In late 2019, Justine Giles was looking for a fresh start. She packed up and moved from Toronto to Calgary, carrying big plans along with her guitar. Of course, within a few months those plans had to be put on hold, but it didn’t stop Justine from building a foundation of new musical ideas, along with new connections to bring them to life.
Things may have taken longer than originally planned, but Justine Giles has another chance to show the world what she can do, and she’s taking full advantage of it. Her new EP, suitably titled Another Chance, encapsulates her past four years in five heartfelt and beautifully constructed songs, re-introducing Justine as a powerful Canadian voice within the global singer-songwriter scene.
Recorded at Calgary’s Evergreen Sound with producer and multi-instrumentalist Mark Troyer, Another Chance boasts arrangements that span cinematic lushness to poignant intimacy, all to complement Justine’s deeply affecting voice and lyrics. The song titles themselves almost say it all—“Save Myself,” “A New Adventure,” “Before It’s Too Late,” and of course the title track, presented in both full-band and acoustic renditions.
“This EP is really all about the people I’ve met along the way that have shaped and inspired me and changed my life in significant ways,” Justine said. “So many deep internal reflections have come after writing and recording these songs, and each of them has played a critical part in my healing journey. It’s all been part of the process of rebuilding my confidence and voice—literally and metaphorically—and I think it will always continue to be an evolution, at least I hope so.”
Justine cites Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves and Tenille Townes as artists who have inspired her most recently, adding to the messages of female empowerment that have always been present in her work. Originally from Sudbury, ON, Justine 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 featured on CTV’s The Marilyn Denis Show.
Once in Calgary, she quickly became a prominent member of that city’s music community, performing at many events and partnering with the National Music Centre to create programs for young people, work that has earned Justine recognition from Calgary’s long-running White Hat Awards as an “Exceptional Rising Leader.” The city also recently named her Solo Artist of the Year at the YYC Music Awards.
“These past several years have really been about me getting out of my own way and learning how to let my guard down, both when I’m writing and performing on stage,” she said. “Making this EP was a little scary, but I always take that as a good sign because it tells me I’m growing. I want things to cut deep and my music has always been about authentically expressing my deepest feelings.”
Justine Giles’ Another Chance is officially out Oct. 25, the same night she will perform at The King Eddy in Calgary [TICKETS]. For more information go to justinegiles.com.
