Kat Harlton
Photos provided via PR team
Canadian jazz artist Denielle Bassels was recently nominated for a 2024 JUNO Award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year for her incredible album, Little Bit a’ Love.
Co-produced by Denielle with the help of platinum-awarded producer Thomas McKay (Joydrop, SATE), Little Bit a’ Love is a 10-track collection of deeply personal and introspective songs. The album explores themes of loss, depression, and the pursuit of purpose, all infused with the unwavering spirit of love. Although a departure from Denielle’s previous projects, the album retains a classic and original essence that has garnered rave reviews around the world since its release in 2023.
Toronto-born Denielle Bassels has been mesmerizing audiences with her unique blend of jazz, blues, folk, and pop since the release of her debut album, What About Wool Wishbags (2017). Her natural talent for storytelling, pleasantly unpredictable style, and versatile voice that ranges from sweet and melodic to powerful, creates an enchanting experience that leaves a lasting impact on listeners.
She has earned incredible success so far in her career with seven of her songs winning prestigious songwriting awards, including the Grand Prize in the John Lennon Song Competition for “Cool Cool Water”. Known for her unforgettable live shows, Denielle has also had the privilege of touring across Ontario and Quebec and is a regular performer for the prestigious top picks selected by Jaymz Bee from JAZZ.FM91’s private donor parties. In February 2023, she headlined JAZZ.FM91’s Sound of Jazz Series with a sold-out performance.
Denielle is showing no signs of slowing down with her forthcoming third full-length album set to be released later this year, funded by Factor Canada and co-produced with GRAMMY-nominated Drew Jurecka (Dua Lipa). She is also looking forward to continuing to share her love for music with two upcoming shows in Guelph, ON at Manhattans on March 30th and April 27th.
I had the opportunity to chat with Denielle about her 2024 Juno Award Nomination, finding inspiration, and what’s next.
Kat: Can you share with us a bit about yourself and your music journey so far?
Denielle: I was born in Toronto, Canada. I didn’t have any music lessons growing up even though I sang every day, all day. My big brother found an old plug-in plastic organ in the trash when I was 9 and I learned to play that noisy thing all day for months until my mom took it back to the trash heap. Lol. I don’t blame her. That was my intro to music and it grew from there, just in secret. The turning point was when I was an Au Pair (nanny) in Switzerland for 2 and a half years. Part of my job was taking the little boy I looked after to a Jazz school in Lausanne for drum lessons once a week, and it was there that I met musicians and teachers that introduced me to the Jazz scene. I was asked to sing at a Jam one night and suddenly found myself singing in my first Jazz Combo. My music background to that point had been listening and copying greats like Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, and Sam Cooke to name a few. I could sing but couldn’t lead a band yet and knew I was missing out on a lot of know-how. I sang around Europe and met some Django jazz artists while travelling in Paris that opened up a whole new world of music for me. It was then I began learning the guitar a waitress gave me the night before my departure and I started to write songs. I also bought a rudiments of music book (Barbara Warrams Rudiments of Music) and its teacher accompaniment, for the answers. I learned all I needed to in order to audition for music school. When I came back to Canada I got my degree at Humber College and kept writing lots of music. I won the John Lennon Songwriting contest for my song “Cool Cool Water” and that really helped pay for the first record, along with some grants from the CCA and Toronto Arts Council. Fast forward to writing/recording in isolation through the pandemic and here we are!
Kat: You were recently nominated for the 2024 JUNO Award for Vocal Jazz Album of The Year for your album, Little Bit a’ Love. How does it feel to be nominated for this award?
Denielle: I’m reeling. It’s an over the moon feeling to be recognized for work that I’m so deeply proud of. The feeling is amplified because this time around I stretched beyond my comfort zone and dug into the songwriting/arranging and production process no holds barred. This also motivated me to resurrect some unprocessed memories and emotional eras I’d been suppressing and hiding from the world. I was so lucky to find a co-producing partner in Thom McKay from Exeter Sound Studios. He rolled up his sleeves right along with me on this project and taught me so much along the way. We really made magic as our friendship grew. I am also so proud of everyone that played on the album, I feel like this is for them too. Some players I never even got to meet until after like Chendy Leon and Rob Christian, but everyone gave 100% and brought this music to life. It’s surreal and life affirming. As an artist, the waves of ups and downs are constant. I had been going through a phase of terrible self doubt and questioning my path before I got the nomination. I know every artist struggles with this. I would have kept going anyways, because making music is not a choice, It’s something I have to do because it’s part of me. It feels amazing to be recognized though. I’m elated and deeply honoured.
Kat: Can you talk a little about the inspiration behind Little Bit a’ Love?
Denielle: “Little bit a’love” is a narrative journey through the transformative impact of small acts of love and kindness. Each track embodies strength, fortitude, and resilience, showcasing how even the smallest gesture of love can move mountains. The opening title track sets the stage, illustrating the innocence of youth and the profound influence of patience and kindness, as I experienced through an encounter with a homeless man at the end of his rope. As the album progresses, the arrangements and subject matter become more dynamic, mirroring the evolving emotions and experiences of the protagonist. By the end, the journey comes full circle, encapsulating the enduring message of the album. Community, inclusiveness, and paying it forward.
Kat: What do you hope fans take from the album?
Denielle: I hope that at first they will get lost in the music and its many moods. And then I hope that they will dive deeper in and discover the messages buried in the lyrics. You are not alone, You have all you need to overcome, reach out when the darkness comes. Pay it forward when kindness and grace come your way, and most of all, take time to love yourself and enjoy the rare little moments of light that touch you on your way.
Kat: What has been a career highlight for you so far?
Denielle: Being nominated for a JUNO for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year for “Little Bit a’ Love” !
Kat: What have you learned along the way, that you would like to share with other aspiring artists and creators?
Denielle: I would say always work on your craft, and reach out for help, when the doubt phase comes along. Play in public as much as you can. And never underestimate anyone. Young, old, tall, short, rich, poor, everyone has an amazing story, incredible abilities, troubles, and deserves the benefit of the doubt. People will always surprise you, so don’t cut them short. You might find yourself in a better place than you once stood because you gave what you might have perceived as a long shot, a shot.
Kat: What else can we expect from you for the balance of 2024?
Denielle: In a few days I will be recording my upcoming album at Union Sound. This time I have more of the amazing Drew Jurecka as MD and co-production as well as Thom McKay again along with some really amazing artists. I’m also co-writing a lot with others like Lily Frost, Robert Priest and Mike Freedman. I’m really excited to share all this new music. It’s gonna be a blast.
Connect:
Twitter: @DenBassels
Facebook: /denielle.bassels
Instagram: @deniellebassels
Website: www.deniellebassels.com/