Today we’d like to introduce you to Conzemius
Conzemius, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m Jill Conzemius, and use Conzemius as my artist name. I was born and raised in the Twin Cities area and currently reside in Minneapolis. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. As a child, I had a Fisher-Price toy boom box with an attached microphone. I was obsessed with singing along with every song I heard. When I was school aged, I became busy with participating in as many choirs as I could, eventually performing at Orchestra Hall with the MN State Choir and receiving a “Superior” rating in the MN State Competition in solo. As an adult, I found myself engaging more in the live music scene. I performed in bands with a wide range of styles, including acoustic Indie Folk, Americana-influenced Pop, and an acoustic Motown group.
Alongside all of this singing, I was writing poetry and filling notebooks with songs I had written. I would spend hours at the piano, where I experimented with chords and rhythm, striving to match the music’s mood to my lyrics. Lacking a formal piano background, I relied on my ear, and I was determined to translate my ideas into sound.
The growing desire to sing my own songs and express my personal lyrics became undeniable.
This is where my solo project, Conzemius, began. Conzemius is my last name, and since it’s a core part of my identity, it felt like the right word to represent my artist’s voice. I’ve been releasing singles since the fall of 2024 that will be part of my debut EP release this summer, 2025.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have certainly been challenges and I think that’s just all a part of the process. Being involved in different bands and projects has been so rewarding and I’m very grateful for those opportunities. That being said, it took me a while to realize how to say “yes” to projects and to also say “yes” to my own personal projects. Although I was busy performing music, years went by where I was not putting any effort into creating my own art. Because collaborating with other musicians is so important to me, I had to figure out what balance looked like for both of these things and how I could prioritize making my own music.
I learned that when I dedicate time to work towards my personal music, it helps me become a better artist and strengthens my role as a collaborator too.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My music is ethereal indie pop, textured with electronic elements and layered with atmospheric soundscapes and warm, emotion-rich vocals. The songs have a familiar pop style but with an experimental edge and are often characterized by an immersive, dreamy quality. Think Norah Jones’ voice meets Radiohead’s sound.
My approach to writing and creating music is to see where it can go by taking musical risks. I like to explore a song’s potential. I want to make songs that really pull listeners in and take them somewhere else for a while. I’ve been working with a local producer, Ben Noble, to create this very specific sound and he has brought these songs to life in a beautiful way.
I’m excited to share that my debut EP releases this summer, 2025. My band and I will be celebrating with a Twin Cities show shortly after the release. Stay tuned for details!
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Happiness, for me, is in the simple moments of life. It’s the smell of pine trees on a hike, a cozy night at the firepit with friends, having a deep conversation about the vastness of the universe. It’s the silliness in sharing jokes or stumbling upon an amazing vintage treasure. It’s also the deep connection to creativity, whether I’m lost in the flow of a piano melody, or simply enjoying the shared experience of music with others. Ultimately, happiness is about being present in the moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.conzemiusmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conzemius_music/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Conzemius
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1WHuI1qdQkLVMHcy2L0EME?si=cG3anhleRL2vkODRso3BhQ
Image Credits
Elena Stanton, BUMP OPERA, No Aesthetic Stills
