Calgary, AB-based singer-songwriter, Justine Giles has unveiled her new single, “Save Myself”. “Save Myself” is the first taste of a new collection of songs chronicling the latest phase of that journey, during which she learned to take control of her destiny.
Justine worked with producer, Mark Troyer on the single, and she instantly felt it was a perfect match.
“Mark and I have been working in his studio, Evergreen Sound, and he has a way of tuning into what every artist’s strengths are,” she says. “ Something significant for me is the way he captures vocal production and how that’s allowed him to learn the nuances of my voice. We both strive to pick and choose ‘moments’ — either when it’s appropriate for me to belt it out loud, or when it’s necessary for me to embrace my softer voice and showcase some vulnerable emotions.”
Justine adds that she had more input on the overall production of “Save Myself” than on anything she’d recorded before, and that contributed a lot to conveying her musical vision.
“I feel that this song captures my strength in a new way. I’ve always been strong, but for once I’m not trying to be stoic. I’m trying to embrace vulnerability and honesty in every way, when on record, in public, or on social media. I think the world often lacks authenticity and raw openness.”
Check out “Save Myself” below, and find out more about Justine via our mini-interview.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m a singer-songwriter newly based in Calgary, Alberta originally from Sudbury, Ontario. Some of my influences are Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morissette, Christina Perri, and Kacey Musgraves.
You have just released your new single, “Save Myself”, can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the track?
The seed for “Save Myself” was planted prior to the pandemic as I coped with the end of a close personal and professional relationship. I moved from Sudbury to Calgary in late 2019 and found the strength to make music again. During one of the lockdowns in 2021, I called upon one of my best friends, singer-songwriter Matt Blais, and we did a few video calls to co-write and finish the song. At times it felt like pulling teeth, to revisit old pain and a traumatic time in my life, but it was extremely cathartic. My hope is that someone out there can relate the song’s message.
You worked with Mark Troyer on the single, how was that experience?
Working with Mark has been an incredible experience; he has a way of tuning into what every artist’s strengths are. Something significant for me is the way he captures vocal production and how that’s allowed him to learn the nuances of my voice. We both strive to pick and choose ‘moments’—either when it’s appropriate for me to belt it out loud, or when it’s necessary for me to embrace my softer voice and showcase some vulnerable emotions.
How would you explain your musical journey since you established yourself through the Canada’s Music Incubator program?
It’s been a journey of highs and lows, deeply rooted in healing and self-discovery. I took about 4 years off from my music career and spent most of it in introspection, slowly rebuilding myself personally and professionally. It’s been important for me to get clear on my messaging, intentions, goals etc. so I could then start to develop a new creative and business team to support me in moving forward with my vision.
What’s next for you in 2022?
Right now I’m continuing to record in the studio, I’ll be releasing a few new singles this year, and I’ll also be creating a new live-show experience.
Connect with Justine Giles:
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