For over a decade, Jilian Medford has navigated the music industry under the moniker IAN SWEET, often finding her work categorized within the confines of the “sad girl” aesthetic. However, with the release of her latest album, Shiverstruck, Medford is actively dismantling those expectations. In a recent conversation, she reflects on the personal and creative evolution that led to this project, describing it as a necessary act of self-reckoning.
A New Chapter of Self-Discovery
The creation of Shiverstruck was a process of shedding old skins. Medford began writing the record in early 2025, eventually recording in Atlanta with producer Ben Allen. What she initially viewed as a collection of songs became a mirror for her own life, revealing subconscious truths about a relationship that was nearing its end. “In a way, the album sort of manifested the end of it without me noticing,” she explains. Unlike her previous work, which often leaned into the performative nature of heartbreak, this project represents a shift toward intentionality and self-care.
Medford admits that the “sad girl” label, while useful for building a persona, eventually became a restrictive costume. “If unhappiness is what people show up for, a good day starts to feel like a betrayal of the brand,” she notes. By stepping away from that narrative, she has allowed herself to embrace the full spectrum of her personality—chaotic, bubbly, and deeply human.
Trusting Her Own Voice
A significant theme in Medford’s journey has been the struggle to distinguish between Jilian and IAN SWEET. Early in her career, she felt the pressure to curate a specific image, often allowing the influence of bandmates to overshadow her own creative instincts. Today, she is more confident in her voice. “It’s awesome to get older and find your voice and be more confident—to not shy away from telling people no or that things make you uncomfortable,” she says.
This newfound confidence is evident in the production of Shiverstruck, which prioritizes raw, foregrounded lyricism over complex arrangements. Tracks like “987” exemplify this approach, featuring minimal production that highlights the emotional weight of the songwriting. By moving away from the “math-rock” influences of her early days and embracing a more personal, bare-bones sound, Medford has created a record that feels like a true thesis of her identity.
“I’ve been trying to be less precious about how I present myself, and that’s helped my mindset a lot. My life doesn’t need to be so curated or methodical.”
As she looks toward the future, Medford is focused on maintaining the joy of creation. Despite the challenges of the modern music industry, she remains committed to the art of performance. For her, success is no longer about hitting arbitrary metrics or chasing a finish line that constantly moves; it is about the connection she finds with her audience and the ability to express herself authentically. Shiverstruck is not just an album—it is a testament to the growth required to finally take the blinders off.
