Vocalist and composer JD Shillingford has had a multifaceted musical career spanning decades. Starting out in classical piano at the age of 7, she blossomed into a session singer, singing back-up in studio and live for numerous recording artists throughout her teenage years. She later studied music performance at Toronto's renowned Humber College, majoring in jazz voice and arranging. Upon graduating, JD spent a number of years singing or playing keyboards, dancing, recording, producing concerts, and touring with various bands in the genres of funk, Latin-alternative, house, jazz, R&B, and pop. In 2008 she co-produced and released her debut album, You Go To My Head, under her given name, Janelle Monique, showcasing her arranging abilities and her affinity for reimagining classic cover tunes. She has performed in venues across North America, Hong Kong, and the Caribbean, and with artists such as Shawn Hook, Tanika Charles, and U.N. Jefferson. JD Shillingford’s new single with Hifilo, “Turnin’ It Up”, marks her new era as an artist. With subsequent releases on the horizon, watch out for Loose Ends [EP] in 2025.