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Jill Samycia was born in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1982 on the "coldest day in January", according to her mother. Over the years she has grown to become an accomplished singer-songwriter and proficient pianist. Jill's outgoing personality and drive to succeed has earned her a sincere appreciation for the art of music. Whether singing pop, rockin' blues, or her favorite jazz standards, Jill is able to capture the essence of each genre, while making it her own.
From the moment that Jill could speak, she was singing, and displayed an eagerness to learn music. She began piano and voice lessons at the age of three, and family members soon realized she was a born performer.
Jill's first opportunity to entertain a live audience occurred at the Edmonton Fringe Festival at the age of five. "I was young, but I still remember the rush of walking out on stage and embracing the amazing energy." For the next five years she performed at the festival in lead roles in Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Jack and the Beanstalk.
After graduating from High School, armed with her Grade Ten Royal Conservatory, and over 15 years of private voice lessons, Jill set her sights high and auditioned for the acclaimed Theatre Arts Program at Grant MacEwan Community College and was accepted. "It was an experience that I will never forget. I made friends that helped me realize my true potential." Starring in musicals and plays such as Peter Pan, The Cider House Rules, and Sweeney Todd, Jill honed her craft and became extremely focused on taking her passion for singing to the next level.
In February 2002, Jill auditioned for the Music Program at Grant MacEwan and gave it her all. "I was SO nervous, even more scared than I was for the audition for the Theatre Arts. But I did it, and it was the best thing I ever did!"
Jill worked hard everyday for the next two years, progressively mastering her voice by working with such musical greats as Bob Gilligan, Charlie Austin, and the late Rick Garn. Some of her fondest memories were performing in the Grant MacEwan Showcase Bands and having the chance to sing at the Banff Music Festival, all in preparation for her coveted Jury that would mark her graduation. "Each day I learned something new, and it has helped me to become the performer I am today. It was the best two years of my life. I matured and became a true performer." Jill also was honored to be asked to sing for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the United Way's 2004 fund-raising year.
After graduating in April 2004, Jill completed her first self-titled album, and was accepting numerous gigs around Edmonton and Calgary. She also started teaching full-time and traveled around the world, but she knew that something amazing was waiting for her. In September 2004, Jill received a call from an agent in Japan offering her a 3 month contract. Embracing her first chance to shine on her own, she packed her bags and set out for this new unknown world.
Jill's venue and home for the next three months was a five star Hatsushima Club XIV Resort, 3 hours south of Tokyo, singing six nights a week. "It was a journey I will never forget, and the biggest career move I ever took, and it made me both a better person and performer."
Since returning to Canada, Jill has recently moved to Vancouver, BC, to further her career in music, and calls the city home. She is currently working on her sophomore album, gigging, and teaching a diverse group of students. Whether it is teaching, recording, or performing, Jill's infectious love of music and dedication as a vocalist shines through in all that she does.
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