Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
In town for the summer to promote her new CD The July EP, Berklee College of Music student Jillian Santella offered a powerful solo acoustic set of original music, even managing a sing-along at the end of her ode to teen worship, Me and Maggie. Her captivating vocals, an aural stew of Chrissy Hynde and The Sundays, with a dash of Loretta Lynn, cut through the dense air, signaling folks to get up out of their cars. Perhaps Mother Nature liked what she was hearing, because the rain actually subsided midway through her set. Other highlights from Jillian’s set included, Simply and Take it to the Grave. - Bill McGlone
Jillian maintains all the flavor of a 'today' pop goddess. Thoughtful lyrics and a sweet vocal delivery sets me in the mood to watch a movie of the week with her tunes in the background as a part of the soundtrack. The production of other instrumentation is very nice, tight and non intrusive.
Hit Pick: Why Am I. - Annette Warner, A. Warner Entertainment
I have to applaud someone who has the guts to go up in front of a live audience and sing her soul out. This is why I have such respect for so many...they have depth to their songs, to their music, to their personalities...to themselves... The latest example of this is Jillian Santella, a singer/songwriter from good ol' Long Island itself. You'll see what I mean once you visit her website and purchase one of her CDs. I was really blown away and VERY impressed with the range and depth to her voice... She set the world on fire. Those who have heard her live know what I mean. Kind of like Jewel and Natalie Imbruglia combined I'd say... We have discovered a gifted musician who has a long career ahead of her. - David Spivak, Inked Magazine
This exceptionally elegant ballad reaveals a maturity above and beyond what's expected of a very young singer/songwriter. Jillian Santella creates an exceptionally strong and memorable hook. Her sweet, smooth vocal is a perfect fit for commercial radio. Few listeners will have any trouble relating to lines like 'It's the chaos that I crave' - perfect in their simplicity.
The arrangements building up from piano to electric rock band are tastefully done. Excellent dynamics breaking down to the title line, 'this misery is the company I love.'
Jillian's performance and composition along with the production make this young artist a 'must-listen!' - Jason Didner
Jillian has a powerful pop songwriter style, great voice [and] a great engaging persona. - Dan Herman, Radio Crystal Blue
You'll all be seeing a lot of this talented young lady in gigs to come. She's the real deal. - "HM Dave"
Jillian Santella is a young up and coming singer-songwriter with a pleasant upbeat sound. - Aural Fix Magazine
Discography
The July EP (2004) - Jillian's independently released acoustic debut.
Music75 Compilation One - International compilation released by www.Music75.com. Jillian's song "Why Am I" is featured.
Jillian's music has received airplay on numerous radio and internet radio shows. Featured songs include: "Why Am I", "Sleeping With Shadows", "This Misery", "I Am A Camera", and "Go To The Devil".
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
When Jillian Santella was three years old, she saw Itzhak Perlman on Sesame Street. Already a true Taurus – full of bull, and as stubborn as one, too – she insisted that her mother get her a violin, and she began lessons. As she grew older, Jillian’s tastes stretched and grew, but two things remained constant: her love of music and her need to perform. In addition to violin, she has studied dance (tap and jazz), oboe, acting, voice, piano, and guitar. While she was in high school, Jillian was accepted at the Nassau BOCES Cultural Arts Center. She spent three years there as a musical theater major. By the end of that incredible experience, she realized that while she loved theater, her greatest joy came from writing and performing her own songs. In September of 2001, Jillian began studying at Berklee College of Music, working to find her voice and excel at her craft.
2004 was a big year for Jillian. First, her song Why Am I was selected to be featured on a compilation CD being put out by European based company Music75. In addition, Jillian released her debut EP, The July EP. To promote the stripped down, acoustic CD, she hit the stage solo for the first time. She spent the summer on the stages of New York – all across Long Island, around Brooklyn and Manhattan. She was featured in several showcases by groups such as The Long Island Music Coalition, as well as an art and music show put on by New York’s City Canyons Records. Everywhere she went, she charmed audiences with her winning personality and well-crafted pop/rock songs.
In the winter of 2005, Jillian set out on an acoustic tour, bringing her music to venues from MA to PA and everywhere in between. Once again, after each show, it was relatively impossible to find an audience member not humming one of Jillian’s infectious hooks.
What’s Jillian up to these days? Jillian is living in Boston, writing and recording new material, and preparing to rock your socks off.
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