Gillian Turnbull

Gillian Turnbull is a Professor and Director of Writing & Publishing at the University of King’s College. She holds a PhD in Ethnomusicology from York University and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from King’s College. Her work bridges music, pop culture, and nonfiction writing, with a focus on labor, class, and gender in creative industries.

Education: BA (Hons) from U. Calgary; MA from U. Alberta; MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts (Vind); PhD from York University.

Research interests include music memoirs, debt in creative sectors, women’s contributions to pop culture, and experimental nonfiction forms. Her book Sonic Booms: Making Music in an Oil Town (2019) explores music scenes in oil-dependent economies. She co-founded the Penizen writing collective and the Wide Cut Weekend music festival.

Recent articles analyze debt’s cultural impacts, underground music subcultures, and narrative innovations in music biography. Awards include a Canada Council Award and Chalmers Development Grant.

Teaches courses like WPUB 6101.06 in the Creative Nonfiction MFA program. Former editorial roles include Canadian Folk Music and MUSICultures. Active in music industry boards and festival curation.