Canadian pop star looks forward to second album Calling Carly Rae
By John Benson
It seems like just last week we finally got over Carly Rae Jepsen’s ubiquitous hit “Call Me Maybe.”
Easily the catchiest song to dominate radio since Katy Perry’s “California Gurls,” Jepsen’s summertime song of 2012 set up the Canadian singer/ songwriter nicely with her gold- selling album “Kiss.” She also kept the momentum going with her hit track “Good Time,” which included special guest Owl City.
Now the latest single from Jepsen is “Tonight I’m Getting Over You,” with a recently released remix featuring Nikki Minaj guest rapping gaining some radio airplay.
Before Jepsen looks ahead to her sophomore effort, she’s mopping up fans with a stateside tour that includes a Wednesday show at the Covelli Centre in Youngstown. The Vindicator recently conversed with Jepsen via an email Q&A about what life is like these days for the “Call Me Maybe” singer.
Q. So, what was the first moment you realized “Call Me Maybe” was massive and why do you feel so many people gravitated to it?
A. I have no idea why one song connects and another doesn’t. It was a little bit of luck and lightning, I think. When Justin [Bieber] tweeted the song, I was pretty excited. And when Katy Perry covered it not long after, I can remember thinking maybe this will catch on.
Q. You apparently were perfect for “Good Time.” Why did you want to do that song?
A. It felt like summer. First listen, I was sitting with Scooter in his backyard and he played me the song as I was looking over the LA skyline. It was a gut reaction. It made me happy. It was as simple as that.
Q. So did having “Good Time” become a hit help stop the one-hit-wonder pressure?
A. Ah, I think that never goes away. With a song like “Call Me Maybe” it’s a blessing and a curse. It’s great to be known, but now the challenge is proving I have more to me than just that song. Record No. 2 is in the horizon, and I feel so excited and nervous at the same time. Mostly excited, I think. I’ve always been one to crave a good challenge.
Q. Considering your resume includes an appearance on “Canadian Idol” [she placed third in 2007], looking back, was it a positive or negative experience?
A. It was both awesome and terrible. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, and I also hope to never have to do anything like that again. I learned a lot and I made so many great connections on the show, but it was a scary experience for one with sensitive skin.
Q. Looking ahead to your next album, where do you hope it takes you, stylistically speaking?
A. All I can say is that I saw Cyndi Lauper play in Japan recently and she changed everything for me.
Q. Finally, what’s the future hold for Carly Rae Jepsen?
A. Album No. 2 is all I’m gunning for lately; that and a little vacation. I’m thinking home might be nice. A Stay-cation, yeah.