Jill Dawson
Band Story
Hi all! Thanks so much for visiting the site. I truly feel blessed to have the opportunity to share my music and inspirations with you. Please promise me you'll never give up on your dreams. I, too, have experienced the trenches of daily life, where it's easy to lose sight of one’s true calling. Listen to your soul’s desires—this is where life’s treasures will reveal themselves. Most importantly, define your own prize. One of the greatest gifts I’ve received is the strength to take risks and the empowerment that followed. Regardless of what the future holds, the joy is in the journey.
My musical journey began with musical theatre and vocal jazz performances as a teenager in Central Wisconsin. As an extension of my love for music, I picked up the acoustic guitar at the age of 19 to accompany myself while playing my favorite songs, and eventually, I started writing my own (sorry—no recordings from those humble beginnings, haha!).
I moved to Chicago in 1996, and the following year, I became the lead singer of a cover band, playing in clubs around the city. As I gained more confidence in my original material, I shifted my focus to life as a performing songwriter.
In December 1998, I recorded my first CD, Thicker Than Water, an all-acoustic collection of 13 original songs. One of the tracks, “Angel in Disguise,” was later included on the Backporch Benefit Foundation’s compilation, The Angels Are Listening.
In 1999, I met producer Erik Vaveris at a performance. Our collaboration led to my next album, First Time Around, released in the fall of 2000. Co-produced by Erik and me, and engineered by Steve Rashid at Woodside Avenue Studios, the album offers a diverse mix of acoustic and full-band arrangements—something for both pop and folk music fans.
In 2001, I moved to Australia for a year to pursue my love of travel and to record tracks for my 2002 EP, Acoustically Yours.
My music has been well-received by both fans and critics for its unique, warm, and strong vocal delivery, as well as its compassionate messages. I’ve received airplay on college and community radio stations across the U.S.—from Seattle to Boston—and even internationally in countries like Spain, Germany, Norway, and Siberia.
My musical journey began with musical theatre and vocal jazz performances as a teenager in Central Wisconsin. As an extension of my love for music, I picked up the acoustic guitar at the age of 19 to accompany myself while playing my favorite songs, and eventually, I started writing my own (sorry—no recordings from those humble beginnings, haha!).
I moved to Chicago in 1996, and the following year, I became the lead singer of a cover band, playing in clubs around the city. As I gained more confidence in my original material, I shifted my focus to life as a performing songwriter.
In December 1998, I recorded my first CD, Thicker Than Water, an all-acoustic collection of 13 original songs. One of the tracks, “Angel in Disguise,” was later included on the Backporch Benefit Foundation’s compilation, The Angels Are Listening.
In 1999, I met producer Erik Vaveris at a performance. Our collaboration led to my next album, First Time Around, released in the fall of 2000. Co-produced by Erik and me, and engineered by Steve Rashid at Woodside Avenue Studios, the album offers a diverse mix of acoustic and full-band arrangements—something for both pop and folk music fans.
In 2001, I moved to Australia for a year to pursue my love of travel and to record tracks for my 2002 EP, Acoustically Yours.
My music has been well-received by both fans and critics for its unique, warm, and strong vocal delivery, as well as its compassionate messages. I’ve received airplay on college and community radio stations across the U.S.—from Seattle to Boston—and even internationally in countries like Spain, Germany, Norway, and Siberia.
Band Members
Jill Dawson
Jill Dawson
Location: AMERICA NORTH: USA: Illinois (IL)
Genre: Folk-Rock