Paige Warner’s captivating alt-pop blends soulful vocal licks with catchy, poetic lyrics. From busking in her small Ontario hometown to performing at Massey Hall’s TD Music Hall and opening for icons like Ron Sexsmith, her resilience shines. With songs that explore heartbreak, empowerment, and love, her music tugs at your heartstrings or pulls you to the dance floor.
Paige will be performing at this year’s Gussapolooza in Cooksville, ON, on September 15, at the Barn Stage.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi friends! My name is Paige Warner. I’m an alt-pop artist from Owen Sound, Ontario.
Tell us a bit about your most recent release.
I just released my debut album Bitter/Sweet. It is an ode to female resilience and a collection of songs I’ve written over the past 7 years.
How would you describe your musical style to someone who has never heard your music before?
My music falls generally under the alt-pop umbrella. Expect heartfelt ballads to tug on your heartstrings, or uptempo anthems to tug on your dancing shoes!
What does performing at a festival like Gussapolooza, known for its focus on emerging talent, mean to you and your band?
Gussapolooza is such an incredible community. The artists all connect and encourage each other and it really just creates a warm atmosphere to welcome the audience into! I love being part of this.
What makes Gussapolooza different from other festivals?
Gussapolooza is unique in inviting such a wide range of genres, including anything from first-time performers to established acts, and makes an effort to connect artists leading up to the festival to help create that community feeling.
With over 40 indie bands performing, how do you plan to stand out and make a lasting impression on the audience?
I hope that audiences can enjoy each artist in their own way! The great thing about music is you can support so many artists at once and there really is nothing to lose in that. This festival is definitely community over competition. I hope that people who relate to my music can connect with it and carry a piece of it home with them.
Are there any specific bands or artists at Gussapolooza that you’re excited to see perform?
I’m excited to meet up with friends I, The Mountain, and Erin Blackstock again, and check out WildBloom, Old Soul, Living Room For Small, and Kojak (and the whole lineup truly).
For fans who may be seeing you perform for the first time, what do you hope they remember most about your set?
I hope you feel seen and understood through my songs! If you can relate to female resilience, these songs will be right up your alley. Please come say hi after the show, I’d really love to meet you!
What’s next for you after Gussapolooza? Are there any upcoming projects or releases we should look out for?
I just released my debut album Bitter/Sweet and will be announcing the Bitter/Sweet tour very soon. I’m also part of a songwriter’s tour with Kylie Fox and Lori Yates that starts the week after Gussapolooza. My “Bitter” music video is coming soon, so watch for that as well!