Kat Harlton
Lead Photo: Chase Hassen
The SOCAN Foundation recently recognized JESSIA as one of two artist recipients of the sixth annual Her Music Awards, presented by Anthem Music Group.
The Her Music Awards celebrate and support women and gender-diverse Canadian music creators and industry professionals who are shaping the future of the music industry. The recipients were unveiled during an exclusive in-person gathering celebration held at GEORGE Restaurant in Toronto. In recognition of her achievements, JESSIA will receive a $10,000 cash prize and a one-year complimentary membership to the Songwriters Association of Canada (S.A.C.).
JESSIA is a JUNO Award–winning, multi-platinum Canadian pop artist and songwriter. She broke through in 2021 with “I’m Not Pretty,” a raw and vulnerable song about self-image that has surpassed 300 million streams globally. At the core of JESSIA’s artistry is her songwriting, crafting songs that blend infectious pop melodies with deeply personal lyricism. Her work explores themes of mental health, self-acceptance, love, and personal growth, delivered through a distinctive vocal style and fearless emotional transparency.
Her music has taken her around the world, touring internationally and sharing stages with artists such as OneRepublic, Dean Lewis, and Maroon 5 while also headlining her own tours and performing at major festivals. Now fully independent, JESSIA has embraced creative freedom, allowing her sound and storytelling to evolve even further. Her upcoming EP, set for release this March, marks her most sonically and emotionally refined body of work to date, highlighting her growth as a songwriter and her commitment to authenticity above all else.
I had the opportunity to chat with JESSIA about how it feels to be honored with a HER Music Award, career highlights and what’s next.
Kat: How do you feel about being recognized with the SOCAN Foundation’s Her Music Award?
JESSIA: It is such an honour! It’s so vulnerable being a songwriter, always questioning if people like/relate to what I’m saying. Having this recognition is so validating and it’s also so important to shine a light on women in such a male-dominated industry. I’m glad that this award exists to help and inspire women to go into the arts and write songs.
Kat: Can you talk about the inspiration behind your latest release?
JESSIA: My latest release is called ‘Let Him”. It was inspired by a book called The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins. It is all about surrendering control over someone else’s feelings and actions and focusing on yourself. It’s a way to empower yourself and take your control over your outlook and life. I’m really proud of the lyrics and storytelling, so go check it out!!
Kat: What do you hope fans take from the track and your upcoming EP?
JESSIA: I hope this upcoming project takes them on a journey through letting go. If you are holding onto something that doesn’t serve you anymore then I highly encourage you to check my upcoming EP out. It touches on the ugly feelings of holding on when you know you shouldn’t, to the blissful freedom that comes with finally cutting ties with what is not meant for you. It’s making a new chapter in JESSIA’s life.
Kat: What do you find is the most challenging part of your creative process?
JESSIA: Battling with myself haha. I feel like when I’m in a flow state of writing I shut it down by doubting if it’s cool enough, fun enough, modern enough, profound enough, emotional enough. I get in my head A LOT and I need to remind myself the bad songs need to come out too. Sometimes you just need to write a bunch of really bad songs to get the one good one.
Kat: What has been a career highlight for you so far? What have you learned along the way?
JESSIA: My highlight has always been meeting/talking to my fans. At the end of the day it’s them that allow me to do this. I love hearing about their day and how my music has supported them through it. I love my live shows just so I can talk and meet everyone after.
Kat: What’s next and upcoming for you?
JESSIA: MY NEW EP!! It’s called Therapy & Yoga and it’s coming out late March! It’s 6 songs that I am incredibly proud of! I might have already posted the release date by the time this is released so check my socials out @jessiamusic to get all the tea.
Connect With JESSIA
https://www.facebook.com/iamjessia
https://www.tiktok.com/@jessiamusic