Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
Jillian Shea Spaeder is an actress and singer-songwriter. The young starlet played a leading role alongside Jillian Bell and Isla Fisher in the Disney+ original film “Godmothered”. She has two singles included within the film’s soundtrack: “Rise Up (Joy to the World)” and “Hero”. Jillian is best known for her series regular role as ‘Bailey’ on the Disney XD series “Walk the Prank”. Jillian also recently appeared as a guest star on Netflix’s “No Good Nick” (with Sean Astin and Melissa Joan Hart), on Disney Channel’s “Just Roll with It,” and in a supporting role in the film “To the Beat!: Back 2 School.”
In addition to her acting career, she is also a talented singer-songwriter, director, producer and film writer. Jillian got her start singing and playing the piano when she was five years old, discovered her love of guitar/ukulele at 12, and is set to release her newest single XX and a new EP to follow later this spring. Her first two singles, “Story” (July 2018) and “Barely Changed” (Jan 2019) were produced by music director and producer Mike Avenaim and mastered at Capitol Records. Jillian then released “Talk Too Loud” (June 2019) and “Something Better” (Sept 2019) while working with acclaimed producer Mikal Blue (Colbie Caillat, Jason Mraz, Five for Fighting, One Republic). Tapping into her film expertise, Jillian co-wrote, directed, and produced her music video for “Something Better” (Sept 2019). Following this record, Jillian released “Runaway” (Nov 2019) which she co-composed as the theme song for the Brat TV show Crazy Fast. She has since written and released several songs in 2021, including her latest hits “you & me”, “2021”, “3:43 am” (produced by Blue), “i don’t know,” (produced by Bill Spaeder) and “Worth My Time” (produced by Avenaim) which was followed by a full-length album.
As a Philadelphia-area native who primarily resides in Los Angeles, Jillian started her acting career with several roles in regional musical theater. It was a trip to Hollywood that changed Jillian’s life through a chance encounter with her manager, who encouraged her to consider moving to California to enter the film and television industry. In her first three months in Hollywood, she appeared in the digital DreamWorksTV series “OMG!,” had a guest starring role on Nickelodeon’s “Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn,” and booked a series regular role on Disney XD’s “Walk the Prank.” Her career blossomed with her leading role in the Disney+ film “Godmothered” and has allowed her the opportunity to tell narratives that are important to her philanthropic passions such as the short film ‘It Counts’, which released in the 2020 election year and was directed by Spaeder, as well as the forthcoming short ‘The Noise’ which she wrote, produced and starred in and will premiere at the Beverly Hills Film Festival before making its way to the Gasparilla Film Festival in Florida.
Aside from music and acting, Jillian enjoys being able to utilize her voice for change in the world. She has dedicated her time to both the National Multiple Sclerosis Society a cause she became active in after her Aunt received an MS diagnosis, and Children International through which her family sponsors kids in need. She also actively uses her platform to promote Equality and Inclusivity.
Hi Jillian welcome to OLC! It’s a pleasure to have you here. Can you share the inspiration behind your short film “The Noise” and how your personal experiences influenced its creation?
Thanks for having me! I wrote “The Noise” while I was going through eating disorder recovery. I personified my internal thoughts into human form for the script.
How do you balance your roles as an actress, singer-songwriter, director, and producer, and what challenges do you face in each of these roles?
I balance everything by combining things as much as I can! I wrote two of the songs on my debut EP about the same topic I wrote about in my short film. I also acted in my short! My biggest challenge in all of these fields is balancing my personal life and work. I enjoy all of it so much that I forget to take breaks sometimes!
How did you gravitate towards the arts, and was there anything in particular that inspired you?
My parents met in a band in college, so I grew up singing with my family from a young age. I don’t ever remember a time when I didn’t want to work in entertainment!
What message do you hope to convey to audiences through your music and film projects, particularly in relation to your advocacy for those struggling with eating disorders?
I hope the biggest thing I can convey is that you need to ask for help. Eating disorders are extremely isolating and controlling; without a support system, they can be challenging to beat.
Could you discuss your creative process when writing and producing your music, and how it differs from your process when working on film projects?
When I am working on film projects, I do a ton of planning. But with music, I just go for it. In both outlets, I always try to find some truth in every world, or in every lyric I write.
You’ve been involved in various philanthropic endeavors, including supporting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Children International. How do you integrate your activism into your career and personal life?
One of my favorite things is being an advocate. I am very thankful to have a platform where I can voice my opinions and help those in need!
What lessons have you learned throughout your career in the entertainment industry, and how have they shaped your approach to storytelling and advocacy?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that being yourself is the best thing you can do! It sounds silly, but it’s true. Everyone is unique and has their own stories to tell.
As someone who transitioned from regional musical theater to Hollywood, what advice would you give to aspiring actors and musicians looking to break into the industry?
I moved to Hollywood almost ten years ago. At that time, it was very different. But my recommendation to aspiring actors and musicians now would be to use the internet and social media. You never know what can come from one post!
Could you tell us about the significance of the venues and festivals where your work is being showcased, such as the Beverly Hills Film Festival and the Gasparilla Film Festival?
Since I moved to LA at 12, I have always loved going to the Chinese Theatre to look at all of the handprints. It’s a dream to have my short film playing there at the Beverly Hills Film Festival Gasparilla takes place in Tampa, where some of my family lives, so getting to travel there and have my family come support me is going to be a blast!
How do you see your music and film projects evolving in the future, and are there any particular themes or issues you’re eager to explore?
I am hoping to keep making projects that are better and better! I am eager to write more about mental health. But on the other hand, I’m excited to start writing more comedies as well! As for music, I just want to keep creating and see where it goes.
What do you hope audiences take away from your performances, both on-screen and in your music, regarding themes of equality, inclusivity, and personal struggle?
I hope audiences feel something. With everything I do, that’s my goal. Whether the feeling is sad, excited, or hopeful. Whatever the feeling is, I hope I can make people feel it.
Music & Social Media:
Socials: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | TikTok
Music: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube
Website: www.jillianshea.com
