Justine Vandergrift
A little Q&A with singer-songwriter and multi instrumentalist Justine Vandergrift.

Justine has been singing and creating music her whole life. Born in Edmonton she moved around Western Canada travelling all over the world studying, working, writing and playing music.

She settled for long enough to finish a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science at The Kings University College and worked there for a Social Justice organization for two years, while writing relevant music and performing it whenever she could. During the long Edmonton winter of 2010/11, Justine finally gave in to family and friends' urging to record her songs and worked with producer Stew Kirkwood at Sound Extractor Studio on her first full album 'Yes Alright OK'.

Here’s what people have been saying:

“Justine's lyrics, rich vocals, creative melodies, rhythmic guitar strength and ever-evolving musical arrangements guarantee an intriguing performance. Her musical roots range from church/choir singing to folk, blues, indie rock and country. Vandergrift says in her songs what people would say if they could only articulate so eloquently the words of their souls.  Her voice is startlingly natural and wakens a raw passion for life in those who hear it.” - Amber Hubers-Kolk

“Occasionally a new artist emerges that immediately demands respect and attention. Justine Vandergrift is one such artist. She will make a solid impact on anyone who has the privilege of hearing her songs.” - Bill Bourne

Leicester Bangs: How did you start out making music?
Justine: Singing with my family.  On road trips, in school, at church, listening to my favorite songs and replicating them over and over.  My parents have tapes of me recording myself in our old house making up melodies usually with ridiculous lyrics like "it's day, it's a day, it's a day or everybody".  

Music was highly encouraged growing up.  My sisters and I all had to take piano lessons and perform at recitals and community talent shows.  Over the years I discovered that making music made me more happy then almost anything else.

LB: Who did you grow up listening to and how do they influence what you’re doing now?
Justine: A lot of Canadian musicians.  Fred Penner, Bill Bourne, Neil Young, Anne Murray.  Always loved Paul Simon, James Taylor, Bob Dylan.  Aside from church music, I deeply admire and respect Patty Griffin and have learned a lot through her music.  Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton have inspired in me a love for country music.  More recent love for indie rock bands like the Arcade Fire and the New Pornographers and artists like Leslie Feist have been of great inspiration too.  And I won't deny all the pop/rock influences that have made their way into my songs both intentionally and unintentionally.  

LB: Tell us about your latest release.
Justine: The album includes 11 unique and original songs that feature artists such as Joe Nolan, Bill Bourne and the Purple Martins (Peter de Koning and David Prins).  A very professional sound that's fun to listen to.

LB: Do you get out and play your music live, and if so, what can an audience expect at one of your shows?
Justine: Whether or not I have a band to back me up, my songs are real and I try to connect them to the audience.  You can expect some kind of crowd involvement whether it be clapping, whistling or singing.  At a show you can expect to hear at least one cover song that will be familiar but different.

LB: What aspects of playing and recording music do you most enjoy?
Justine: Creation!

LB: Where can people find (and buy) your music?
Justine: My website and CD Baby (links below).

www.justinevandergrift.com
www.cdbaby.com/cd/justinevandergrift

Joe Nolan: www.joenolansongs.com
Bill Bourne: www.billbourne.com

NOTHING LIKE THE RAIN