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Canadian singer/songwriter Jill Paquette's self-titled debut CD (Reunion) was recently voted one of the best albums of the year by the Christian Music Today staff. Despite critical acclaim, the CD hasn't fared as well commercially. We sat down with Paquette recently to talk about her CD, and what God has been teaching her in her first year as a professional musician—a term she laughingly dismisses. Not surprisingly, Paquette was as honest in her answers as she is in her song lyrics.

What kind of reactions are you getting to your CD?

Jill Paquette: People who have heard it say they like it. On the forum on my website, some people have said, "I recently became a Christian and somebody introduced me to your music, and it's been real encouragement," or "I saw your cover and I thought it was cool and I bought your CD and it turns out I like the music," or "I didn't think I'd like it at all and I do." One person was kind of worried about me. They thought I'm a really sad person [laughs], and they sent me some scriptural encouragement.

What's the best thing about being a professional musician?

Paquette: That people actually call me a professional musician! Besides that, the personal and spiritual growth I've seen in this whole process has been unbelievable. Sometimes I wonder if that's the whole purpose behind this. I'm like, Well, my CD's not selling great, but maybe God just wants me to get some character. But it's just awesome to be able to play music and travel and meet people all over the place. It's all making God's truth much more real in my life.

How?

Paquette: There's something about getting out on your own that makes you go to God and say, I don't know what to do. I have nothing to give to this situation. Seeing God's faithfulness on a daily basis has been wonderful. I grew up in a Christian home and I went to a Christian school and Bible college, but in a lot of ways, I feel like dedicating my life to Christ has really just been a very recent thing. It's just been such a gentle but consistent leading from God, drawing me into a real hunger to know him and seek him.

Has leaving home in Canada and moving to Nashville been difficult?

Paquette: I guess so. I really left home when I was 17, when I went to college. I never really ended up going back home, just getting summer jobs or touring with a band. But now that I'm getting older, I wish I could be with my family more. But that's been my life—God is always drawing me away from places I might get dependent on. It's been hard, but I've learned to ask God to do whatever it takes to draw me closer to him.

You grew up in a music-loving home.

Paquette: Yes. We were all encouraged to play or sing or whatever. My dad was my voice teacher; he is just an amazing musician. And I have a friend named Kim Menu who could sing all the Sandi Patty songs perfectly. That was my big inspiration. I wanted to be just like Kim. To this day I can't sing Sandi Patty, but between Kim and my dad, they're the big reasons I wanted to learn how to be a singer and piano player.

You took piano lessons from an early age, but didn't pick up guitar till you were 16?

Paquette: That's right, and I felt like I'd come home. Oh, man, it's just something about the acoustic guitar that is just so roots. It's a great instrument.

Better than the piano?

Paquette: Different than the piano. I'm classically trained on the piano, but I've had no formal training on the guitar.

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