From performing on the Radio Disney Country stage at CMA Fest to appearances on national television programs and the CMT Awards, to being one of Rolling Stone Country’s Artists to Watch – Jillian Cardarelli has been laying down the foundation for an amazing career in Nashville. When the songstress released the video for her debut single “Rerun” in September 2017, it hit #1 on CMT Music’s fan-voted 12 Pack Countdown only 20 days after its release. Now she’s back with her latest single “I Never Do This” (released 9/13) and headed into the next decade with new music on the way.
We caught up with Jillian to talk about her musical journey, her love of charity and what’s to come in 2020.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
JC: I’m from a small town in Massachusetts. I moved to Nashville six years ago to attend Belmont University and pursue a career in music.
CN: One of your passions is that the art of karate – how long have you been practicing? When did you reach black belt? Are you going to advance further? Will you have to register your hands? (always found that SO amazing!)
JC: I started taking karate lessons when I was eight years old. I reached my black belt during my freshman year in high school. I would love to further advance, and I’ve been researching some dojos in Nashville to continue.
CN: Since we hear you are a fan, let’s talk Star Wars for a minute. Do you have a favorite trilogy/series? Favorite character? Villain?
JC: Favorite trilogy would be the original three: A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. To choose a favorite character is tough, but Han Solo was my first crush when I was a kid.
CN: Did you go to any midnight premieres for the more recent Star Wars movie releases?
JC: Absolutely! I went to the past two midnight releases and I’m planning to go to the premiere of the one coming out in December.
CN: You are involved in several charities in the area (attending events, performing, etc.), including Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee, The Kevin Carter Foundation, PEDIGREE Foundation, Musicians On Call and St. Jude Children’s Hospital. What is it about giving back and these charities specifically that you are important to you?
JC: All of these charities are near and dear to my heart. I think it is so important when you have a platform to give back, that you use it wisely. A great example is what Kevin Carter (former NFL Super Bowl Champion / now CBS Sports Network Analyst), along with his co-host, Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts) do for Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee by hosting their Annual Waiting for Wishes Celebrity Waiters Dinner in Nashville for the past 18 years. That is a true testament of what a celebrity should be doing. It’s wonderful to be a part of organizations and celebrity events that have a passion for their mission!
I love my dog and cats, and PEDIGREE Foundation helps dogs in need find their forever homes. Musicians On Call allows me to go to area hospitals to sing for patients. It is so amazing how music truly does heal!
St. Jude Children’s Hospital is amazing as well. I was able to join their “This Shirt Saves Lives” campaign and toured the hospital this past year. It’s incredible what they are doing to end childhood cancer.
CN: We understand that you are also quite the golfer and participate in charity golf tournaments – to which you just won a tournament in Nashville last month. Congratulations!
JC: Thank you! Golf has been such a passion of mine since I was a little girl. The tournament we won last month was the 2nd Annual Music City Invitational at Legends Club in Franklin to benefit individuals with Down Syndrome. This past year I have also participated in various St. Jude golf tournaments around the country and performed. Any time I can play golf and sing for a great cause, it’s very special to me.
CN: At what age did you discover music?
JC: I started singing around three years old. There might be an embarrassing YouTube video of me singing Elvis at that age that my dad put up years ago.
CN: What was the first album you ever owned?
JC: Elvis Presley self-titled album from 1956.
CN: Which musicians, country or not, have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
JC: Elvis has been my biggest inspiration since I was a little girl. I remember watching his ’68 Comeback on DVD over and over again. In country music, Faith Hill, Shania and Reba are some of my biggest influences as well.
CN: You have credited your grandfather with passing along his love of country music to you, which he himself discovered while stationed in Georgia during WWII. With Veteran’s Day this month, we would like to extend our gratitude for his service. When did you realize that your love for country music would lead to a career?
JC: Thank you so much. My grandpa was such an amazing, kind man and I’m so thankful he passed on his love of country to me. My parents allowed me to dream big and I think that’s so important to have that support system, especially when pursuing something like this. I started taking vocal lessons at age six and performed in church choir and took every opportunity to sing at school functions. I realized it could turn into a career when I was about 16 years old. I had a band from Berklee College of Music and we traveled around performing at all the local and regional fairs and festivals. That was when I really fell in love with performing and I knew I needed to move to Nashville.
CN: “Rerun,” your debut single in 2017, was written by none other than Maren Morris, Tina Parol and Jordan Reynolds. How did you come about this song? Given Maren’s place in the overdue rise of women in country music, what does it mean to you to have recorded the song?
JC: “Rerun” was sent to me from a friend in the industry and I immediately fell in love with it. It means a lot to have recorded and released this song. Simply put, I connect with the lyrics and felt like fans would as well.
CN: As a songwriter, can you take us through your songwriting process? Where do you pull inspiration from?
JC: I love to write about real life experiences, whether that be something I’m going through, a friend or co-writer is going through. When you can speak from the heart, it’s easier to write.
CN: In September you released the single “I Never Do This” and we understand you have new music coming out at the beginning of 2020. Can you tell us a little bit about it?
JC: Yes, I am so excited to have new music out there and can’t wait to share more in 2020! I’m working with Alex Kline, an amazing female producer and I feel like we really found my sound as an artist this past year. I’m so excited for everyone to hear it!
CN: Are both singles part of a bigger release to come?
JC: We have about 5-6 songs we’ll be releasing individually in 2020.
CN: Do you have a dream collaboration in mind?
JC: George Strait
CN: What was the first concert you ever attended?
JC: Alan Jackson
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
JC: Authentic. I try to stay true to myself.
CN: What’s next on the horizon?
JC: I’m excited to be writing new music and releasing it and hitting the road in 2020.
For more information on Jillian Cardarelli, visit her website at www.jilliancardarelli.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.