JILLIAN SPEECE : April 25, 1988

"There was never a second thought as to what I wanted to do when I grew up, I knew I would be a singer, plain and simple."

With her strong vocal clarity, endearing songwriting, and unforgettable melodies, Jillian Speece carries the tradition of the female singer/songwriter into the 21st century. A native of South Bend, Indiana Jillian was born April 25, 1988 into a music oriented family and began exploring singing the age of three. 

Jillian is a fan of such diverse artists such as Michael Jackson, Joni Mitchell, The Beatles, Sade, James Taylor, and Eva Cassidy. These artists had a huge impact on Jillians musical stylings. Jillian's soulful songs of hope and love are set to resonate with everyone who hears them. After graduating college, via NCAA Division I scholarship, she toured nationally with Nathan Hoff as The Bergamot and spent time trying to understand life and the world though writing songs. 

 "The world is a crazy place," Jillian says. "I write songs to stay honest and relate with my audience on a very vulnerable and personal level, offering a light in their life wherever they are at. I think of songs as gifts that keep giving. Its an honor to know the songs I write bring joy to people's lives."

As for what Jillian does when she is not writing or singing, "FOOD!" she remarks. "(Laughing) OK  I love good food, I love preparing it, eating it, sharing it, then eating some more. When I was little I would wake up in the morning and right off the bat I would wonder, what's for dinner?" she says with that huge charismatic smile, "But seriously I love God, family, and friends. I am twenty-three loveing life, and realize I am very blessed."  

Did I mention that Jillian and Nathan have been blazing their own trail by independently releasing their last 2 albums Smile and Haven on their own record label, Both Records. They realized quickly that the music business is tough so they needed to be tougher. 

"If you work diligently, have talent, and a team to back your vision up you can do just about anything" states Jillian. Following the successful release of Haven (2011), The Bergamot has been writing and recording in Nashville, TN their new songs set to be released on their third album in 2012. She looks up from fiddling with her ring and says with enthusiasm, "I don't know what's in store but I know it is BIG, and I cant wait."