This is not a business for the weak of heart. I've also learned how to feign confidence, which is a handy skill in this business.

You're engaged to CBC Radio 3 personality Grant Lawrence...what is the most romantic thing he's ever done for you?
Every single time he picks me up from the airport he arrives with a bouquet of flowers... And I do a lot of air travel!

With Valentine's Day just around the corner...what are your favourite romantic love songs?
'Moon River' by Henry Mancini.' At Last' by Etta James and 'All I Want' by Joni Mitchell.

'Chances' was listed at #4 in Spinner.ca Canadian Albums of the Decade...what was your reaction to your album being recognized like that?
I felt very honoured. It's always satisfying to be recognized for my music.

What made you decide to release 'Chances' on vinyl?
I am a vinyl lover and collector. It's long time been a dream of mine to release a record on vinyl, and Chances seemes to make a lot of sense in that format.

Your music...all well with other Canadian artists like that of Michael Bublé, Matt Dusk and relative newcomer Meaghan Smith, is very old skool era inspired...why do you this musical vibe is becoming so popular [seeing that it totally goes against what is on mainstream Top 40]?
As far as I can tell it never went out of style. It amazes me that old standards have stood the test of time, and artists like Ella Fitzgerald and and Louis Armstrong still top the Jazz music charts, long after they're gone.

What artists/songs are you listening to now?
'My One and Only Thrill' by Melody Gardot and 'Pink Strat' by Bahamas are two of my current faves.

And finally because a. he is your brother b. also a fabulous Canadian singer/songwriter c. I may have a tiny crush on him...Any plans on teaming up with him again for a musical collaboration?
Absolutely. Matt and I really enjoy singing together. In fact I sing on his album, True Believer, which is being released on February 23rd. It's his greatest album to date if you ask me.

Here is Jill Barber's video for the title track off of 'Chances' [Directed by Ante Kovac]...




Bsides Jill Barber Giveaway...

Enter here for your chance to win a Jill Barber tote bag filled with Jill Barber's album "Chances" and as well as the rest of her CD catalogue including previous releases, "For All Time" and "Oh Heart"


You can check out more of Jill Barber's music on MySpace and follow her along on Twitter: @jillbarber

February 05, 2010

Often people attempt to live their lives backwards: they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want so that they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then, do what you need to do, in order to have what you want.
~Margaret Young


After I read the latest blog by Sharon DeVellis...I had the word 'inspiration' on my mind for the rest of the day.

Inspiration can be found anywhere...through interaction with the people in our lives, the things we see, the things we read and the music we hear...

So here's to being inspired.  Because musically speaking...everyone needs a 'pick me up' motivational/inspirational track every now and then.

U2 - Beautiful Day
Eminem - Lose Yourself
Nickelback - If Today Were Your Last Day
Miley Cyrus - The Climb
Jimmy Cliff - I Can See Clearly Now
Smashing Pumpkins - Today
Delta Goodrem - Born to Try
Celine Dion - Taking Chances
KT Tunstall - Suddenly I See
Sting - Brand New Day
John Mayer - Waiting On The World To Change
Our Lady Peace - Somewhere Out There
Alicia Keys - Sure Looks Good TO Me
Gavin DeGRaw - I Don't Want to Be
India.Arie - There's Hope
No Doubt - Brand New Day
New Radicals - You Get What You Give
OneRePublic - All We Are
Ron Sexsmith - Happiness
Josh Kelley - Just To Be Me
Sense Field - Save Yourself
Anna Nalick - Breathe (2AM)
Coldplay - Viva la Vida
The Fray - How to Save a Life
Tupac - Changes
Dave Matthew’s Band - When the World Ends
Switchfoot - Dare You to Move
Good Charlotte - Hold On
Jack's Mannequin - The Resolution
Michou - Growing Younger
Bon Jovi - It's My Life
The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony

And my favourite...it might be a song filled with predictable clichés but it's a great song to wake up to...because this mummy is all about new days and clean slates and endless possibilities.

Natasha Bedingfield - Unwritten