If you’re a fan of local singer/songwriter Jill Zmud‘s work, you’ve got until the end of the day to jump in and support her indiegogo campaign. Her new record is a bit of an homage to an uncle she met for the first time through his recordings. It’s a fascinating story and we caught up with Jill to quickly give us the run-down of her project and the campaign. You can find all the details online here.
Apt613: Can you tell us a bit more about your Uncle Eddie?
Jill: never had a chance to meet my Uncle Ed Clynton… but growing up, I was steeped in stories about him and the mystery of him. He was in the band Witness Inc. in the 60’s and 70’s, and so I heard about his musical success, tales of touring with Roy Orbison and the band’s songs on the radio. I also know that at the time he was kind of a rebel: the long hair and leather jacket thing wasn’t the norm at the farm. But when I found his notebooks and saw how we worked, I realized how organized he was, and how hard he worked at the craft. And when I heard his voice… it was incredible. That was a magical moment, and opened up a whole world in itself. In his voice, you can hear that combination of world-weariness and fragility that seems much older than 28 years old. I imagine him in his Toronto apartment, recording those songs in his apartment on that reel-to-reel, with dreams of seeing those songs take flight. I guess that’s why it’s so powerful to see what’s happening now… kind of like I was supposed to find that reel and those notebooks. And maybe give his story new life.
Apt613: How is this all working it’s way into your new record?
Jill: First of all, a few of the songs just leapt out from the reel, songs that I knew I wanted to cover, “New Jersey Turnpike” being one of them. But when I was thinking about my uncle and that tape, it got me thinking about all the things we leave behind, and how we connect to those who have passed before us. I lost my father not long after I’d found the tape, so my grief over that was also playing a role here… but I found I was finding all these connections between my own story, my dad’s, and my uncle’s. And some of the lyrics my uncle had written started inspiring new songs. So the album is a combination of all of those things: songs I’d written to work through my own loss, songs inspired by my uncle’s lost chances, and then two songs of my uncle’s as well. And there you have it, Small Matters of Life and Death.
Apt613: How has crowd-funding worked for you? How has the community reacted?
Jill: What an amazing experience! I was so reluctant to do it, and I don’t know why, exactly. I think it was the fear that no one would take any interest and that it would sit there, saying “You’ve earned $50” for weeks and weeks. And instead… well, it’s hard to explain or put into words. It’s like all these people, friends and strangers, make you feel like your quest matters. They care about your story. I have heard from people who knew my uncle, people who related to the stories, and people who just wanted to hear the next album. And it’s remarkable to think, hey, if a whole bunch of people get together, all giving a little, that can actually make a lot.
Apt613: You’ve got some pretty sweet rewards (example: Fiasco!). Is Alan upset only one person grabbed his one act play so far?
Jill: Fiasco is really fun (and I don’t like games/board games). Friends of ours gave it to Alan on his birthday and we’ve had the best time every time we’ve played it. For people who don’t know, it’s a role-playing game, but where you create a Coen Brothers style movie over the course of a few hours… it is really hilarious. So we thought, who knows? Maybe three people will get together and bid on that prize. No takers yet though. But when it comes to the one-act play… ha, no Alan is not upset. I think he’s pleased we raised the money and so far he only has to write one play! I encourage people of Ottawa to get that perk and make him sweat.
Apt613: Any baby names picked yet?
Jill: Not yet! There is a shortlist though. And I’m pleased to say we seem to agree on names. No major fights to report.
Apt613: If readers are new to your music, can you describe your work?
Jill: I guess it’s a little bit grit, a little bit gospel. My uncle’s 1960’s Fender Tele, playing country with soul. And stories from the heart… I guess sometimes those stories hurt, but a lot of time they’re the stuff that heals, too.
.gif)