PREVIEW: Jill Sobule: A Super Model
Jill Sobule
04/04 @ Empire Live, Albany
Disclaimer: This article contains very strong language.
“Her wit shined through when discussing her impact…It’s clear Sobule has been entertaining audiences while pushing important messages for years.”
A chance meeting at a summer concert brought me face-to-face with Jill Sobule, the iconic ‘90s rocker known for her comedic and empowering songs. As I introduced myself, I couldn’t help but express my admiration for her contributions to music during a transformative time for women in rock and folk. Her role in the Lilith Fair movement was instrumental in inspiring a generation of female musicians, including myself, who were eager to pick up guitars and write songs.
Sobule's music, particularly hits like "I Kissed a Girl" and "Supermodel," often featured a blend of humor and social commentary. I mused about how these songs, while commercially successful, sometimes pigeonholed her.
"I don't mind it," Sobule admitted, reflecting on the duality of her experience. “But it was a double-edged sword. When they promoted ‘I Kissed a Girl’ and ‘Supermodel,’ it was kind of a novelty act where I wanted [them both] to be songs of empowerment. I knew that, to have a song like that, I would have to somehow make the story kind of light and funny so underneath I could get away with my insidious gay agenda.”
Her wit shined through when discussing her impact: "I am an indoctrinator," she quipped, referring to the subtle messages in her songs that resonated widely, particularly among her LGBTQ+ audience. It’s clear Sobule has been entertaining audiences while pushing important messages for years.
We transitioned to one of her latest ventures — a song she'd written with friends. She laughed, recounting how a group of friends formed a band called Sugar Tits, along with Michelle Lewis and Kay Hanley (Letters to Cleo), after the infamous Mel Gibson DUI incident ten years ago. The light-hearted nature of such projects seemed to be her trademark, but that didn't take away from the cutting commentary.
In keeping with my efforts to maintain Metroland’s apoliticism, while also not censoring artists, I’ll refrain from sharing my opinion of this new song while offering the mere facts surrounding the song called “JD Vance is a Cunt.”
“It’s a Swiss Army Knife of a song,” Sobule explained, showing how its lyrics could humorously adapt to address various figures in politics, showcasing its versatility.
For balance, I’ll mention she did face some backlash, albeit lighthearted, from folks stating that Vance shouldn’t be compared to a cunt, because “a cunt is a nice, warm, and wonderful thing, you know?”
Then came a mention of her theatrical venture, Fuck Seventh Grade, a hybrid concert and musical. “Seventh grade was the worst year of my life,” she reflected. Understandably so, she felt it was a pivotal moment that shapes our adult selves. The show debuted during the pandemic in a unique drive-in format.
“We did our first show during COVID in Pittsburgh at the Pittsburgh City Theater as a mock drive. It was like a Stephen King novel. I was just playing in front of cars and after each song they blink their headlights.” The show evolved and moved into The Wild Project in New York City for four runs.
In addition to Fuck Seventh Grade, Sobule mentioned Rhino is releasing her 1995 self-titled debut for them, Jill Sobule, on vinyl for the first time on June 6th. Happens to be on red vinyl, the (roughly) 30th Anniversary of its release (April 7, 1995).
Sobule discussed her desire to keep pushing creative boundaries. “I just need discipline,” she admitted, humorously acknowledging the distraction of modern technology.
As we discussed her upcoming show at Empire Live opening for the band The Fixx, Sobule expressed a mix of excitement and curiosity about the audience's reactions to her sometimes provocative material.
“On my own shows when I play for people, I can do all my political songs because my audience knows what they're gonna get and I don't know if there's gonna be some right-leaning people.”
Photo by Erin Harkes
“Albany’s a blue city, so you should be safe,” I reassured her, feeling confident that her music would resonate authentically, regardless of the crowd.
Wrapping up our conversation, Sobule encouraged everyone to connect with her online for new music and updates. She excitedly mentioned a new initiative of releasing a “song a day,” a delightful treat for her long-time fans. The workshop I attended with Sobule was for songwriters given a prompt to write an entire song. This concept has inspired many emerging songwriters, myself included. Before I left, Sobule offered me a songwriting prompt.
"Write a song that mentions Greenland, polar bears, and JD Vance's wife."
“I’ve got my work cut out for me,” I replied.
It’ll be a far cry from the songs I was inspired to pen in the ‘90s, but whatever stimulates the seemingly retired songwriter in me will be a welcome homework assignment.
And even if you voted red, you gotta admit, JD Vance is kind of a cunt.
Jill Sobule will be performing 4/4 at Empire Live with The Fixx, 7PM. Grab your tickets at https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/30006235DF1A1D7E