Exclusive Interview with 'JUSTINE BLANCHET'

Justine Blanchet demonstrated to the world that country music can embody both intelligence and badassery by performing at venues like Quebec’s Festival Country de Lotbinière and Nashville’s illustrious Bluebird Cafe. The gifted singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, whose voice is reminiscent of Shania Twain and Maren Morris, sees music as a means of conveying real, understandable, and uplifting tales.
Justine has independently released 8 singles since 2017, and they have received airplay on country radio stations across Canada. Justine’s official music videos and covers have amassed over 1.3 million views on YouTube in addition to receiving over 300,000 streams on Spotify. In 2023, she will release her debut EP, which was produced by Danick Dupelle (Emerson Drive, Tebey, Tyler Joe Miller, Matt Lang).
Justine devotes a significant portion of her time to assisting other aspiring musicians on their journeys when she isn’t slogging it out for her own music career. After completing her Bachelor of Communication/Marketing degree at the age of 20, Justine started her own business, Nova Media Agency, with a focus on applying a thoughtful strategy to both carrying out and instructing music marketing. She has also spoken at master classes organized by Musical Celebration Musicale (MCM), a nonprofit organization with a Canadian base that gives independent musicians performance opportunities.

First single “Hard to Love” from Justine’s upcoming debut EP (due in 2023) follows eight previous singles, including “Strong” (over 175K Spotify streams) and “Get Out of the Mud” (#4 on CBC Country/Sirius XM), as well as live show highlights at the Festival Country Lotbinière, the Gatlingburg Songwriter’s Festival, the Big Valley Jamboree, the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, and Diamonds in the Rough. Check out the single “Hard to Love” and the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

JUSTINE BLANCHET: Absolutely! I began playing music at a very young age. I played a total of 12 years in piano and going on 7 years with guitar. Singing was always a passion as my mom used to be a choir director. I took up classical opera training when I was 12 and then moved on to country, my favourite genre, when I was 15.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

JUSTINE BLANCHET: A little bit of both. I had formal training when my parents could afford it but I did most of my learning by myself. I learn really quickly and like to explore skills by myself.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘JUSTINE BLANCHET’?

JUSTINE BLANCHET: Shania Twain is definitely my strongest influence because I used to dance to her songs as a toddler. Some might even say they can hear her influence in my voice.

I went with that name because that’s my actual name. I didn’t really venture into finding an artist name. Since I started really young, I probably would have picked something really cheesy, so in hindsight it’s probably a good thing I stuck to my own name.

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

JUSTINE BLANCHET: My songwriting and personality will always be authentic. It is against my nature to be anything but real so that will always reflect in my music. I also want listeners to feel understood. I could describe my sound as a little bit of Shania Twain, some Maren Morris, and a whole lot of me!

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as COUNTRY?
**JUSTINE BLANCHET**: I can definitely say that I do a lot of observation. That learning never really stops and I like to take the time to break down and understand other artists’ work.
A while back, I really wanted to learn how Morgan Wallen’s songs are the way they are. So I really took the time to listen to his music every day for at least a month and slowly, my songwriting began to reflect that inspiration.

6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative and entertainment?

JUSTINE BLANCHET:

Those subjects are definitely tricky to tackle in songwriting. I think music is a beautiful vessel to convey a message and if I feel compelled to talk about a certain issue, I would absolutely do my best to put it into words.

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfilment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

JUSTINE BLANCHET:

This industry has very obvious highs and lows. Some days are tougher than others, but music remains something that is part of me. Music is an outlet for me and sometimes it can get muddled into the gritty work such as using social media. Ultimately, music will always be part of my life whether it’s as an artist or not.

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

JUSTINE BLANCHET:

My creative process usually starts with a random idea I’ve come up with. I might try to tackle a song by myself or bring it to my next songwriting session. I’ll start with a chord progression and then build the structure or story for the song. It varies from song to song but I sometimes start with an interesting melody. I generally prefer to start with the music and then add the words. I love collaborating and have done my best work with other songwriters!

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

JUSTINE BLANCHET: I think the uncertainty of being in such a tough industry and wondering if I’ll have the means to keep going. I’ve also had people I’ve worked with question my commitment to music.

10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

JUSTINE BLANCHET: I am proud to be where I am today. Two years ago, I never would have imagined living in Nashville part time and writing with amazing people. I’ve independently released 9 singles now and I’ve had the chance to work some amazing talent in the industry.