Justine Giles

Now that Justine Giles has heard the announcement about being chosen to represent northern Ontario in the 2017 Searchlight Awards, she is going to have to get used to a little more attention.

The Sudbury singer-songwriter will be representing northern Ontario in CBC Music's annual Searchlight Award, a contest that recognizes unsigned regional artists as voted by listeners.

But Giles isn't letting the pressure of a national audience get to her. Before the Searchlight announcement, Giles reached out to her followers with a hearty thank you via Twitter.

"We're in this together," Giles said. "It's not about make or break it, I've learned that over the years. You're the person, the people that are making this happen with me."

Cochrane, Ont. musician making it big with Nikki's Wives
Sudbury R&B singer Tessa Gooden hits the road for American tour, SXSW

The process of making music for her fans has been the real reward, she said.

"I'm so thrilled with the response and support," she said, "but it's not always about winning a prize. It's about connecting with people."

"It's about collectively sharing stories, relating through music, healing," she said.

"It's a powerful, beautiful thing." - CBC News

Sudbury's Justine Giles has beat out thousands of musicians across Canada to gain a spot in the top 25 of CBC Music's Searchlight contest. Now the musician needs your votes to get to the next round. - CBC Radio (Up North)

“The synergy between the song, the lyrics, the voice and overall aesthetic is so compelling and, what’s more, seems so natural. I love the depth of the lyrics here — that she can frame a 'typical' love song in such a way that it’s engaging even after repeat listens and never comes off as forced or hokey or clichéd. If this one song is any indication, I think she’s the total package and see a lot of potential in this artist.” - Canadian Musician Magazine

“'Unspoken' is a contemporary love song with a classic Jazz undertone. It’s a refreshing sound in a day where many songs sound similar. That is no surprise to Giles’ music. She leans towards vintage in many areas of her life and is not swayed by current trends. She writes from the heart and keeps true to herself by doing so. There is room for her music and well worth a listen.” - Canadian Beats

“This singers sultry and smokey voice is the perfect soundtrack for all your relaxation needs and has something of a trance like quality. With Unspoken released into the world we got in touch with Justine and found out what’s next!” - Our Crater

Sudbury-born, Montreal-based singer-songwriter Justine Giles released her debut LP Shine last year, and she's keeping the momentum behind it rolling with a brand new video for album cut "Sparks" — and Exclaim! has got your first look at it.

The folk-pop tune is equal parts romantic and melancholic, and those sentiments are perfectly reflected in the accompanying visuals. Footage of Giles wandering in a rain-dampened alleyway and strumming her guitar get spliced with happier clips of young love that show sparks flying both literally and figuratively. The video was shot and edited by Mathieu Séguin.

Shine is available now on iTunes, though Giles is already writing towards her next record. Until that arrives, though, give the video for "Sparks" a watch in the player below. - Exclaim Magazine

There is no doubt -- Justine Giles' star is still rising, its zenith still just out of reach.

The 22-year-old singer/songwriter -- born and raised in the Nickel City -- recently moved to Montreal in search of inspiration, opportunity and creativity. Oh! And she will also be performing on Sept. 5 for a crowd of about 1,000 at Club Soda (www.clubsoda.ca), as part of the Landmark showcase finals. So far, she has competed twice, and outperformed the competition, to advance to this stage.

It is sure to be a special evening for the young chanteuse.

"I'm really excited for the final round of the show, because my full band is coming," she says from her new HQ in Montreal. "I've never played with my full band out of town, so that should be really fun and interesting. Also, it'll be the biggest venue I've ever played. ... I love big crowds."

Her preparations for the big show have been fairly limited, as Giles says she plays by feeling and intuition.

"It's such an in-the-moment thing," she says. "It's one of those things where you get in the zone when you're on stage and you're present, and it kind of just happens. It's hard to even say that I can prepare."

But she has been working on a few new songs -- part of an upcoming album -- as each performer has about 30 minutes to impress the crowd. The new works mark a departure from her debut offering, Shine, which was released last September. They tell of new beginnings and fond farewells.

"The songs are about moving forward -- they come from that new place of inspiration," Giles says. "Obviously Montreal influences my music, but also everything I do as an artist. ... The arts are so supported here, it's unreal."

Giles, like her Landmark competitors, is hoping to be in the top five. As one of the brightest lights, she will be assured of global distribution with Universal Music and, of course, travel opportunities.

"There's a lot of weight on this last one," she admits.

Just as the two previous Landmark showcases were, this one will be live-streamed. Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased by emailing Giles at justinegilesmusic@gmail.com (ticket-holders will be emailed the link the night before the big competition).

Giles is also performing a solo show at La Tulipe on Aug. 6 with the RAW artist showcase. Tickets for that performance also cost $15 and can be purchased online at www.rawartists.org/justinegiles (the event, however, will not be live-streamed).

"After this show, I can later showcase with RAW again in any of their more than 60 cities around the globe, without having to sell tickets again," she explains in an email to The Star.

The competitions, and her career trajectory, should come as no surprise to anyone who knows Giles.

"It's just what I've always done; I've kind of been on stage since the time I was very small," the veteran performer muses. "It's just a natural thing that's been progressing in my life, so I don't think anyone's all that shocked."

Have news on upcoming arts and entertainment events? Please email me the details at maryk.keown@sunmedia.ca or call me at 1-705-674-5271 ext. 505235. You can also reach me on Twitter: @marykkeown. - Sudbury Star

Local singer-songwriter finds success in Montreal
Earlier this year, Sudbury native Justine Giles packed up her bags and moved to Montreal. It was a big step for the 22-year-old, but one that's paid off for the local singer-songwriter.

Giles, who released her debut album, Shine, last September, said she's always loved Montreal, mostly because of the city's thriving arts scene.

Because she wanted to spend more time there, last year she started searching the Internet, looking for opportunities in the city.

Giles came across the website for Landmark Events, a company that puts on music showcases in Montreal. Not fully knowing what she was getting herself into, she applied to appear in the showcases.

Last November, Giles was invited by Landmark Events to take part in a series of showcases at large venues in the Montréal area, ultimately prompting her move.

The top five finalists obtain worldwide distribution from Universal Music, along with other record label opportunities.

“It's exciting to play big venues,” said Giles, a graduate of Sudbury Secondary School's performing arts program, as well as Cambrian College's art and design program.

“I've always loved playing for big crowds. It's just really nice to hear yourself even with a big sound system. It's a totally different world than playing in coffee shops and small venues.”

The final Landmark Events showcase is Sept. 5. Giles' band, which includes her father, is flying out to play with her.

Giles has also recently gotten involved with another showcase company, RAW Artists, which operates in 60 cities around the globe. She'll be participating in an Aug. 6 Montreal showcase with this company.

While Giles said leaving her hometown for the unknown of a larger city has been a bit daunting, it's been worth it.

“There's some days where you do question it,” she said. “But there's other times where I'm like 'Wow, I'm doing what I've always wanted to do. I'm definitely really proud that I've gotten myself to be where I am right now.'”

Learn more about Giles at www.justinegiles.com - Northern Life