Acclaimed Canadian singer/songwriter JUSTINE GILES releases latest single “Past Life”
On her new single “Past Life,” Justine Giles continues to explore personal growth and healing through her songwriting. The track poured out of her following an unexpected encounter with an acquaintance with whom she’d had a complicated history, prompting Justine to reflect on how we often remain connected to such people, whether we want to or not.
“Past Life” is Justine’s first new music since her 2024 EP Another Chance, which collected the singles she’d recorded after moving from Toronto to Calgary in 2019, where she was immediately embraced, and in 2024 was named Calgary’s Solo Artist of the Year as part of the YYC Music Awards. Another Chance also received strong local radio support from CJSW, which helped it reach the Earshot National Folk and Roots Top 10.
Justine is ready to open a new chapter with “Past Life,” with its multi-layered arrangement and emotional vocal performance illustrating the creative strides she has made. Funded in part by Calgary Arts Development, “Past Life” was produced by Mark Troyer at Calgary’s Evergreen Sound and features Justine’s friend Sarah Houston on piano, both of whom contribute greatly to the song’s cinematic dynamics. Justine says the sense of musical tug of war at its heart reflects the message contained in the song’s lyrics.
“One minute it’s vulnerable, intimate and raw, the next it’s large, loud, and strong. It pulls you in and then it spits you back out again—such is life.” She adds, “I guess some things just can’t be explained, but also, two things can be true at the same time. I’ve always been a believer in soul connections and learning important lessons through these relationships.”
Female empowerment has always been the foundation of Justine’s work. Originally from Sudbury, Ontario, she self-released her debut album Shine in 2014, and within a few years was named the Northern Ontario regional winner of CBC’s annual Searchlight competition. Moving to Toronto, she participated in Canada’s Music Incubator (CMI) program, while performing often in the city, and being invited to appear on CTV’s The Marilyn Denis Show.
Once in Calgary, she quickly established her local reputation through performances at many of the city’s prominent venues and partnerships with the National Music Centre to create youth-oriented programs. These efforts earned Justine recognition from Calgary’s long-running White Hat Awards as an “Exceptional Rising Leader.”
“Past Life” now shows Giles is ready to take the next step to international status, as it displays why she is one of the most compelling new voices on the Canadian singer/songwriter scene.