After winning this year’s Teen Jam Toronto competition, local emerging musician and songwriter, Arshia Shah, is beginning to carve out their path in music guided by the encouragement and creative energy of Guelph’s vibrant arts community. We spoke with Arshia Shah about how Guelph has shaped their musical journey, the impact of winning Teen Jam, and what’s next.
How has growing up in Guelph influenced your music and artistic identity?
Growing up in Guelph has shaped me both as an artist and as a person. It’s a community that truly appreciates and supports local talent, and being surrounded by people who genuinely care has helped me grow in confidence. Living in a smaller city has given me a tight-knit group of supporters who are following my journey with enthusiasm. I think that sense of connection with people is a huge part of who I am as an artist.
Are there any local music programs, venues, or mentors in Guelph that have supported you?
Guelph has an amazing arts scene filled with incredibly supportive people. I’ve been lucky to learn and grow through the Guelph Academy of Music, where I study guitar and piano under Kris Lal and also teach voice lessons, and C&C Music School, where I currently train vocally with Camilla Cook and previously did with Paul Cook. I have also worked with RCMPI (Royal City Musical Productions Inc.) in community theatre, performed in plays during the Guelph Fringe Festival and recorded my songs at the local North Productions Studio. I’m especially grateful to mentors like Paul and Jen Barson, Jamey Rosen, Aleks Liskauskas, and Simon Pequegnat, who’ve guided and encouraged me throughout my musical journey.
When did you realize your love for music?
It’s hard to pinpoint an exact moment because music has always been part of who I am. As a kid, I had lots of toys, but I was always drawn to my toy microphone, piano, guitar, or drums. I started singing as soon as I could talk, and that love has only grown stronger over time. Music has always felt like home to me, I honestly can’t imagine my life without it.
What is something cool or surprising you learned about yourself from this experience?
One of the biggest realizations was discovering that my stage presence didn’t need to be rehearsed—it just came naturally. Even though I was very nervous at first, once I stepped on stage, the music just took over and I let my guard down without even realizing it. I wasn’t trying to perform or pretend to have fun; I was simply being myself. It was such an amazing feeling to see people respond to that authenticity! Even though only my mom and sister were the only familiar faces in the crowd at first, soon everyone was clapping and cheering along—it was truly unforgettable.
Has winning Teen Jam changed how you view your future in music or opened new possibilities for you?
It honestly felt like my own American Idol moment! I was stunned to make it to the finals, let alone win, especially with so many talented performers there. Before Teen Jam, I thought I’d always just be that girl writing songs in her room and releasing music as a side project. However, the whole experience gave me immense confidence and clarity. Now I feel ready to take things further, perform more, and truly chase my dream of becoming a recognized name in the music industry.You can listen to Arshia’s music here.
