Jody Quine

Jody Quine

Musical Discoveries: Please tell us a little bit about your background and how you were led to the Sleepthief project.

Jody Quine: I've been singing for twelve years as a solo artist and I've been a recording artist for ten. My work on a project called Balligomingo captured Justin's interest and he approached me about working with him. We started talking in December of 2003 and I went to Utah to record in April of 2004, and then again in October. I'm so excited about this record and I've been waiting long enough. I’m ready for it to come out!

Did you always know you wanted to be a musical artist?

Yes. I used to watch Solid Gold and day dream about singing on the show one day.

And what can you tell us about your musical and vocal training?

I'm mostly self-taught actually. On the guitar for sure. I had three piano teachers quit on me by the age of nine but the third wisely switched me to voice lessons. I think it was in essence to shut me up. If I was singing I couldn't chatter. That lasted about four months. After that came the usual band experience in Junior High clarinet, sax, and flute. Come my mid-teens though the major focus was acting. A friend and I started singing for fun and at an open mic one night we silenced the room and I was hooked. Very shortly after, it became my primary focus in life.

How would you characterise the songs that you have done on the Sleepthief album?

I love how moody they are. They're all different but they each capture a different mood. I think they all leave you with a feeling.

Did you share any of the writing duties?

Yes. I wrote the lyrics and vocal melodies for "Eurydice" and "Kiss to Savor." Justin wrote "Tenuous" solo. I co-wrote the counter-melodies for "Eurydice" with Israel.

Please compare the material to any that you have done on your own or with others.

I'm so extremely proud of "Eurydice." I think it is one of my favorite tracks ever. I loved it so much I had them give me a copy without the music, just my vocals. I think overall I just keep growing, and this material speaks very highly of my learning curve.

Jody Quine and Justin Elswick

And how was the project put together?

Justin and Israel have been working their butts off for the last year or more! Justin got a hold of me via email actually and sent me the tracks to work on in Canada. Then I flew down and showed him what I had come up with and I'm lucky he liked it. Then we'd record record record and back to Canada I would go. I had a great time.

What kind of music do you find yourself listening to all the time?

Hahahah Sleepthief! And the new Viia/Balligomingo tracks I'm working on are pretty awesome. Still Ryan Adams, and I love the Auralgasms (website) Bliss of Life compilation.

Do you have a career outside of music?

I am actually back at school taking Publishing. It's very cool, a lot of graphic design and software, as well as a writing class. I love it.

What are your future plans as a musical artist?

Keep on keepin' on. I seem to be back at work on a possible second Balligomingo album. I also have a piano at home now and I continue to write for my solo stuff. There may be a tour with Sleepthief Keep on keepin' on.

What has it been like working the rest of the creative team on the Sleepthief project?

They are really wonderful, great guys. I've also come into contact with Harland because of this record, and I really like her as well.

  Jody Quine

How does it feel to share vocal work with the other artists on the album?

When I first was on an album featuring other artist I was quite competitive, but now I know there is room for everybody and if it benefits the project that's what counts. I love hearing what the other girls can do, and being in the same realm let alone having work stand up with and against theirs is a huge compliment.

Do you think "image" has a role in promoting your music these days?

Yes and no. I mean if you've got it, flaunt it. If you don’t, no need to shake it about. Good music is good music and so far people are big on the Sleepthief stuff completely on sound. They're only starting to find out how yummy Justin is to look at.

Has the internet brought you many new listeners, expanded your audience and improved your connection to the fans?

You bet it has. It's incredible really. The world gets smaller and smaller. It's amazing to be able to be in touch with fans from around the world. I mean really! To have fans around the world and even know about it is pretty stellar. I feel very blessed to be heard.


More Jody Quine:
Jody Quine Star (2000)
Balligomingo Beneath The Surface (2002) w/Interview
Jody Quine Crazy [Demo] (2003)
Viia Eight Track Demo (2005) w/Interview
Sleepthief The Dawnseeker (2006)

interview, review and HTML © R. W. Elliot 2006
images © Jody Quine 2006
Last updated 23 April 2006

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