Thanks to the likes of Alanis Morissette and Celine Dion, music fans know about the importance of a Juno Award. The highest honor in music for our Northern Neighbors, they’re a big deal and we had the pleasure of chatting with one of the 2018 nominees, Nuela Charles.

Nominated this year alongside Michael Buble, the soulful singer acted dutifully when she found out about her nomination. Returning phones calls and messages right away, she didn’t instantly write down an acceptance speech like I would have. Rather, she thought about it for a bit, saying she’d let it develop with time.

Fast forward to the end of March. She didn’t walk away with Adult Contemporary Album of the Year. Judging by the size of her smile that night though – she was truly happy to be nominated. Now we pick up this story talking about her latest release, “Do It Right,” what she’s reading, and more.

Kendra: How do you think The Grand Hustle varied from your debut album in terms of style and direction?

Nuela Charles: My first record Aware was a collection of songs that I had written over time. The difference with The Grand Hustle is that I spent two weeks in Toronto writing with my producer Ari Rhodes and a different writer every day. The storyline was thought out prior to my first session, so I was able to touch on different parts of the storyline with each writer.

Kendra: Going off your single, “Do It Right,” what is one thing you feel like the people of the world need to do it right?

Nuela Charles: I feel like when people meet new people they either come very guarded or overconfident. Especially in regards to the dating conundrum – sometimes we just want a dude to approach us like a normal human – LOL, I don’t need a macho man.

Kendra: Right when I heard the song I instantly thought you had a very mainstream and great sound. You were featured on not only ESPN but on Jane the Virgin. Are these music directors finding you?

Nuela Charles: I’ve been lucky to work with some great US-based licensing houses. They have helped me place my songs on TV. I’ve also developed relationships with Canadian-based music supervisors that now I can send new music too whenever it’s ready.

Kendra: I noticed you’re reading a lot of books by amazing women like Amy Poehler and Lena Dunham. Did anything from their lives, or any other books you’ve read recently, resonate with you or inspire you to pen anything on The Grand Hustle?

Nuela Charles: A lot of biographies of famous people have one thing in common – perseverance. And The Grand Hustle is about being at your lowest point and working your way back to the top.

Kendra: You’ve got a lot going on this year. The Junos and playing Pigeon Lake festival later this summer. Anything else we can be on the lookout for?

Nuela Charles: I’ll be playing a bunch more festivals and making my US festival debut. In the meantime, I’m wrapping the production of my next collection of songs and will be releasing a bunch more music this year.