Jillian Lake Shares New Single, “Worse”
Vancouver’s Jillian Lake has unveiled the new single, “Worse,” from the upcoming metamorphic EP, which was recorded with David Vertesi (Haley Blais’ “Wisecrack”), and Jon Anderson (Andy Shauf, Foxwarren, Ocie Elliott, Field Guide, Aidan Knight) and mixed by Philip Shaw Bova (Feist, Bahamas, Father John Misty, Angel Olsen).
First off care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello! I’m Jillian! I’m an artist in Vancouver, originally from a small town outside of Edmonton. I like to mix genres of indie/folk/rock/pop, as most of the music I make is a product of the feelings that just come out in the moment – very emotion-based – which can be unpredictable. I have a couple of self-made EPs, Honey, and Attics, and a full-length album out, Younger Then and have been working on lots of new music I’m excited to share. I spent last summer touring Europe, and it was a dream. I hope to keep exploring feelings and projects and collaborating with as many artists as I can.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
I’m really excited to be releasing some new music. I’ve been writing a lot and recording over the last year and ‘Worse’ will be the first single with more music coming soon behind it! I feel like every time I make music I learn more about myself and get closer and closer to making the music I want to be making. ‘Worse’ is my anthem for all the people pleasers out there. This is something I struggle with a lot – and I wanted a playful reminder to be more unapologetic. I wrote this song thinking about being a woman in the male-dominated music industry. Balancing my imposter syndrome with all the big egos.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
It’s always different. Usually, it starts with me on the piano or guitar just spewing out my feelings in the moment. It’s usually something that’s been clogging up my mind that needs to come out. I see how far I can get with that. Sometimes the whole song comes out, sometimes it’s just 5 verses and no chorus, sometimes it’s just a snippet. I then come back to it a couple of times and then bring it into the studio where the collaboration of other instruments and ideas all comes together and gives it a new life.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
Yes! Very excited – have a couple of shows I’m working out that I will announce soon. My next single will also have a music video that I spent a week in my hometown shooting last month and it is so special to me I am so excited to share. Keep your eyes peeled as I’ve got lots coming!
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
I’m pretty hard on myself and usually by the time I accomplish one of my goals I already have 5 more that I’m mad I haven’t achieved yet but I’m trying to step back and have some perspective and remember that at one point the things I’m doing now were my absolute dream – and I’m doing it – so I have to enjoy. I would say my first Europe tour was pretty special and something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I also enjoy making music videos so so much and this last one we made (that will be released soon for my next single) was truly one of my favourite creative experiences to date.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
I would say I am biased because they are my friends but I honestly love the music they make so: The Velveteins, Steph Irene, and anything that Sam Lynch does I adore.