In the Country with Dave Woods:
Jade Hilton

My guest for this month’s column is Jade Hilton! I’ve been fortunate enough to have Jade perform at several of my writers’ rounds. She’s a dynamic entertainer & solid songwriter currently working on her debut country album with producer Doug Romanow. Jade performed during the CMAOntario Festival & Awards weekend in 2024, NXNE 2024, at the Underdog in Nashville, was the official anthem singer and a live performer at the National Bank Open in Toronto the past three years, and performed at Hotel X Toronto, Muskoka Music Festival, Sofar Sounds Toronto as well as multiple other venues in the city in the past year. Last year, she was named Songwriter Of The Year at the Mississauga Music Awards.

Welcome to The Spotlight, Jade! I’d like to start by asking you about some of the artists who have had a big influence on you & why?
Two of my biggest influences are Kacey Musgraves and Taylor Swift. I’m drawn to artists who blend different sounds and genres to create something truly unique and beautiful. Both of these artists are exceptional storytellers, and their ability to connect through their lyrics and melodies really resonates with me. As an artist, my goal has always been to tell stories—not just through words, but also through the music and production itself. I’ll never forget that Taylor Swift was one of the first concerts I attended. Experiencing her live performance was a pivotal moment for me—it made me realize that this is what I want to do with my life and career.

You were in the pop world but made the transition to country music very successfully. What is it that drew you to this genre?
What I love most about country music is the emphasis on storytelling and songwriting. Every song I’ve written starts with just me and my acoustic guitar. I truly believe that a great song can stand on its own, even stripped down without any production, and still carry deep emotional impact. Playing writers rounds in Ontario and across Canada has been such a revelation for me. It’s in those intimate settings that I realized the country music scene feels like the perfect fit for me and my sound.

Your first country release is a great song called “Dive Bar,” which will be out soon. Tell us about the writing of that song.
I’m beyond excited to release my first country song. “Dive Bar” was inspired during one of my first writing trips to Nashville. I had a night out at The Underdog in East Nashville, and as luck would have it, I ran into one of my biggest inspirations, Kacey Musgraves, while she was singing and just having a great time. That moment really stuck with me, and it sparked the idea behind “Dive Bar.” The song is all about embracing the idea that you can still be a star while keeping that down-to-earth, “dive bar” vibe—authentic, unpretentious, and real.

What advice would you have for someone who is just starting to write songs? What should they keep in mind?
My advice to anyone starting in songwriting is to listen to as much music as possible that inspires you. I’ve always been someone who plays music by ear, and I’ve found that songwriting came naturally to me by studying the work of my favourite artists. Their approach to lyrics and melody really shaped my own writing. In both country and pop music, there are certain phrasing patterns and melodic structures that pop up often, and as you continue to write, you’ll start to develop your own unique sound and style.

Visits to Nashville to write, record & network have been a big part of your journey. How important is that city to your music career?
Nashville has always been the heart of country music, and I’ve learned so much from the incredible writers and musicians there. I’ve made several trips down South to write, produce, and network, and each time has been such a valuable experience. While working on my first country album, I was determined to make sure it stayed true to the genre while also remaining authentic to who I am as an artist. I feel so fortunate to collaborate with such talented musicians and writers on this project. I can’t wait to share all of this new music with everyone!

Some readers may not know you’re also a tennis pro! Tell us a bit about that part of your life. Are there any skills or a mindset you can apply to both tennis and a music career?
I used to live in Southern Illinois, where I played tennis on a scholarship at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Balancing a Division 1 sport with my passion for music taught me a lot about time management and discipline. I’m incredibly grateful for the experience I had competing in the NCAA. Now, I coach tennis in Toronto at 10XTO (Hotel X), all while juggling my busy music career. It’s definitely a balance, but it keeps me motivated and grounded!

If you could duet with any artist(s) from country music, who would it be?
Either Morgan Wallen or Kacey Musgraves!

What are some of the music goals you’d like to achieve in the next 2 to 3 years?
Some of my biggest music goals right now are to perform at larger country festivals and get my music played on country radio. I just wrapped up my first Ontario-Quebec tour, and it was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. I’m excited to keep building my fanbase, sell out more shows, and connect with new listeners. I really hope that country music fans connect with all of the new music I’ve been working on!

And finally, tell us a bit about working with your producer, Doug Romanow.
Working with Doug has been an absolute blast! The beauty of music is in the collaboration, and I’m incredibly grateful for all the amazing new collaborators who’ve contributed to my music. It’s been such a rewarding experience.

Thanks for spending this time with us, Jade! Best of luck with your upcoming single, “Dive Bar”.
Thanks, Dave! See you at a show soon.