It’s looking more and more like 2012 could be the big breakout year for singer Carly Rae Jepsen. With the single Call Me Maybe from her soon-to-be-released second album, Curiosity, having already reached No. 1 on the iTunes song chart, the future looks bright for the former Canadian Idol contestant. Joe Leary spent 24 Seconds with the Mission native.
24: We first got to know you through Canadian Idol. Prior to that, had you been involved in music with the hope of being a performer?
CRJ: Yes, I have been passionate about singing ever since I can remember. I started writing songs around age 17 and that became my focus. I went to the Canadian College of Performing Arts straight out of high school and spent the year after fronting a swing band, and jamming nights at Piccadilly Pubs. It was penniless joy for me. Idol was a surprising and ever so lovely leg up.
24: Who or what inspired you musically early on?
CRJ: My parents. They have great music taste. When I was very little my dad would sing James Taylor and Bruce Springsteen covers before bed. I would always have a good cry. Good music unravels me. I've cried at David Gray, Norah Jones, Radiohead and Melissa Etheridge.
24: Your song Call Me Maybe was a collaborative effort with Josh Ramsay of Marianas Trench. How does the songwriting process change when there are others involved?
CRJ: When there are other cooks in the kitchen … well that's always fun. It's great when you know each other well enough to sense when you are on to something. It's also nice to pair yourself with a writer who has strengths where you have weaknesses. Josh is a real live genius but he's humble about it. When we write together he embraces what I bring to the table and adds his own touch of pop. It's cool to write with him because he gets excited when he's working. It's really something to see.
24: The song has garnered a lot of attention after getting props from Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez. What did you think when they tweeted about it?
CRJ: I don't think I have fully processed the Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez tweets. They have so many fans. Why tweet about me? Why this song? I feel so grateful for the momentum they have created. I am truly flattered that they like the tune - very happy about that.
24: What does a Carly Rae Jepsen live show entail?
CRJ: I have a band now and they are quickly becoming more like brothers to me. Bass, keys, guitar and drums. Solomon Standing, Andrew Rasmussen, Tavish Crowe and Nik Pesut. They are rad. We get all dolled up for the live show and I am trying to convince them that bow ties are cool.
24: Your album is being released on Valentine’s Day. What can we expect?
CRJ: The new album, Curiosity, is all about love. I am fascinated by love and the intricacies of different relationships. It's my favourite topic to dissect. The songs are flower pop - synths and acoustic guitars and lyrics written from the heart. Valentines Day is the release and I can't explain how perfect that feels.
