“When you decide to be an artist there is no map of where to go,” says Anjulie, the beautiful and beautifully talented singer/songwriter from Toronto. “You’re kind of left to fend for yourself, which is a lot of what I still do.” So far so good, as the former high school football player (on the boys’ team) released her debut-self-titled album in the summer of 2009, and has since had to fend off the accolades coming from critics and fans as well as one of her musical heroes, Nelly Frutado. In fact, Anjulie is often compared to Nelly Frutado because of her style of music, as well as their shared hometown. While some artists hate having such comparisons, Anjulie welcomes them and even enlisted some of Nelly’s former musical collaborators to help her craft her own debut.
We caught up with Anjulie while on tour with Shwayze and asked her about Nelly, her football past, the openness of her music and more. She answered all our questions, and you can read the full interview below.
RubyHornet: Your debut album is self-titled, and I know that an impetus behind the album was your work writing for other people. You wrote such personal songs that you didn’t want to give them up. Did that unique creation of this album play a role in your decision to self-title it? Why
or why not?
Anjulie: The truth is I was trying for days before the production of the album to come up with something more original, but I couldn’t think of anything! My name is also unique enough to not have anyone else pop up in google. So it was a winner.
RubyHornet: How does it feel to now have an album in stores? Did you go pick up a copy of the album yet?
Anjulie: Yes. I went with my best friend from my home town, Oakville, and put it up on youtube! It’s amazing to have it in stores. I’m lucky to be blessed with an “A” name!
RubyHornet: You’re signed to a record label, which is partly owned by Starbucks. Were you hesitant at all about signing with the company, based
on that, and how some fans may react just from the Starbucks affiliation?
Anjulie: No. The affiliation is important to me because I’m in the company of incredible singer/songwriters like Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell and Carly Simon. They also have no one else like me so I can break a lot of rules :).
RubyHornet: Such a deal wasn’t even really thought of 10 years ago, and it’s reflective of the change in the music industry. Do you talk often to
older musicians to get a sense of the old way of doing things, and lay their experiences into your own journey navigating the music business for a new artist in 2009?
Anjulie: No, but I would like to. Unfortunately when you decide to be an artist there is no map of where to go. You’re kind of left to fend for yourself, which is a lot of what I still do. The industry is changing so rapidly and everyone’s journey is different.
RubyHornet: Many new artists complain to me during interviews about being compared to established acts. I’ve read up on you, and many writers are quick to mention Nelly Furtado, based on your sound as well as who you worked with on the record. You seem to not be upset at all about those
comparisons, does it really roll of your back like that, and if so, why?
Anjulie: Ya. I really love Nelly. I remember hearing her first record and being blown away by it. I just met her at the VMAS on Sunday and I was so starstruck. She told me she liked my record and I just stood there dumbfounded! I put a clip up on youtube.
RubyHornet: I saw your feature on MTV.com, the 5 things to know about Anjulie, a couple were pretty personal, and you seemed very comfortable
divulging such information. Have you always been so open, and is that your normal M.O. When it also comes to music?
Anjulie: Yes. I have no image. This is me. We’ll see how long I can keep it up ;)… My music is very personal. I talk about my real life. When I wrote the record I didn’t think of people hearing it, I just wrote about how I felt.
RubyHornet: You talked about playing defensive back, and that you “felt like a man on the inside”…the next thing you said was that you’ve never
had a serious boyfriend, do you see the two as related at all? I could see how it comes thru in the farting thing…lol
Anjulie: Lol! Yeah. Wait. That sounds like I’m a lesbian, which I could be. What I meant was I’ve never had an exclusive relationship with a guy. I’m currently working on my level of maturity. It’s a work in progress :).
RubyHornet: On “Day Will Soon Come”, a track at the end of the album, you talk about your dreams, and other people’s reaction to them, as well as the universal feeling of trying to decide what you really want, and persisting that you’ll be able to get it. With the album out now, and getting really great reviews, is that day any closer for you?
Anjulie: Slightly closer. But no where near the day I have in mind..
Anjulie: “Day Will Soon Come”
[audio: http://rubyhornet.com/media/rh/music/day_will_soon_come.mp3|width=180]RubyHornet: The album does not have any features. Are you starting to get contacted by artists to make guest appearances on their songs?
Anjulie: Hmmm not yet. I wanna work with Janet though.
RubyHornet: It seems like Canadian artists are having more success in the U.S. now than ever before with artists such as K’Naan, Colin Munroe, Keys N’ Krates, Drake, and yourself touring the country, gaining endorsements and record deals etc…How do you see it from north of the border, and do you have any contact with the artists above? Do you root for them to succeed?
Anjulie: Yes. I root for them if they are good. I actually sang on K’Naan’s record. He’s amazing. Drake is also super talented and cute as pie.
RubyHornet: We cover fashion as well at RubyHornet, as far as your style goes, what are some of your favorite things to wear, and what’s your stage wardrobe like?
Anjulie: It’s fun. My stage show is very high energy. It’s like the record on fire. I like to wear a lot of sparkles, sequence and sexy clothes.
RubyHornet: Laslty, what were you doing a year ago today? Where do you hope to be a year from now?
Anjulie: Hmmm, I have no idea! Probably trying to get my record out! A year from now I’d like to be sitting in my mansion being fed grapes by attractive men on a bed of lily pedals
