Canadian country artist Jade Hilton is making waves with her heartfelt songwriting and modern take on country music. Blending relatable storytelling with a powerful voice, Jade brings authenticity and emotion to every performance. We caught up with Jade to talk about her musical journey, her influences, and how she navigates the world of IEMs.
What initially inspired you to pursue a career in music?
My musical journey started off with violin lessons, I later started singing in musical theatre. I played Annie in middle school! It wasn't until I started listening to Taylor Swift that I wanted to start playing guitar and writing songs. Avril Lavigne was also a big inspiration. My parents bought me my first guitar when I was 14 and I taught myself to play and wrote my first song the next day. I couldn't stop after that and I soon realized this was going to be my career one day.
Can you share a memorable moment from your musical journey that has had a significant impact on you?
Most recently it was getting the opportunity to perform at Boots and Hearts. I'm still shocked that I got to play that festival, but the feeling of being up there on that stage made realize I'm really meant to be doing this. I can't wait for all the festival stages I'm going to play in 2026!
What influences have shaped your style of music?
When I first started recording my music, most of my collaborators were hip hop and R&B producers. Growing up in Toronto, that was just the scene around me. I always knew I loved country and pop music, but that scene definitely had an impact on me and my music. My genre now is definitely a blend of different genres, but it umbrellas under country music. Creating my most recent records in Nashville and Muscle Shoals with more country music collaborators has been an amazing experience, and I really feel I'm coming into my sound. That's the beauty of music!
If you could create a soundtrack for any historical event, which one would it be and why?
Definitely something tennis related, like a US Open or Wimbledon theme song. As a former Division 1 tennis player, I always love combining my loves of tennis and music.
If you could teleport to any concert in history, which one would you attend and why?
Queen Live Aid. I'm such a big Freddie Mercury fan. Queen was always playing in my dads car as a kid and I would always belt out the songs. Freddie's vocals and creative approach to writing and performing always enamoured me. Seeing him live would be an absolute gift!
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
I talk about Kacey Musgraves a lot, but that would be an absolute dream. I love her approach to writing country music and she is one of my biggest inspirations when it comes to my music! She did inspire my breakout country single when I saw her at the American Legion in Nashville!
What's the most memorable feedback or reaction you've received from a fan?
Seeing the fans singing every single word, while wearing my DIVE BAR hat, and knowing how far they traveled to see me. I'm so grateful! And it motivates me to keep writing and performing know it has an impact on so many amazing people.
How did your collaboration with Plunge Audio begin?
I love how they fit so well even though they aren't custom. I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to sound quality, so Plunge Audio IEMs lets me hear what I need to clearly while performing on these bigger stages. They are still affordable too! My band members were using the early models of Plunge, and then I hopped on board. I'm still waiting for the day that Plunge makes some sparkly or pink designs!
What specific features do you look for when choosing IEMs for your performances?
Good fit, excellent sound quality, quality materials, affordability.
What advice would you give to other musicians who are considering using IEMs for the first time?
Practice a lot with the track ahead of time to get used to it. The first show can be stressful, but after that you'll get the hang of it.
