Big Valley Jamboree: Savannah Jade interview

Savannah Jade kicked off the third day of Big Valley Jamboree on the main stage. The Quebecois artist spoke with The Gateway after her set about her inspirations and the country music scene in Quebec. 

Opera was what initially sparked Jade’s interest in music. “I was watching the movie Phantom of the Opera with my mom and I fell in love with the movie, with the opera singing,” Jade explained. “I really wanted to be Christine in that movie so I started to take lessons.”

She said country music has always been a big part of her life too. Her parents have listened to it since she was young. 

But when Jade was about 15-years-old, she wanted to sing with more of her heart, which sparked the shift to country music. “I want to feel liberated when I’m singing instead of thinking all about the techniques.”

She wasn’t just doing country music either, she did some rock and pop with some cover bands. Those pop and rock influences still find a place in her music. On the Big Valley Jamboree stage, Jade covered Chappell Roan’s “The Giver” along with some rock songs by blink-182 and Paramore.

Jade said she likes to cover songs she likes to listen to. She’s influenced by a lot of different genres, but when she covers songs, she puts a country twist on them.

“Keeping the whole aura of the song for sure because you really want to keep it as it was, but just adding some little mandolin and the country sounds,” Jade explained.

“I’m excited to get to represent Quebec on the Canadian stage,” Jade says

A cover of Alanis Morrissette‘s song “You Oughta Know” appeared on Jade’s self-titled debut album that was released on July 25. While it’s her first solo album, she’s been in the industry for about nine years.

She was part of a duo, Five Roses, for several years. It was only in 2024 that Jade made her solo debut. 

“I enjoyed both projects, it’s totally different too,” she said. “It’s my first summer of shows and I’m having a blast.”

She said some of the songs on her debut album have been in the works for two years. “It’s so fun to see them out there and not just for my fiance and I.”

Jade said the country music scene back home in Quebec is actually pretty big. “It’s growing and growing, and people seem to have more and more interest in country music.” 

“I’m excited to get to represent Quebec on the Canadian stage,” she said.

Jade explained that she chose to sing in English as opposed to French for a few reasons. 

“I just love how [English music] sounds melodically,” Jade said. “When I write songs, its easier for me to write in English for some reason, even if it’s my second language.”

Savannah Jade’s album can be found on Spotify and other major streaming platforms.