JUSTINE GILES

Justine Giles is a Calgary-based singer-songwriter, teaching artist, and mentor whose work is rooted in storytelling, connection, and the belief that music can help us better understand ourselves and one another. Drawing inspiration from the confessional songwriting of Lilith Fair-era artists like Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, and Alanis Morissette, and contemporary voices such as Madi Diaz and Maren Morris, Justine creates music that explores resilience, belonging, self-discovery, and the messy, beautiful realities of being human. Her songs are known for their emotional honesty, expressive vocals, and ability to connect deeply with listeners.

 

Originally from Sudbury, Ontario, Justine self-released her debut album Shine in 2014 before being named the Northern Ontario regional winner of CBC's Searchlight competition. After relocating to Toronto, she participated in Canada's Music Incubator and performed throughout the city while continuing to develop her craft as an independent artist. In 2019, she made the move to Calgary, where she found not only a new home but a thriving artistic community that embraced her work and helped shape the next chapter of her career.

 

That chapter culminated in the release of her 2024 EP Another Chance, a collection of songs written during a period of significant personal and creative transformation. Supported by local and national media, including CBC Radio and community radio across Canada, the project reached the Top 10 of the Earshot National Folk/Roots Chart and contributed to Justine being named Solo Artist of the Year at the 2024 YYC Music Awards.

 

Alongside her work as a recording and performing artist, Justine has built a parallel career as a teaching artist, program developer, and mentor. Over four years with the National Music Centre, she contributed to arts education initiatives, artist support programs, and community engagement projects that connected people of all ages to music and creativity. She has also designed and facilitated workshops with schools, libraries, nonprofits and social impact organizations throughout Alberta and the North, believing that creative expression should be accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to everyone.

 

Mentorship has become a defining part of Justine's work. Through recent roles mentoring through Women In Music Canada and as an Artist-in-Residence Mentor with Folk On The Rocks in Yellowknife, she has supported emerging artists in developing their confidence, skills, and creative identities. Her commitment to artist development and community impact has been recognized through a 2026 Western Canadian Music Award nomination for Impact in Artist Development, a nomination for the 2026 Calgary Awards (Arts category), a feature in Exceptional Women of East Village 2026 and recognition as a semi-finalist for the 2024 White Hat Awards' Exceptional Rising Leader honour. Whether performing on stage, mentoring emerging artists, or leading creative workshops, Justine's work is guided by a simple belief: that stories have the power to heal, connect, and remind us that we belong.