19-year-old Indigenous pop powerhouse writes from the heart
GUELPH, ON October 14, 2025 — At just 19 years old, DeeDee Austin is making an impact on the country’s music scene with her authentic songwriting and infectious energy. Part of River Run Centre’s Miijidaa Music Series, supported by Miijidaa Café + Bistro and celebrating strong, female Indigenous artists, DeeDee Austin performs in the Studio Theatre on Thursday, November 6 at 8 p.m.
Hailing from Fall River, Nova Scotia and sister of the Abegweit First Nation on PEI, DeeDee’s talent and spirit has gained her significant recognition in Atlantic Canada, which is steadily growing across the country. She embraces both contemporary and traditional Indigenous music, while adding her own pop-ified twists.
DeeDee writes straight from her heart, drawing on personal experiences to create her music. Dealing with bullying, racism, and discrimination is part of what led her to songwriting — it was a healing tool. Combined with deep pride in her Indigenous roots, DeeDee has a lot to say about perseverance and courage.
In 2021 at the age of 15, she released her debut EP, Stepping Stones, and she has been a staple in the East Coast music scene ever since. Over the past four years, DeeDee has earned a combined total of 20 awards and nominations, including winning the title of Music Nova Scotia’s Indigenous Artist of the Year three years in a row.
The Indigenous young woman appeared on Season 4 of Canada’s Got Talent in 2024, where she won the heart — and highly desired golden buzzer — of judge Howie Mandel. That summer, DeeDee Austin released her latest single, “Tell Me (Why am I so Different).”
As she proudly exclaims, “My goal is to touch the hearts of all my listeners through my authentic lyrics. I pour my heart into everything that I sing and play!”
This show is made possible by the support of River Run’s sponsors, including Season Sponsor Richardson Wealth, generous support from the government of Canada, Ontario Arts Council, SOCAN, and individual donors. Thank you for your support!
Tickets to DeeDee Austin are $30 for adults, $28 for patrons over 60 years old, and $25 for those under 30. Sliding Scale tickets are available for $10 and $20. Or, Subscribe & Save 20% when you buy tickets to four or more shows. For more information or to purchase, call 519-763-3000, visit River Run’s Box Office at 35 Woolwich Street in Guelph, or go to https://riverrun.ca/whats-on/deedee-austin/.
FOR INFORMATION
Kasia Rusiniak | Program Manager, Development and Marketing
River Run Centre | City of Guelph
519-837-5662 ext. 2589
[email protected]