YPDaily: Jill Barber

Jill Barber is a 31-year-old musician and Queen’s University grad she’s also Matt Barber‘s sister, one of our YPs from last week. Her day-to-day can see her anywhere from the studio to driving down the highway in a tour bus to standing on stage in front a roaring audience. Find out more about this chanteuse in today’s YPDaily.

Elevator Pitch: Describe what you do in a nutshell.
I am a modern day torch singer performing original material reminiscent of classic standards.

Why did you head into the entertainment business? What was the inspiration for this career route?
Music is my passion. It is both what I do and who I am in life, so I was determined make it my livelihood. Also, it’s one of the few career choices where you’re allowed to drink on the job.

What lifestyle adjustments have you had to make as a result of being in this business?
I am constantly on the road, touring both nationally and internationally. I’ve had to get used to sleeping in different hotel rooms each night (some of them less swanky than others), and being away from home and my husband on a regular basis.

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is being up on stage each night playing music with my band and experiencing the magical energy of a live audience. The most challenging part is getting from one stage to the next, lugging gear, long days in a touring van, and frustrating sound checks.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Continuing to build a fan base in Canada and abroad, and touring in support of future records. I would like to have more of a presence in Europe, the US and Asia.

Jill Barber

What does success look like to you?
Success in the music business means getting to make a decent living being a musician and doing what you love as your job.

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Performing a concert backed by the Nova Scotia Symphony Orchestra. It was the most musically powerful experience I’ve ever had.

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
The music business is a labour of love…and an exercise in patience. It takes a lot of hard work and a really long time to build a sustainable career in music. Too often we get fooled by flash-in-the-pan type reality shows like American Idol that would have you believe you can be an overnight success.

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
A few years ago I teamed up with the CBC and two other artists (Rose Cousins and Meaghan Smith) to make a fundraising Christmas CD. It has raised over $200, 000 for Feed Nova Scotia. I am also involved with the Save Your Skin Foundation, helping to raise awareness about sun protection and melanoma.

What is Notable to you?
Professionals that follow their heart and lead by example, and anyone that has maintained a successful career in the arts.