Jill Paquette

One to Watch: Jill Paquette By Jessica Robin

CCM: Growing up in Canada, did you visit the United States often?

Jill: I think the one time I had been to the States, I was in grade 10 maybe, and we went to Jesus Northwest in Vancouver, Washington. But touring [with Matt Brouwer] was really the first time I had been in the States. We went [as far south as] San Diego. It’s beautiful down there; that place has so much vibe.

CCM: Did you learn to surf?

Jill: Uh, no. I’m so scared of sharks. They would come for me, I am convinced.

CCM: Are you shark bait?

Jill: (laughing) Yeah, I’ve got "shark bait" written all over me.

CCM: What is the strangest question you’ve been asked about being Canadian?

Jill: Somebody asked me if we had Christmas up in Canada. I didn’t have anything witty to say, so I just gave them a blank look and tried to be nice. Yeah, we do have Christmas. We live closer to Santa anyway (laughs)! I don’t know why they were thinking we don’t have Christmas.

CCM: I know you love the outdoors, so is there any place you are dying to visit?

Jill: I would love to go farther north in Canada, like maybe the Northwest Territories. And I really want to go to Iceland. I figure if Björk is from there, it’s something to see. I’ve heard it’s beautiful. I’m really quite partial to cold, mountain places.

CCM: What has been your favorite experience since getting signed and moving to Nashville?

Jill: Working with Phil Madeira. He produced a couple of tracks on my album. He’s just a great musician. I also went to a really cool Patty Griffith concert at the Ryman, and Phil was there, playing with Buddy and Julie Miller. They’re fantastic, and it was so cool to see him just vibing with some of my favorite musicians. I was like, "No way! I know that guy!"

CCM: What message do you hope your record conveys overall?

Jill: I really hope it drives people to be honest with themselves. These songs continually challenge me to dig deeper and almost be afraid not to be honest. My passion is so much for others to get started toward God’s love—I don’t want to be in the way; I just want to be honest about where I’m at.

Provided by CCM Magazine
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