Justine Lynn opens up about her musical journey, creative evolution, and finding her own voice in Canadian country music.
For Canadian country artist Justine Lynn, making music has always been about more than finding the right melody. It’s about discovering her voice, trusting her instincts, and building a career that reflects who she is as both an artist and a person.
With a musical background that stretches across genres and continents, the Vancouver-based singer-songwriter has developed an approach to her craft that embraces individuality and creative exploration. Her journey has been shaped by diverse influences, memorable performances, and a willingness to evolve without losing sight of what first drew her to music.
Discover More From Justine Lynn
As she continues carving out her own space in the Canadian country music scene, Justine is embracing a period of artistic growth. Her latest single, “High As You,” offers another glimpse into her evolving creativity, a release we recently explored in our Canadian Beats single review.
We caught up with Justine Lynn to talk about her musical journey, the experiences that have shaped her artistry, and what she’s looking forward to as she continues writing the next chapter of her career.
Five Questions With Justine Lynn – Interview
“High As You” follows the gritty, defiant energy of “Roses” with something warmer, funkier, and more playful. What inspired this shift in mood, and how do you feel these two singles complement each other as you introduce listeners to this new chapter of your music?
I wanted to showcase the different dimensions of my new sound. While it has a gritty, “swampy” edge, as I like to call it, it also allows me to explore both the darker and lighter sides of my musicality. Both singles are rooted in a blues inspired sound that feels more authentically me. My hope is that these releases give both new listeners and those who have been following my journey a deeper understanding of who I am as an artist and the sound I feel truly represents me.
You’ve described your latest releases as stepping fully into the artist you’ve always been becoming. Was there a particular moment when you realized you were ready to embrace this blues-country sound, and what had been holding you back from exploring it more deeply before now?
I’ve been releasing Country music since 2018, but if I’m being truthful, I was putting out music that I thought people wanted to hear rather than music that genuinely resonated with me. At the beginning of 2025, I reached a point where I realized that not being fully authentic to who I am and the music I truly love was ultimately holding me back from finding the listeners who connected with me, both personally and musically.
“High As You” captures the feeling of being completely immersed in a love story. When writing a song like this, do you draw primarily from personal experiences, or do you enjoy creating stories that allow listeners to find pieces of themselves in the music?
This single was pitched to me by two incredible songwriters, Patrick James Clark and Greg Williams. When it comes to recording songs written by others, it takes a certain song and feeling to make me believe it’s something I should put my voice to. With “High As You,” I was immediately drawn to the sadness that lives within the lyrics (especially when you read them without listening to the song), paired with the contrasting lightness and playfulness of the melody. I thought it was such a unique way to capture the sadness that comes with losing love, and that contrast was what really drew me to the song.
You were born and raised in South Africa before moving to Canada at 14. How have the musical influences and cultural experiences from both countries shaped your identity as an artist, particularly the soulful, blues-inspired elements that are becoming more prominent in your sound?
South Africa and the music that comes from there are heavily influenced by prominent grooves, strong rhythms, and rich harmonies, all of which naturally align with a bluesy, Country feel. Canada has such a STRONG Country music ecosystem, filled with incredibly talented artists whom I admire, know, and continue to learn so much from, especially when it comes to the more traditional aspects of Country music that I didn’t grow up with. I think those two influences have allowed me to find a sound that feels uniquely my own.
Your musical background includes studying jazz and contemporary music, performing with a choir at Carnegie Hall, and eventually finding your place in country music. Looking back on that journey, which experiences do you feel had the greatest influence on the vocalist and performer you’ve become today?
I’ve been so lucky to have had so many incredible experiences throughout my musical journey. Growing up, I was part of a very successful choir that taught me so much about work ethic, musicality, and performance, but most importantly, the importance of finding joy in music every single day. Those early experiences really shaped the way I approach music and continue to influence me as an artist today.
You’ve shared stages with some of Canada’s biggest country artists, including Dallas Smith, Meghan Patrick, and Dean Brody. What have those opportunities taught you about performing, connecting with audiences, and building a lasting career in the music industry?
So many of these artists have taught me the importance of persistence. Many have been in the music industry for years, but their success certainly didn’t happen overnight. They stayed the course, remained authentic to who they are, and I think that really shows. Their shows are uniquely “them,” and that authenticity is what keeps fans showing up, listening to their music, and continuing to support them through every chapter of their careers.
You’ve achieved some impressive milestones, from national radio airplay to chart success and hundreds of thousands of streams. As your career continues to evolve, has your definition of success changed, and what accomplishments mean the most to you personally?
ABSOLUTELY! As my career has evolved, one thing I know with certainty is that connection is what matters most to me. I would much rather have a smaller group of listeners who genuinely connect with me and are invested in my journey as an artist than simply focus on running up the numbers on my singles. I make a conscious effort to connect with people, whether that’s through socials or at shows, because to me, success is about building those genuine connections. After all, that’s what music is all about! I also have a few goals that have been with me for several years now, and I’m really hoping to see some of those come to life soon!
Beyond music, you’ve created something incredibly meaningful through Country for a Cause, supporting wildlife conservation in South Africa. What inspired you to launch this initiative, and how has bringing together your passion for music and your connection to your home country impacted you personally?
This all came to life during COVID. Much like so many artists, I was looking for a way to make a difference during a time when the world felt so uncertain. I knew I wanted to find a way to bring together my love of music and my love of animals. South Africa has such a need to protect its incredible wildlife and preserve its beautiful landscapes, so it felt like a natural fit. After hours and hours of research, I reached out to the team at Wild Tomorrow, and the rest is history! I’m so proud to be able to give back in even a small way and contribute to the important work being done to protect these animals and their habitats.
With “Roses” and “High As You” introducing such a distinct musical direction, can listeners expect more releases that explore this blues-country sound? Are you working toward a larger project, or are you enjoying the freedom of letting each single tell its own story?
I love this question! Absolutely, listeners can expect more to come. I’ll be continuing to explore that same bluesy Country sound while diving into new stories and different sides of it. We have some big goals for 2027, and I’m really excited to see where things go and what comes from the progress we’ve already made. There’s a lot to look forward to, and I can’t wait to share more!
You’ve spent years developing your voice, building your career, and discovering where you belong musically. If you could go back and speak to the young girl who moved from South Africa to Canada at 14, what would you tell her about the journey ahead and the artist she would eventually become?
Take a breath and enjoy the process. I know it sounds so cliché, but it really is the best part! I would also tell her to enjoy the wins along the way. As artists, we’re constantly setting goals for ourselves, and I think sometimes we reach them and immediately move on to the next thing without taking a moment to celebrate what we’ve accomplished. I would remind her to slow down, appreciate those moments, and celebrate the wins a little more. They deserve just as much attention as the goals we’re working towards!
