Check out Denielle Bassels, a Canadian singer who’s stirring things up in Toronto’s indie scene. Her style slips between jazz-manouche, blues, folk, and pop—yet it never comes off as forced. She’s a 2024 JUNO Award nominee, so people are already paying attention. Her newest single, “Woman Like Me,” came out on January 10, 2025, and it shows off her bold approach to contemporary jazz. If you’re searching for something that doesn’t stick to a single genre, she’s worth a listen.
Co-written with her sister Amber, the single opens a new facet of Denielle’s creative personality. It is infused with the improvisation of pianist Ewen Farncombeand an unforgettable trumpet solo by Alexis Baro. “Woman Like Me” requires no further explanation. Its lyrics speak for themselves: “I do what I want without apology.” It embodies sisterhood and the strength of a woman who refuses to doubt her worth. Denielle Bassels is not afraid to be herself, she doesn’t play by other people’s rules, she sets her own. Her voice is the voice of a generation of women who don’t need apologies, who know their value, and don’t allow anyone to control them.
The musical composition of the single stands out with a combination of contrasts, where the rich sections of double bass (George Koller) intertwine with bold guitar riffs (Julien Bradley Combs) and smooth drums (Andrew Scott), enhancing the sophisticated and rich sound. “Woman Like Me” gives a clear idea of Denielle Bassels’ singing style. The vocalist doesn’t rely on the power of her vocal cords or the pedaling of blues elements, which is characteristic of many jazz singers. Her element is precise intonation, a deep dive into the dramaturgy of the song, a chamber performance that Denielle delivers.
Perhaps she is on the verge of unexpected creative turns. Her career as an artist reads like an exciting novel, telling the story of overcoming obstacles, experiments, and personal revelations. Already, she is confidently expanding her horizons, laying the groundwork for her album “It Goes Like This“, which will undoubtedly cement her place among the visionaries of contemporary music.
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