THE soulful vocals of Japanese-African American Judith Hill wowed viewers of The Voice Season 4 at her Blind Audition a few weeks ago. But Hill is no stranger to the music industry.
In 2009, she sang a duet with the late Michael Jackson, for his This Is It London shows. There are YouTube videos of her rehearsing with the King of Pop, clearly looking like they were enjoying themselves.
According to Press reports, Hill says she learnt from Jackson “to dream big and really have your imagination be big, and to work hard to make that dream possible”.
“That was a crazy time, when Michael passed away. We were all so overwhelmed by his death. I needed to take time off to re-evaluate everything.”
After Jackson’s untimely death, Hill was asked to sing Heal The World at Jackson’s Staples Centre memorial service, which was broadcast worldwide to more than a billion people.
She says she did receive plenty of music-business offers after that but she was wary of moving forward.
“I’m glad I didn’t make any rash decisions or try to capitalise on that moment. It was wise that I waited. Now it’s really the time for me to come out,” says the 28-year-old Los Angeles native whose music idols include Stevie Wonder and gospel artistes such as The Clarke Sisters.
But why enter The Voice as opposed to America’s Got Talent or American Idol?
“I really like The Voice because it’s such a positive show. There’s no making fun of anyone, it showcases real voices and the talent out there — based solely on the voice.
“I also like taking songs and covers and making them your own versions. It’s a really cool show.”
Hill’s audition for the American reality TV show was a four-chair, button-pushing performance from The Voice judges — R&B hit-maker Usher, country star Blake Shelton, Latin artiste Shakira and Maroon 5’s Adam Levine. Hill finally chose to join Levine’s The Voice team.
“I wanted to stretch myself and grow in the pop music world. I want to learn new ways to translate my soulful voice into more pop music. Adam is a really great pop guy. It’s a cool collaboration to work with him.”
Hill, also a songwriter and composer who has a degree in music composition from Biola University in Southern California, says she would love to sing her own songs if given the chance on The Voice.
“I would love to sing my own songs and music. I think it would be so much fun. Further along on the show, there’s a possibility something like that may happen,” she says excitedly.
Hill, whose Japanese mother is a pianist and father a musician in a funk band, says she does sing in Japanese. “I really love traditional Japanese music. I am very Japanese in many ways. You know, sometimes I feel I don’t really fit in, but when I get together with my Japanese friends, I feel like I totally belong. With my Japanese friends, I feel I can connect more.”
She says her parents are really proud of her. “They’ve been so supportive. They come for all the performances, and are really helping me on the musical side. They are both musicians. Any time I have a question or want their opinion about something, they give it to me. I just rely on them so much because they are really great musicians.”
Hill also loves world music. “I like to use Asian instruments and scales in my music. It’s something I do a lot.”
Her music compositions include a 2009 tribute to Jackson, I Will Always Be Missing You, which was a free download from her website, and released on iTunes in 2010 — with all proceeds going to Childhelp US.
A few of Hill’s original ballads were featured in the Spike Lee film, Red Hook Summer, which premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. Hill was also one of several backup singers featured in the film, Twenty Feet From Stardom, which premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.
“Singing to me is the most powerful form of communication we can have. I think it speaks directly to the soul. And it brings people together. That’s why I am a singer.
“Singing is my way of expressing my message to the world. and somehow giving people hope. When I sing a song, I like to tell a story, and cut right to the heart,” explains Hill.
Read more: Finding her world voice - Sunday Life & Times - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/life-times/sunday-life-times/finding-her-world-voice-1.260276#ixzz2R7OiDKEB
Source: NST / MJ-Upbeat.com
Recent Comments