RELEASED ON MARCH 1, 2024
SINGING TO THE MOON
Jillian Matundan’s first full-length album bursts forward with an energy and honesty rooted in navigating life’s highs and lows. Singing to the Moon was primarily written during the COVID pandemic, which forced all of us to fully stop for the first time in our lives. Jillian was just returning to writing and performing her own music —after 15 years of putting it on the shelf—and found herself in the same place as everyone else on the planet, with space and time to face herself. Singing to the Moon is a collection of songs that examine hard truths, relationships, expectations, and all the many facets of self-realization that can only reveal the fullness of their insights with focused attention.
Since releasing her debut EP, Hangin’ On, in June of 2020, Jillian’s music has evolved and deepened. Singing to the Moon tackles personal material while also continuing to explore a style that mixes Jillian’s classical music training with traditional folk music and contemporary influences. Singing has a unique sound overall and between the tracks themselves. On “Worth”, Jillian sings about expectations and constant motion, matched by a sophisticated production that allows listeners to subconsciously feel as if they are also on the move. In contrast, “Frozen” features Jillian’s unique guitar style against syncopation and mandolin. “Alright Tonight” and “My Way Home” feature ear-catching and unique, layered harmonies - a trademark throughout the album. And front and center is Jillian’s intimate and welcoming alto voice.
“Shadows” strips away full-instrumentation leaving only guitar and a cello to accompany a plaintive vocal. “Through the Threshold” is a meditative song featuring rhythmic hand drums, string bass, and native flute that explores regaining a sense of self and purpose in a world that requires the rigors and motions of everyday life to survive. Jillian also covers the late Paul Koors’ song, “You Read My Mind” with a folk guitar against a subdued mandolin and impressionist piano.
Recorded at Plaid Dog Studios in Waltham, MA and produced by Mike Davidson, Kari Estrin, and Bryan Fennelly, Jillian plays guitar, string bass, and violin. She was joined by a number of musicians throughout the album, including Rick Gedney and Michele Gedney (Open Book), Florencia Rusiñol (Florencia & The Feeling), Kristen Jones (ilyAIMY), and Eli Lev.
