The Voice of a Fearless New Generation
Vancouver Island-born pop artist JESSIA has quickly become one of Canada’s most compelling voices in contemporary music. Known for pairing deeply personal storytelling with infectious pop melodies, the JUNO Award–winning singer-songwriter first captured international attention in 2021 with her breakout hit I’m Not Pretty. The track, an honest reflection on self-image and insecurity, resonated with listeners around the world and has since surpassed hundreds of millions of streams globally. Since then, JESSIA has continued to build a loyal fan base through her raw lyricism, relatable themes, and unmistakable authenticity.
Her rise has taken her from posting songs online during the pandemic to performing on international stages, touring with globally recognized acts including OneRepublic, Dean Lewis, and Maroon 5, while also headlining her own shows and appearing at major festivals. Despite her growing success, JESSIA remains grounded in the vulnerability and honesty that first connected her with audiences.
Most recently, she was recognized by the SOCAN Foundation as one of two recipients of the sixth annual Her Music Awards, celebrating outstanding Canadian women in music. The ceremony, held at GEORGE Restaurant in Toronto, honoured both JESSIA and acclaimed Montreal artist Dominique Fils-Aimé.
Now entering an exciting new chapter, JESSIA is preparing to release fresh music in 2026, offering fans another glimpse into her evolving artistry. In this exclusive interview with TorontoPages Magazine, she opens up about her journey, songwriting, mental wellness, and what success means to her today.
For readers who may be discovering you for the first time, how would you introduce yourself and your music?
I’m JESSIA, and I am a pop artist from Vancouver Island. I like to write songs as though they are excerpts from my journal.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey from Vancouver to becoming a JUNO Award–winning artist?
Haha, I’m going to try to sum up my life story in a few sentences! I grew up in a musical family, so I have always been singing and writing songs. When the pandemic hit, I moved back home and started posting on TikTok. I ended up going viral with a song called I’m Not Pretty, and the success of that song earned me a JUNO Award.
How would you describe your sound and artistic identity at this stage of your career?
I would describe my music as moody pop. I would compare my sound to Tate McRae, Fletcher, and Reneé Rapp. I’m excited about this new era of my sound, as I feel like I have finally found what I want to sound like.
Congratulations on receiving the SOCAN Foundation Her Music Award. What does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?
Thank you! It’s such an honour to be recognized for my songwriting. I find that it is the most vulnerable part of my job, so it really means a lot.
How did it feel to be honoured alongside Dominique Fils-Aimé at such a special event in Toronto?
It was incredible being in a room full of powerhouse women who make the Canadian music industry what it is. Dominique is so sweet, and it was lovely sharing that night with her.
Looking back at your breakout single I’m Not Pretty, why do you think that song resonated so deeply with audiences around the world?
I think everyone has looked in the mirror at one point in their lives and said to themselves, “I’m not pretty.” It is sad that our society pushes unattainable beauty standards, but I am glad that we can all stand together and choose to love ourselves no matter what we look like that day.
Your music often explores vulnerability and self-image. How important is honesty in your songwriting process?
I write songs to help me process my life, so I feel like I have no choice but to be honest. It’s like therapy for me.
When you sit down to write a song, where do you usually begin: lyrics, melody, or emotion?
The concept and lyrics are where I start. If I don’t have anything to say in my songs, I find it really hard to write. The melody and production just fall into place after the lyrics are written.
How has your songwriting evolved since your early releases in 2021?
I feel like my process hasn’t really changed much. I have made a huge effort to still talk about my inner thoughts and be raw in my writing. I am trying to protect what I started with.
You’ve toured internationally and shared stages with major artists. What have been some of the most memorable moments from those experiences?
Meeting fans from all over the world will never get old. Seeing them sing the lyrics back to me is the most surreal experience.
As a Canadian artist, how has your upbringing and environment influenced your music?
I grew up in a musical family, so music has always been a part of my life. I think growing up in a small town has helped my creativity and imagination, too.
What role does the Canadian music industry play in supporting emerging artists today?
Canada is so great to its artists by supporting them with funding. It is truly such a rare asset to have as an artist. I admire the amount of live music I see at restaurants and coffee shops, too. It’s so much better than just putting on a playlist for the night.
Can you walk us through your creative process when developing a new project like your upcoming EP?
I usually start with a concept or lyrics, and then the melody and production follow. I usually work with one producer and one mixer. Shoutout to Jason Parris and Dajaun Martineau for making these songs with me.
How do you balance commercial pop appeal with deeply personal storytelling?
This EP is all about finding freedom in leaving a relationship. It’s about growth and only keeping what serves you in your life. Life is too short to be living and longing for something else, go get what you want now.
What challenges have you faced as a young woman in the music industry, and how have you overcome them?
I think not being taken seriously as a businesswoman has been my biggest challenge. This industry is a business that can take advantage of artists if they are not careful. I have overcome it by creating a community that I love and trust. I don’t have time for people who don’t align with being good and honest people.
How do you take care of your mental health while managing the demands of touring and recording?
Therapy and yoga, which coincidentally is the title of my new EP coming out April 3.
What does success look like to you at this point in your career?
Finding peace and good people while continuing to make music that impacts others. I am truly happy with where I am right now, so maintaining this is the goal.
Finally, what message would you like to share with your fans and with aspiring artists across Canada?
I have an EP coming out April 3!!! I’m so excited for you to hear it! DM me and let me know your favourite song.
Your message for us at TorontoPages Magazine.
Thank you so much for having me <3
