This Friday, the 14th of March, is the first outing of my new project Intah. I am so excited to be embarking on this sonic path with Martin Reisle on cello and vocals, and Jordan Barnes-Crouse crafting soundscapes and textures. Please join us in witnessing the beginning of a new musical chapter that will evolve to deepen my ties to the sweet and eerie, the spacious and odd.
Hope to see you this Friday at Merge.
First I napped in search of my fading voice. Followed my breath through dreams hoping my lost falsetto would be found. Instead it stayed gobbled up by a cough but I went to The Railway Club well rested. I was quoted by a friend for musing loudly on mic that
“I feel like you will all find my flaws to be charming; you must all be artists.”
Ms. Jhayne deemed it the quote of the night and so I trust that it made my raspy, cough eaten voice more charming, somehow.
Jeff Andrew released his new EP!
And then High Society delivered on sass and dance floor absurdity!
It was a good way to spend a Wednesday night. Truly.
Tiny Lights Festival in Ymir, BC started the summer off so beautifully that it truly feels like an endless summer. The festival happens on the second weekend of June in a small town in the Kootenays and is without a doubt a special and inspiring time. Here are some quick snippets of sights witnessed at one of my favorite festivals in Canada.
Christa Couture sings true and open.
Ymir Hotel proprietor mixing our chosen poisons.
Rosie Delight graces the Adult Stage.
Mind of a Snail!
There is so much to get caught up on with you all but alas the minutes are cramped and so just a quick post to show off some beautiful posters for some fantastic shows I will be a part of in Vancouver this June.
Ready?
Tom Waits Tribute night at The Rio on June 6th! Get your tickets here.
and
I will be performing at Gallery1965 on the SOLSTICE (June 21st)! Working out some super mystical music for that one.
Hope to see you out at either of these fantastic events. They will likely be my last performances in Vancouver until September!
Much love,
Jess Hill
This coming week the delightful and charming Christa Couture and I are taking to the road for some springtime gallivanting. We will be gracing stages in Penticton, Coldstream, Kaslo, Kimberley, and Nelson.
I will have copies of my new EP with me. Each of them signed and numbered – only 100 to go around…..and less than that now.
Tell your friends and lovers, tell your sisters and brothers!
Thursday April 25 – The Elite, Penticton BC, with Deanna Maggie
http://www.facebook.com/events/323909844399016/
Doors 8:00, show 9:00, $8
Friday April 26 – Friesen’s, Coldstream BC, with Lowell Friesen
http://www.facebook.com/events/123480397844417/
Doors 6:30, show 7:00, $10
Saturday April 27 – Bluebelle Bistro, Kaslo BC
Sunday April 28 – Driftwood House Concert, Kimberley BC. Private.
Monday April 29 – House Concert, Nelson BC
https://www.facebook.com/events/128265827365054/
xo
Jess
P.S. I have been doing a bit of processing in the realm of the heart and thus the release recap and the Toronto tales have yet to find their way into print. Soon. By the new moon of spring I promise, when I return from this tour I will share my remembrances on the last few months.
…coming as soon as I put my house back together. 😉
Some quick links and lines coming in about the new EP.
~ Today CBC Radio 3 added tomorrows release party to their TOP 5 GIGS in Canada this weekend!
~ New Canadian Music Blog called the EP a triumph! (woah!)
and
~ I did an interview with Torontonicity about music and life and goals.
It’s been a good week for 5 old songs and fresh feelings.
xo
jess hill
When I set out to record the songs that make up the Pieces EP, I hadn’t considered the emotional terrain I would be required to traverse following it’s release. The EP was released this past Tuesday, to what has been an unbelievably warm and enthusiastic response and somehow in the wake of it I find myself afloat and disoriented, as if I am dangling from a great height precariously, on the eve of the release party.
Such bright lights cast such stark and stunning shadows. The movement from the places of logical and strategic decision making required to plan recordings, releases etc. to the counter points of vulnerability and fragility required to remain open and present for the performing and presentation of said recordings has caused me to contemplate the origins of the songs and my feelings surrounding the notion of being strong where matters of the heart are concerned.
I keep tracing my thoughts and questioning in a loop that leads me, inevitably, to planting my feet firmly in the belief that vulnerability is a strength that holds great potential and power. This thought moves me to open the floodgates further and push on.
In a lot of ways the release of this EP finds me recalibrating my knowledge of self. Remembering my comfort in this world….embracing the threads of familiarity. I took a long break from the level of whirlwind sharing and immense intimacy that performing and sharing invite into one’s life. At times even the kindest response can feel so overwhelming, and make the assured decision to be open and present and appreciative, leave me feeling like a deer in headlights. All of this is also forcing me remember how to ask for help. How to assemble a team out of my community and not feel like I am burdening the people I cherish.
In retrospect I feel a bit naive that I didn’t imagine the possible emotional upheaval that comes with digging up your history in song……opening the attic windows and shining the spotlight on to the dust and shadows is proving to be an illuminating experience, like holding a million little mirrors up to my heart so that I can reflect upon it’s current trajectory.
After a walk and some tears tempered by the cold and pollen laced air here in Vancouver it’s clear that I am elated to spend the next little while dancing in the dust shower below the lights glow.
See you tomorrow, fellow dreamers! Thank you for continuing to make room for me and my little songs in your hearts. I feel so blessed to feel so overwhelmed. Tomorrow night is ours!
xo
jess hill
In celebration of the already SOLD OUT release party I offer you a stream of the new EP.
Feeling so thrilled about tomorrows rehearsal with some of the gents from MARIA IN THE SHOWER!
Sweetness abounds! There is much to do!
Jess Hill 
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