The first time I featured Jillian Cardarelli as my Local Catch, it was 2017 and she had recently moved to Nashville. The artist was immersing herself in the music community. She had just released “Rerun,” a song co-written by a relatively unknown Maren Morris. Today, the girl from New England is a rising Nashville star earning accolades and respect for her singing and songwriting. Meet my Local Catch of the Week, Jillian Cardarelli from Haverhill.

Jillian’s appeal is very girl-next-door. Her style is warm, approachable country, with a modern-woman twist. Listening to her recent release, “Country Side,” there’s no doubt this artist grew up with country music. Cardarelli embraces her influences from Faith Hill to Shania Twain, but doesn’t hold back from showing the world her unique artistry.

“Country Side” is a clever, catchy composition that honors the songs and artists with which Jillian made connections and memories. Being from New England, she is often asked how she got into country music. This song is the answer to those questions. Cardarelli sings “It ain’t a place or a style, it’s a state of mind, and you can go there anytime you like.”

Embracing her country side came easy for Jillian. She was raised on the classics, thanks to her grandfather sharing his love of the genre with the family. She immediately connected with the singers and the songs. And before she was even in kindergarten. The girl from Haverhill is now an in- demand Nashville artist. Rolling Stone named her one of their Top 10 New Country Artists You Need To Know. She has written songs for other artists, and wrote and recorded a song with singer/actor Charles Esten (Nashville and Outer Banks). Here you can get to know, and listen to my talented Local Catch of the Week, Jillian Cardarelli.

The Music
“Country Side”

Talking about the new song, Jillian shared: “A question I have gotten asked a lot since I started singing country music is “how does a girl from the Northeast get into country music”. The overarching theme of this song is how country music isn’t a place or a style it’s a state of mind. You don’t have to be from a certain place on a map to love and connect with country music I have loved country music since I was a little girl growing up in MA. I wrote this song with Tina Parol who is from Buffalo, NY and Simon Dumas (King Calaway) who is from Gibraltar. We all really connected with this idea because none of us are from the south and we all love country music. This song is for country fans everywhere.”
The Story
* Grew up in: Haverhill, MA

* Now lives in: Nashville, TN

* Current single: Country Side

* What lead you to music: I really connected with the storytelling in country music. Music is a universal language that we all speak and I think that’s really beautiful.

* How long have you been performing: Since I was about 5 years old!

* First country song you learned: “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack

* How would you describe your sound: 90’s country meets 2023

* Who inspires you: My mom

* Dream duet partner: George Strait

* All- time favorite country song: “I Will Always Love You” Dolly’s version

* First country concert: Alan Jackson

* If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: PR / event planning!

* Most proud moment: Having the music video for my song “Rerun” go number 1 on CMT’s 12 pack countdown.

* Crazy thing that happened in your music career: On the way to a gig opening for Easton Corbin in Iowa a wild turkey hit the windshield of my car and shattered it completely. Thanks to Triple A, we still made it to the gig in time for soundcheck!

* Fun facts about you: I’m a black belt in karate and I also play golf!

* Mantra: “never give up”
The Social Network
Follow Jillian on her social media pages to keep up with her music, shows and more!
The Shows
* August 4 at 10:45 am: Music City Grand Prix: Nashville, TN
Pics and Posts

@jcardarelli
Thank you to all the amazing country music fans that made the 50th annual #CMAFest so special 🩵 honored to be a part of it. Thank you CMA @Country Music Association for having me 😄 #countrymusic #nashville #singer #songwriter #summer
♬ Cool Girl - Jillian Cardarelli

@jcardarelli
Have you ever ended things with someone and then wondered “what could’ve been?” This songs for you 💔 #heartbreak #countrymusic #newmusic #newsong #singer #songwriter
♬ original sound - Jillian Cardarelli
Are YOU A Catch?
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.

*Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing: [email protected]