Giselle Minns

Giselle Minns is truly one of the more unique artists I have come across this year. A unique fusion between classical and contemporary music makes her a true music mover.



Her latest album "Turning Circles" is a classical crossover album, combining opera with more contemporary sounds including electronica, and pop. Her wide vocal range compliments this crossover. "My music has been compared to Enya and also a kind of Imogen Heap style."

As most artists, Giselle started early. "When I was three years old, my mother taught me vocal harmony and when I was five, I started piano lessons." She has since picked up the cello and the much coveted skill of writing her own music.

Put nicely, Giselle says that she gets her song writing inspiration from "the big Canadian sky; and life." Her songs are based on stories, but many are also fantastical stories that exist in other people's lives.

In terms of other artist inspiration, Giselle cites opera singer Maria Callas and the pop/electronica artist, Bjork. "Both have influenced the way I look at life and at my music."

For someone who is putting opera back into the mainstream vein, Giselle doesn't find the Canadian indie environment terribly challenging. "I find that Canada is extremely encouraging to emerging artists and there are many different avenues open for us to explore. The music network is supportive and informative and most doors are left ajar for us to fling wide open."

So what is the best part about making music?

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