Jill Emery Full Life Interview- Women of Rock Oral History Project

Jill Emery is a visual artists and bass player best known for her work with Hole, Mazzy Star, and Super Heroines. In this interview, Emery discusses her upbringing, introduction to music, and her time in Hole. She approaches topics like the drug scene, codependency, touring, craft, relationships, and her sexuality. She closes the interview with her thoughts on legacy, gendered categories, and her work as a painter.
Learn more at: WomenofRock.org
Interviewed by Tanya Pearson for the Women of Rock Oral History Project
The Women of Rock Oral History Project is a collection of digital interviews and written transcripts, housed at the Sophia Smith Collection at Smith College-one of the oldest women’s history archives in the United States. Started by Tanya Pearson in December, 2014, WOROHP documents the lives and careers of women in rock whose work and careers have been underrepresented or omitted from rock journalism and historical scholarship. With a collection of publicized and accessible primary source documents, the Women of Rock Oral History Project seeks to facilitate a more comprehensive, inclusive, and accurate cultural history.

[@TheVultureVanityShow]

Thank you for interviewing this extraordinary woman. Jill and I started Teardrain and were together for almost three years. She is by far one of the most magnificent musicians - and one of the all-time greatest bass players and a powerhouse songwriter - I know. Her lyrics are mind blowing and just her whole aura is her own. She is Jill. She is a one of a kind and the world is better for having her in it.

[@PaulWildstar]

Great information about the L.A. and Seattle music scenes. Jill Emery was right in the middle of things and a great witness to events in the late 1980's and early '90's-

[@G.Photogirl]

Women are historically underrepresented and/or acknowledged in music and art, or any industry for that matter that is male dominated. Not to mention underpaid. So i think that your project is an important piece that brings to light womens contributions in music. This interview was an insightful look at not only the cool person that Jill is but is truthful as to what a working musician/artist needs to do to survive. As a Singer/Songwriter myself who ran in some of the same circles as Jill in the early 90's in L.A., watching this interview was also a great trip down memory lane. Makes me want to start a band again! Bravo. 👏🏼

[@kapnseal]

In 1979 a mutual friend said to me, wait until you meet Jill Emery, You're gonna love her. We met a few years later, through Rozz and our friend Mary. I love her SO much. I'll add that she also worked in an art store in Eagle Rock. I have several pieces of her art that are prized possessions. This is such a great interview. Thank you for capturing Jill so honestly. There is probably noone that has come out of the R&R grinder as humble and true to herself. I don't know how we didn't meet at 15 or 16. We were at all the same shows. ❤️

[@chilenapromedioRU]

Love Jill Emery! If it wasn't for her, I would have never paid attention to Hole. She's an amazing bass player and overall artist.

[@hanajinks1044]

Hole is my favorite band -"Pretty" is my favorite record. This is can amazing interview on so many levels . (I've gotten someone much bigger in a head-lock too and not known what ti do) .

[@jjgems6732]

Jill and the Kim/s gordon and deal were a great inspiration for me on my music journey! Thanks for the series!

[@MrDLOC11]

Jill whether she acknowledges it or not is a legend and a class act! I mean: 1. Sylvia 2. Courtney 3. Hope !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤😮😮😮

[@jasontsh]

This is fantastic! There's a passing mention of a friend of Jill's that knows Lydia Lunch, and I thought "Ooh! I wonder if she means my friend Cesar?". She could mean ANYONE, and I have no idea if Jill knows my friend, haha, but I felt quite sure that she meant Cesar. :) Aaanyway, this interview is inspirational, and I'm now going to binge on your other interviews. Thank you!

[@jasontsh]

Oh! It turns out that I've already watched some of your other interviews, without realizing that they were all done by you. The one with Kira is great.

[@ncl.a.2168]

Again, you are doing some fantastic work on this channel. I was wondering: any plans to interview Jarboe? That would be very interesting, and I'm sure she has very much to say!

[@jjude17]

Jill is such an inspiration and amazing person for everyone. I’ve been following her since the Super Heroines and Hole. And I was surprised when I found out she playing bass with my friend Hope in Mazzy Star. Never to see them since I was already living in Japan. Take care Jill XOXOXO

[@G.Photogirl]

Cool to see Jill, I always wondered if she continued her music and art. I interviewed her in the 90's on a cable tv show that I hosted called 'L.A. Art & Music'. I loved her quiet, unassuming manner, she had no egotism for such a huge talent.

[@laurencurtis2968]

Thank you for this! So cool to hear from jill. I absolutely love all your interviews !

[@jadeariellevaughn4695]

Dude you are so fucking lucky you got to interview all these chicks, you've been through hell but look what you've accomplished now that's inspiring

[@shareclipsave]

hi, hopefully you are safe and healthy. here is my wishlist of interviews: sam philips, kim deal, pj harvey, bilinda butcher, neko case, anneke van giersbergen, beth gibbons

[@brandonobrien7239]

I really love all of these interviews. Thank you so much for doing these. I appreciate it so, so much.

[@scratch5191]

Exene is a cool stream. Nice, funny and super talented.

[@sophiclaire80]

Yay, yay, yay Jill Emery. You are just adorable.

[@gemimaobrien]

That was so great to watch - thank you!

[@PSWildlife]

Love Jill! She's the greatest person. 💕 Haha that Patti Smith story is hilarious. 😂

[@OscarDiaz-mx8ik]

this such important work, really enjoying all of these.

[@scratch5191]

Love her. She's been in a lot of bands and great painted. Check out her art.

[@AlexanderLaurence]

Exene Cervenka doesn't make that much money. X the band never sold any records nor had any hits. They probably make more money from touring now and selling t-shirts, than from their music. 1:00:30

[@auralepiphanies4055]

That's crazy the Christian death connection sometimes I swear I thi k it's in the stars with some people

[@yeseniasamuel1464]

𝓅𝓇𝑜𝓂𝑜𝓈𝓂 🎊