Born in New Brunswick and raised in Alberta, Jacquie Drew is a solo singer, songwriter and dazzling multi-instrumental performer. This means that, depending on her chosen arrangement for a given song, she layers hand-held percussion, bass, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, keyboards, harmonica, and vocal harmonies, one piece at a time as the song progresses, using a 4-channel looper pedal.
“It’s a bit like a magic act,” she says, explaining that nothing is pre-recorded. “People watching often say, wait, what? How did she do that? They think I’ve got pre-recorded backtracks, or there are musicians hiding off stage.”
Drew used to work with a band, but found the opportunities limiting. “I love to tell stories, joke with the audience, and play original songs. When you have a band, it’s all about keeping people dancing in a bar with cover tunes. This way, I can do what I’m best at, and still create a beautiful, rich sound.”
Since going solo in 2017, Drew says she’s taken countless lessons and practiced hundreds of hours. While some of this has been to boost her instrumental skills, she also explains that it’s crucial to loop smoothly in a show where she is holding the audience’s attention by herself. “It’s difficult, but you have to make it look easy.”
Today, her show is as mesmerizing to watch as it is to listen to – while still feeling intimate, fun and personal. “The trick is to make the songs the centre of the show, not the technology,” she says, “and use it only on select songs, and in different ways, sometimes with keyboards, sometimes with bass, and using different percussion styles.” She aims to unify each show around a theme that has nothing to do with technology and everything to do with the moment, the people, or the place where she’s performing.
“At the end of the night, people don’t care about what your skills are. It’s how you made them feel.” She says. “And if you do it right, whether they laugh or cry, they feel understood.”
Name:
Jacquie Drew (solo)
Genre:
Folk Roots, Singer/Songwriter, Live Looping Artist & Multi-instrumentalist
Founded:
2005 sideman, 2008 fronting a band, 2017 solo
# of Albums:
4
Latest Album:
Lifelong Truth (2021).
Latest Single:
“If I Could Fly” releasing Dec 1, 2025 – song written for STARS Air Ambulance
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
The Pursuit of Happiness TPOH
Favourite musicians now:
Alex Pangman (as a performer), Dave Hamilton (as a teacher)
Guilty pleasure song:
Every Little Counts by New Order
Live show ritual:
Before a show, I wander the room with, “I’m Jacquie Drew, and I’ll be singing for you this evening.”
EP or LP?
LPs so far. Maybe a holiday EP, though.
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl…practicing until the wee hours.
Road or studio?
Road: to meet new people and see their reactions to original songs.
Any shows or albums coming up?
Lots, check here.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Gotta have a lobster roll at Blowers & Grafton
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
9th Ave SE in Inglewood – Music Mile, baby.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Fish Creek Park – you can find your own place to be alone, but still not get lost. And I love listening for birds.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Cornerstone Music Cafe- small, and intimate, and the staff is amazing. It’s the best place to have a listening show.
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Long & McQuade…they always have what you need in a jam. Thumbs up to the new Seton location.
