Carly Rae Jepsen on Justin Bieber, "Call Me Maybe," and Canadian Idol
Photo: Interscope1/5What do you think of Justin and crew's cover video, and how many times have you watched it?
I don't know how many times I've seen it, but I do remember the first time I saw it and being totally floored. It really was a total shock to me, especially since it came out just a day or two after we had officially signed so I had yet to meet Justin. I found out from someone posting it on Facebook.
Have you met Justin?
I hadn't met him until after I signed. I was like, "I've committed to this, I hope I like him in person." Going to LA in itself was really intimidating because I've never really been there, but meeting him was really cool. He totally exceeded my expectations, especially as the musician that he is. As a writer myself, I was really impressed. His new stuff is really rad. He played a few of his new songs for me, then asked if I'd sing on one of them. So we recorded it. To my shock and amazement, it turned out really well. It reminds me of those songs that i would listen to before bed and play on repeat.
Photo: PR Photos2/5What is "Call Me Maybe" about, exactly?
It started as a folk song. I really liked the idea of acting on the spark you feel from a first encounter with somebody. They come and they go, and sometimes it's really inspiring. Even if you're the girl, you can ask for a number.
Have you ever had any "Call Me Maybe" experiences?
No, I haven't asked for a guy's number, but I've always wanted to. My tactic is to make eyes at someone.
How do you feel about it becoming a catchphrase?
That blows my mind! I had no idea it would turn into any of this. It's very exciting.
Photo: Interscope3/5**What's your favorite song by the Biebs? **
There are so many that I love, but my absolute favorite is his new one, "Boyfriend." It's so good. After listening to it, my friend and I were like, "That is one of the best songs ever!"
What other songs are you loving right now?
Anything by Robyn. I always like John Mayer, and Kimbra... she's rad. I really love Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know."
What would we be surprised to find on your iPod?
I'm a really big fan of Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone. I have a secret love of jazz. A few months before I did , I was involved with a swing band and we'd host swing dance parties.
Photo: Interscope4/5**Tell us a little bit about Canadian Idol. **
It's changed my career, it changed me, it changed everything. I got a call from my high school drama teacher who was like, "Just try it." So I did. I placed third that year. I just realized that you should knock on every door because you never know what's going to open. I also learned that I'm extremely competitive and that, in this industry, you need to figure out how you're different and hone in on that.
How does "Call Me Maybe" compare to your other music?
There's been a progression in my sound. I made a conscious decision to follow my gut, and now it's a little less folk and a little more pop. "Call Me Maybe" was an experiment to try a new sound, and it's turning out well. It's a bit of a change. I grew up in a house where we listened to James Taylor and Van Morrison, so I think it's natural that my first album represented that. But now I've found myself in a Kimbra-La Rue-Dragonette phase.
Photo: PR Photos5/5Who inspires you, as both a singer and songwriter?
Ultimately I'm big on words. I'm obsessive about listening to every lyric. I'll stop a song and start it again if someone talks during the lyrics. I love story songs, like Bruce Springsteen and Joni Mitchell. I actually do a cover of Joni's song "Both Sides Now."
So what's up next for you?
I'm heading back into the studio, and then I'll be back on the US radio tour. It's a heck of a lot of travel and a heck of a lot of fun. Then I'll be touring shortly after that, and my new album will be released this fall.
