Jill Koch (cook) is an independent singer/songwriter from Kansas who has performed with various groups over the years, as a vocalist and writer. In 1999, Jill began recording and performing with Seth Swartzendruber who wrote and performed the guitar arrangements for her first album, “Big Scary World.” Following the release in 2000, Jill joined the KC indie band "Aslan's Child", for their self-titled release and sang with AC for two years. Since 2000, Jill has also been involved with "Open Swim," at KU led by the Pool Boys, with two of her songs featured on the “Open Swim” CD. Jill is married with four children and lives just outside Kansas City.
Jill’s first album “Big Scary World” is an acoustic rock set including 12 songs of truth that seek to inspire the culture to look beyond themselves. Featuring the first recording of “Most High” and title cut “Big Scary World.”
In January 2003, Jill teamed up with Kelly Liebengood, and Brice Ash, formerly of the KC band “Beggars Table”, to release a 13 cut album called “deep with You.” The album contains original songs written by Kelly and Jill as well as three hymns with new arrangements by Kelly. Brice adds amazing instrumental work on the album. Kelly’s vocals have been compared to “Creed”, and the feel of the album is acoustic rock with gutsy vocals, with a slight “twang” here and there.
December 2007-Jill just finished her second solo recording, “Sweet Abdication” featuring songs she has collaborated on with various bands/ artists. This album included the radio mix recording of “Straight Down Main”, and longtime fan favorite “I Belong to Another” plus Jill’s guitar debut on “Sweet Abdication.” This album is a DOUBLE DISC PROJECT and included 18 original songs plus and additional FREE Bonus CD featuring original songs from all the bands and artists (the cohorts) who helped her record.
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”Being able to record and share my music has been quite surreal and fulfilling. I never even got serious about my songs until after I had three of my children, and even at that point, I never thought I would ever complete an entire album. I remember ever since I was little, having a dream to be a singer. . .yet never daring to tell a soul-for fear of what they would think. Growing up I was fortunate to be involved in theatre, choir, and a few rock bands. I had some incredible directors and music teachers always encouraging me and guiding me, who gave me some great opportunities. Yet to put my own thoughts down on paper and share them through song . . . I think I was waiting for the world to give me their approval, their “go ahead”. As long as I can remember I have had bits of songs and hooks floating around in my head-finishing them was the problem.
It wasn’t until a road trip with a friend, where we exposed our “dreams” that she pushed me to get out there, finish some songs and see what would happen. But with a family, and husband, how could I ever begin that kind of dream now. . .It just didn’t seem like the right thing to do. Yet with much support, of my family and some very talented musicians, I began the journey of writing, recording, and sharing my songs. I don’t consider myself a performer, it is actually quite a task for me to get ready for shows, mentally with much self-doubt and physically, just finding the time to prepare. Plus,that kind of life just doesn’t lend itself to family life, unless you’re the Partridge Family.
(and they seemed a little dysfunctional Ha Ha!) Yet what little performing that I have done I have been very grateful for. I love to hear when people tell me they connect with one of my songs . . . and that, after all, is what it’s all about. I love how the internet has made it possible for indie artists to share their music. It is my hope that those who encounter my songs whether live, from a CD, download, or online, would feel connected in some way and be moved by what they hear.”