Did you know a three-time Juno nominee, Polaris long-listed and ECMA winner lives in Nova Scotia, Canada? Well yes, yes she does, and her name is Jenn Grant. Know for her two-time Juno nominated album ‘Compostela’ and her Canadian folk-pop singer-songwriter melodies, Jenn is a Nova Scotian you should take note of. Jenn has lived all over Nova Scotia once calling Halifax and Dartmouth home, she now lives in Lake Echo, Nova Scotia. Learn more about some of her favourite places and spaces in NS below…
Where are you from and where do you currently live?
I moved to Halifax when I was ten years old from PEI. I’ve now been in Lake Echo, NS for four glorious years.
What is it about Lake Echo, NS that keeps you there?
I love the solitude of this place. As a child on PEI I lived close to the water and It’s something both my husband and I wanted it our lives. Now we live on a quiet lake and are pretty close to the ocean.
How did you get your start?
I started going to open mics, it took me years to build up enough courage to step on stage. Now I can’t seem to get off stage!
Radio 2 Host of ‘Drive’ on CBC in Canada ‘aka Buck 65’ calls her ‘One of the greatest singers in the world right now’
What influence did Halifax have in your music?
I grew up in the Halifax community in a type of ‘sisterhood’. It’s been incredible to have friends in this business to grow up with, sharing the same joys and struggles of life in music. I am eternally grateful for that connection.
Where are some of your favourite places to play music in Halifax?
I have always loved the Rebecca Cohn. There’s so much history and magic in the room. Not sure if there’s a better place than that.
Where are some of your favourite places to eat in Halifax?
I love En Vie and The Heartwood. I’m a vegetarian and my husband is gluten free (which I am by default) and their food is delicious! I also love The Food Wolf food truck. And my favourite local chef is Lindsay Wilson (Love Food). Sometimes I am lucky enough to have dinner at her house.
Where are some of your favourite places to go out in Halifax/Dartmouth?
I really like Battery Park in Dartmouth. I also love Heather and Theresa’s Country Store in Seaforth and The Rose and Rooster Cafe in Grand Desert. My favourite places are quiet and have wine! (Heather and Theresa unfortunately do not have wine. Yet. But they do have almond milk, delicious pizza, and dog treats)
Who were you most inspired by growing up?
Musically I was listening to a lot of The Beatles, Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison, Neil Young, Jimmy Hendrix…. whatever was in the tape deck. I am still listening to all of those people. And many, many more.
What do you have planned for the future?
I’m getting ready to release my new record this winter!!
Where is your favourite place to visit in Canada?
I love the mountains in Banff because I love hiking and I love the feeling you get when you’re at the top of a mountain and looking over the world. I also love being home, the most. I take my dogs to the beach around here a few times a week and I love hiking with friends. Nova Scotia is such a beautiful place and I’m making more time these days to get and see it.