Spotlight: Jillian Rossi

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Spotlight: Jillian Rossi

In this edition of Spotlight: Jillian Rossi, we sit down with the rising pop sensation to explore her heartfelt musical journey, from viral success to her evolving sound. Known for her raw, emotional lyrics and powerhouse vocals, Jillian opens up about the personal stories that fuel her songwriting, the challenges of building a music career in the digital age, and what fans can expect next. Whether you’re a longtime listener or just discovering her work, this conversation reveals the passion and perseverance behind the artist on the rise.

What got you started in music?

I actually started out playing the viola. Where I’m from, you have to pick an instrument to study in 3rd grade and that’s what I chose. I was pretty good but gave it up to really focus on singing once I could. I started taking singing lessons when I was 10 and wrote my first original song at 13.

Who are some of the out of the box people that influence your sound today?

Not sure if these are out of the box but being from Long Island, Billy Joel has always influenced me to tell a story in my songwriting. Another artist I grew up listening to was Blackbear. As much as his music is different from mine, I think he’s a melodic genius and I’ve been inspired by his signature runs and riffs.

Your recent release of “and then there’s you..” is out now. How did this one come together?

Yes! “and then there’s you…” is one of my favorite songs I’ve put out so far. The idea stemmed from a combination of average looking men in Hollywood being in relationships with beautiful women and a guy I used to talk to. He told me when he showed his friends pictures of the girls that liked him they always responded with “Damn, I don’t know how you do it, bro” lol. He’s the worst but I would be lying if I said he wasn’t the majority of the inspiration behind this upcoming project. I brought the idea into a session in NYC with my close collaborators Greer Baxter and Dom Florio and the magic just happened. When the 3 of us work everything comes together so quickly yet so perfectly. We’ve done around 5-6 songs together and I’m releasing almost all of them on this project.

What is your process like when putting together a project like this?

It took me a while to find my favorite co-writers and producers but once I did it helped my work sound much more cohesive. Something that was important to me for this project was to write with the people I felt close to but also to write by myself like I did when I was in high school. Two songs on the project are 100% written by me and I’m really proud of that. I love co-writing but when I was putting together this project writing alone was necessary for me.

How do you think your music has evolved from lets say 2022’s Gemini until now?

Oh, so much! Like I’ve said, I think I’ve really found my sound and my people. I am a lot more fulfilled making the music I’m currently working on for many reasons. My life has changed drastically since 2022. I’m single, I have a team that really respects me and cares about my well-being and creativity, and I’m not only focused on trying to have a viral moment. As nice as it is when it happens, I’m only releasing music I love and if it hits on the internet then that’s a plus.

How do you battle things like writer's block and putting yourself into your music?

I definitely have struggled with writer’s block when it comes to lyrics or a topic for a song if nothing crazy is going on in my life. I think an easy way to get through that is to write with/for other artists to change it up a bit. I never really struggle to find melodies so I take that strength into different rooms as a songwriter outside of my artist project.

How would you like to see things evolve in the next lets say 5 years in the music industry?

I would like to see talent become the most important factor for success. I would like to see money and nepotism take a back seat and have some incredible talent rise. Of course there are situations where both of those things can exist at the same time but yeah, it would be nice to see musical talent at the forefront. I also would like for it to become a safer place for women. Almost every woman I know in this industry has at least one story of a man crossing a line in some way. It’s very upsetting and needs to change.

How was it getting to tour with Madison Beer this year?

Truly amazing! It was one of the best experiences in my life and I’ll never forget it.

What are some of the things you took away from watching her do her thing?

The way she captures the audience and connects with her fans is really inspiring. She’s also always had an it factor where people really look up to her and want to learn more. Her music is very cool and it was very fun being able to hear it live every night on tour!

What is one thing you think should be asked more in an interview that isn't asked enough?

“What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever heard while working in the music industry?” I could think of many answers to that one but I will keep them to myself for now, lol.

What do you hope people take away from your music?

I hope that people can find comfort in my music, whether they need to cry to a ballad or scream one of my witty man-hating upbeat songs.

If you had to introduce your music to a new fan who's never heard of you, what is the first song they should listen to?

Definitely “Not My Man”! It’s my favorite song of mine and I truly believe it’s a hit. I’m not sure when it’s going to change my life forever but I have faith it will one day.

What are some of the future milestones you are looking to hit next?

Some future milestones I’m looking to hit are doing a headline tour, having another song on the Spotify Viral 50, and continuing to put out my best work as I roll out this project.

Last but not least, Are you Happy?

Yes! I’d say overall at this point in my life, I am happy.

Spotlight: Jillian Rossi has concluded and big thanks to Jillian for taking the time to chat

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