Marlon Pitter
Connector Editor

Jennifer Hill talks about her musical transformation and the importance of music in her life.

Jennifer Hill, frontwoman of alternative rock group Jennifer Hill and Co. out of Hartford, Conn., is an advocate for women in music, people chasing their dreams and music in general. Hill’s songs are now shifting to a brighter side of the spectrum with her upcoming album and her New England Music Awards nomination for Best in State: Connecticut.

Q: What are some of the inspirations behind your songs?

Most of my songs have come from my own personal experiences. In the past, I’ve been seen as an angry lady from the lyrics that I’ve written. However, for my new album, I’ve written happier songs that everyone can feel good listening to. They’re more like Madonna; more pop, more electro and more universal. Everything evolves in this world, and my music has been doing the same since my 2010 EP, “Fifteen Minute Long Sentence.” I’ve had a bunch of music, but no means to record it. I’m depending on funding by my fans through Kickstarter, so hopefully the goal is reached and this album can be released soon.

Q: What is your songwriting process like?

It depends. Sometimes there’s this radio playing in my head playing on weird channels. It could be on, like, a country station or something, and it’s up to me to take the parts that apply to me, write them down and figure it out from there. Another way songs are written is by my husband Robert [Schwecherl], coming up with drum melodies and I write based on those. Finally, I sometimes come up with piano melodies and write lyrics according to those. Having a cell phone is really useful because of how easy it is to record a little piece of music and save it for later. Sometimes everything comes together at once. But sometimes I could be stuck missing a chorus or a verse for a while.

Q: What is your recording process like?

In the initial stages of recording, we do a lot of it ourselves at home. Since we’re going for a more pop and electronic sound this time around, my husband and I create and record a lot of the background music using computer programs. Scott, one of my friends from the now defunct Sling Slang Records, helps us do a lot of the home recording. We then get the band together and play the organic instruments, like piano, drums, guitar and such, in the studio.

Q: What do you gain from making music?

I definitely get therapy from making music. In addition, I’ve found love and my husband through music, and I guess my kids were a result of that, too. Most importantly, I’ve learned that I have to be smarter, wittier and faster on my feet; I can’t sit around idling. In the music business, you have to be relevant and resourceful or else people will forget about you. I write commercial jingles and I teach music to people of all ages. I’ve learned from them that everyone is different and playing music for their own special reason. For older clients, learning and playing music is therapeutic and provides a nice conversation. For the younger ones, they’re just starting out and excited to learn a new instrument. When I have to play a show, even if it causes them to miss a lesson, most of the people I teach are standing behind me in full support.

Q: What do you hope your fans take away from your music?

I just want people who listen to my music to feel something and relate to it. I really want people to have a good time listening to my music, let go of their demons and find more joy in their lives.

Q: Why do you think learning music is important?

It’s definitely important because it’s one of the few things that uses both the left and right sides of the brain. It’s also been shown that Alzheimer’s doesn’t hit musicians as hard as people who don’t play music. Furthermore, it develops a sense of responsibility in someone trying to learn music and how to play their instrument. I think some people are born to play music and, therefore, it’s a needed profession. From studying the history of music, I’ve realized that women were not allowed to be composers or sing in choirs for quite a long time. Now I spend my time advocating for all artists, but showcasing female artists is a personal mission for me. I host a huge annual showcase every year in Conn. called “Swan Day CT” designed to give female artists, ranging from 18 all the way up to their 50s, a great opportunity to shine.

Q: How do you think your New England Music Awards experience will compare to your Connecticut Music Awards experience?

I was nominated for Best Singer/Songwriter two years in a row at the Connecticut Music Awards. It was a really great feeling for me to know that I was one of the top five singer/songwriters in the state. With the way the music business works, I’d rather be up there every year as opposed to winning once and never being heard from again. As a first time New England Music Awards nominee, I don’t know what to expect, but I’m pretty excited. I checked out the awards last year and I can’t wait to go this year.

Q: Who is the person you can give the most credit to for why you are where you are at this point?

My husband is definitely someone who deserves credit. He helps with the kids and makes so many things happen that I could never do by myself. Also, my parents were a big help when I was just out of college. They would help with my kids if I had to do something important with my music. I’m glad to know they’ll always be there for me.

Q: What advice can you give to young people trying to follow their dreams?

You can’t give up and you have to learn everything there is to know about what you’re trying to become, whether it’s a musician or a dentist. If it’s worth it, you have to work for it. You can’t let anyone steer you in the wrong direction. I’ve seen people let their significant others dictate them and that never goes well for them. You just have to put the blinders on and keep moving forward.