I am fortunate to receive many beautiful notes from you. Although I simply do not have the time to reply to each and every one-—rest assured, I read every message personally. I even keep many of them in an online folder.
Often, a note will come through at “just the right time”...when I am feeling discouraged, lonely, frustrated, enduring the endless struggle of an artist’s life. (You all have saved me more than you realize!)
The words are beacons, your notes remind me “why I do what I do.”
There is no destination; it’s the journey, the adventure, the wonderment that matters, always. It is false and meaningless otherwise...
So, I’ve decided instead of having these recent treasures hide in my Inbox, it’s time to share them with the world. As a way not only to celebrate how you feel about my work, but also to honor you, your bravery, your imagination— your efforts to connect with me.
*How befitting to post this on the fortuitous day of 09/09/09.
Here is the first installment of the Jill Tracy “Mailbag:”
Jill,
I've been listening to 2 of your CDs on repeat all day today while I write--
The Bittersweet Constrain and Diabolical Streak. They are both amazing. Thank you for creating such captivating art.
Melissa Marr (New York Times best-selling author of Wicked Lovely and Fragile Eternity)
(Author Melissa Marr also posted about my music in her popular blog:)
"Dear World, I am in love again--this time with Jill Tracy's music. *sighhhh*
My current Oh My I Am Obsessed is Jill Tracy. Regular blog readers know that I have to have the right sounds to write. Graveminder was lacking a full playlist (& yes, it will continue to evolve), but that evolution took the PERFECT turn this week when I queued up Jill Tracy..."
More mailbag:
Jill— I have decided to get your lyrics tattooed on my forearm. From your amazing song “Torture” : “For Desire is the cruelest pain.” No truer words have ever been spoken! Awesome! Thanks lady!
Andrew B, Spokane WA
You are the music I have been waiting to hear all my life. Thank you for existing.
Stephanie (from Chicago)
Dear Jill, I just watched the short film “The Cat Piano,” produced and narrated by Nick Cave. The sexy feline heroine totally reminded me of you...she looks and even sounds like you! (This is a compliment! :) ) I had read somewhere that Nick Cave was a fan of your music, so I am wondering if the character was based on you. Seems appropriate. It was a really cool film.
Lady Denise, Brooklyn, NY
...a mortal male’s review:
I hear in all these reviews that you are an idol of “past times.” No, in fact when I hear your music, you are none other than a siren for the modern day man and woman.
Freedom is dark and scary and we all deal in our own way once we realize the extent of said freedom. Some run and scream, and some wrench down with all their might and tighten down those piano chords and draw blood. Most go completely Mad.
But your music to me is as a painting with no bounds, no rules, nothing but what the artist can see. For that is life. We paint or sing a bit by bit everyday and in our minds, until it bursts forth in a chromatic spray of reality. Whether its in blood, paint, or music it does not matter. The fact is you have done so with your music. Congratulations...from a modern day Pollock, or fool, or whomever you may think me to be...
the malcontent artist Mr. Brock Farrington
If there is a more mesmerizing performer alive than Jill Tracy, I would be astonished to find them.
Troy DeVolld (via YouTube)
Miss Tracy —I just want to let you know what a huge inspiration you have been to me since I discovered your music. It’s spoken to me in ways you’ll never know, and has helped me through difficult times. I am working on a series of oil paintings, each one inspired by a different song of yours. I have been listening to your music exclusively while I paint. I hope to send you one as a gift someday. They would not exist without you.
John R, Austin TX
This music- the instruments, the tone, the voice- is so heart-breakingly beautiful. It makes me lament what passes for the majority of music in this day and age. When you put the latest pop piece of garbage next to Jill Tracy, you'll see the difference.
This isn't just sound, this is soul, this is the human condition.
XiaBranSinnach (via You Tube)
You are my new heroine, m' lady...
For me, your music is transportive. I absolutely love it... You're all I've been listening to for the last four days.
Jeffrey L. George, D.M.A. Professor of Guitar Studies
School of Music
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Hiya Jill (if I may be so bold),
I spent a solid hour on your site the day I discovered it and was frankly in awe of your art, your mind, and your incredibly nimble powers to attract like very very few artists I've EVER run across. Still kinda shell-shocked but ready for another round...
You’re definitely a phenomenon onto yourself. You're a titan but the greatest asset of the giant is the noble act of reaching down every so often to find a smile.
Peace and Respect from Minneapolis,
Tim DeMillo
Have a question for Jill Tracy, amusing story, or just want to share your thoughts with the world?
Send all inquiries to: suspect (at) jilltracy.com
Be sure to put “Mailbag” as the Subject.
We will select posted writers at random with each Mailbag to win free JT gifts!