I can't believe that it's already April! It feels like only yesterday that I got the news that my album "The Grand Hustle" was being nominated for a 2018 JUNO Award for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year!
Here's a little recap of went down as it is #ThrowbackThursday.
THURSDAY
I arrived in Vancouver at around 230 PM and rushed to check into the hotel and then headed off to my first event. I was excited to be a part of the Samsung Sessions which were held at the legendary Warehouse Studios. I got a tour of the facilities (which was awesome) and then a one on one info session about the new Samsung S9 and needless to same, I think I'm converted! I then went into my session for that day with Toronto producer Harrison. The whole premise was to collaborate and come up with a song, or part of song, for Samsung to be able to use for promotional purposes. Such a great time!
Right after this session I ran (literally) around the corner to the Imperial for soundcheck with local Vancouver legends The Odds. We were covering Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know" for the JUNO Cup Jam later that night - an event that raises money for MusiCounts. This event was a blast and I was very thankful to be a part of it.
FRIDAY
Friday was the first official day of the JUNOS and was the day of my Showcase. I was lucky to have a little time off to be able to take in the TD Green Lounge at the host Parq Hotel. This lounge featured acoustic performances by other amazing artists and was just a great place to hang.
That night was also the Welcome Reception. So from one quick change to another, I flawlessly ;) made a quick appearance at the reception before jetting over to the venue on Granville for our showcase. I was fortunate enough to partner with a local Edmonton based fashion label Msichana who made this beautiful coat for me.
Here are some photos from my showcase at the VENUE (yup that's it's name) on Granville that night.
SATURDAY
Saturday was definitely the busiest day, as it was stacked with rehearsals in the morning, for the Gala later that night and the CBC Playlist afterparty on Sunday. To say I was excited to be a part of these events was an understatement - just walking into the Vancouver convention centre for rehearsal was pretty epic, as it was a huge room! After 2 rehearsals I dashed over to the Parq hotel for an acoustic performance at the TD Lounge - from there it was off to hair & makeup for the gala.
The Awards Gala where the majority of the awards were handed out, included my category, which was won by Michael Buble - next time Michael, next time ;)
AND it was my first red carpet ever. It was kind of weird, and I was literally scheduled as the first artist on it.
I was also singing as part of Terra Lightfoot's performance alongside Rose Cousins, Tamara from The Weather Station, Melissa McClelland from Whitehorse and Miranda Mulholland. All powerhouses. All singing together. So epic. You can watch it below!
SUNDAY
I even ran into 2 dapper gentlemen all sporting my colour of choice for the day - burgundy. Maestro Fresh Wes & Daniel Caesar - two of Canada's best.
Sunday was the official TV Broadcast of the JUNOS and although my award category was already handed out - I got to walk the red carpet and then take in the show with everyone else.
After the telecast, which featured amazing performances by Daniel Caesar and Jessie Reyez, to name a few, I did another quick change and made my way to the Parq Hotel for the CBC Playlist afterparty, where I teamed up with Jazz singer Kellylee Evans as we were tasked to cover Serena Ryder's "Stompa."
THANK YOU
So as I wrapped my JUNO's experience I just want to take a minute to thank a few folks.
Everyone who was part of making the album "The Grand Hustle."
Producer Ari Rhodes and his team at Cymba Music and all of the amazing co-writers who joined me in creating my vision. I will also mention that they were all wonderfully talented women who inspired me to create the best music possible.
Samantha, and her team at Strut Entertainment PR for keeping me busy at the JUNO's.
Stephanie Braid, for making me look good.
Swarovski for lending me some epic jewels.
Radio Starmaker, FACTOR and Alberta Music for your continued support and for supporting my travel to the JUNOS.
So here's to more new music and another JUNO's!
<3
Nuela Charles