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1.) We’re very excited to have some time today with two people who are at the top of their respective professional games: Juno Award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist JESSIA and multiple award-winning creative industry leader as well as the Executive Director of the SOCAN Foundation, Dr. Charlie Wall-Andrews. Greetings and salutations you two, and thanks for carving time from a very busy schedule to speak with us here at Vents Magazine! Before we dive into the Q&A rabbit hole, how is 2026 finding the both of you thus far?
A) JESSIA: Year of the horse babe!! It’s been a really good start to the year!
CWA: It’s been very productive start to the year.
2.) JESSIA, major kudos and accolades on the freshly-minted announcement as a well-deserved recipient of the rightly lauded SOCAN Foundation’s national Her Music Award, which is presented by Anthem Entertainment! Starting at the tip-top, can you talk about how it feels to receive this distinguished honor from SOCAN?
A) It’s such an honour. I think recognition for women in such a male-dominated industry is so important. I want to inspire other female songwriters to keep going and to keep writing from the heart. Getting recognized for my songwriting hits so much more as it is my words and my feelings that are being validated. It feels really good!
3.) Charlie, major congratulations on the SOCAN Foundation and all the amazing work you do there! For the uninitiated that might be hearing about this crackerjack of an organization for the first time, can you explain what SOCAN Foundation is all about and how the Her Music Awards got kicked off?
A) SOCAN Foundation is dedicated to empowering the next generation of music creators in Canada through awards, programs, and funding support. The Her Music Awards is one of these initiatives.
Launched six years ago, the award emerged at a time when Canada’s music industry wasn’t consistently celebrating or recognizing women, especially women music creators. We saw an opportunity to work with the community to create a meaningful way to honour women’s contributions and bring people together around that shared purpose. With the ongoing support of Anthem Music Group, we’ve been able to scale and sustain this important program.
4.) JESSIA, receiving this type of attention and honor alongside fellow artist Dominique Fils-Aimé at this stage of your career, does it instill in you even more of a drive to continue on in your musical journey and perhaps push the artistic envelope even further?
A) Yes, of course! I met Dominique at the ceremony, and she was such a bright light. I loved seeing so many powerful women in the room. Dominique is an incredible artist and so deserving of this award.
5.) Charlie, what is the process like in selecting which amazing artists receive recognition from the SOCAN Foundation through the Her Music Awards? Is there a healthy discussion among the selection committee regarding who is singled out during any given year?
A) To maintain trust and integrity, a jury of industry and music creators is compiled annually to review the submissions in depth and then meet formally to discuss in detail and select the finalists. It’s a lengthy process and challenge for the jury because there is so much incredible talent in Canada, and the number of submissions continues to increase every year.
6.) JESSIA, can you give audiophiles a hint or three as to what they can expect and look forward to hearing from you as 2026 marches onward? Might an EP be awaiting fans in the very near future?
A) Yesssss! I’m releasing an EP called Therapy & Yoga in a month!! I’m so excited for you to hear it. You can check out my socials for all the main updates!!
7.) Charlie, can you give the everyday reader an inkling as to what the impact and importance is of the Her Music Awards? And what distinguishes the Her Music Awards from the Distinguished Competition such as the Grammy Awards?
A) The Her Music Awards is about celebrating women who make music that have demonstrated real potential, and therefore receiving the Her Music Awards is designed to celebrate and empower her, as well as provide $10,000 and expenses covered to come to a reception in Toronto to receive the award. Fundamentally, it’s to encourage her to keep the momentum going and inspire a wave of other women music creators in Canada and beyond.
8.) JESSIA, in the wake of your recent honors from the Her Music Awards and on the eve of the release of your new EP, can fans look forward to catching you on the touring/performing circuit?
A) I am playing the Sauble Beach Party Fest this summer. If you are in the area, come through!
10.) JESSIA, who are some of the folks both in and out of the world of music who helped pave the pathway you set out on, which ultimately led you to the Her Music Awards?
A) A lot of cred goes to my mom. She’s a music teacher and taught me how to play guitar, and has always encouraged my songwriting. I grew up singing Miley Cyrus, Beyonce, Sia, and Julia Michaels, so a huge shoutout to those ladies as well.
