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| Carly Rae Jepsen in Toronto - February 2012 |
It's always exciting to see one of our own go on to succeed, but even more so, actually seeing them gaining respect in our Country. Let's face it, as Canadians often we're tougher on our own Artists and sometimes need to see them gain acceptance elsewhere before we buy into them. 26-year-old Carly Rae Jepsen's success story long has been in the works and after having first gaining attention on now-defunct Canadian Idol in 2007 placing third, she was signed to Vancouver-based 604 Records, distributed through Universal Music Canada.
Continuing to write and tour to modest success with 2008 Debut Tug of War, the Native of Mission, British Columbia now is finally reaping the rewards of persistence. Friday, December 30, 2011 was an auspicious day for Jepsen when Canadian Megastar Justin Bieber Tweeting his affections for her Single Call Me Maybe. Bieber confessed, "Call me maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen is possibly the catchiest song I've ever heard lol". With over 17 million Fans following his every move, you better belieb that Jepsen's Profile would soon see a significant boost.
Undeniably infectious, the Track was released in September but finally as of January 2012, has achieved Platinum sales (80,000 units) in Canada. The likes of Selena Gomez and Pretty Little Liars Star Ashley Benson would declare their love publicly for Call Me Maybe, creating a potential international breakthrough with the power of viral exposure and Celebrity influence. The Song now currently is number one on the Canadian Hot 100 Chart, a rare feat for a Canadian Artist.
Now with the release of her EP Curiosity slated for tomorrow, Valentine's Day, we'll see just how much love Canadians have to give one of our newest National Treasures. The slickly-produced six-track Disc (five of which she penned) expands on Jepsen's established Sound - tight melodies which could stand on their own with just a Guitar, but beneficially are embellished with Pop/Rock arrangements with a tinge of Electronica thrown in. She even covers fellow Canadian Joni Mitchell's Both Sides Now.
In-town after opening for Brother Trio Hanson (spotted here Friday) on the Canadian leg of their Shout it Out World Tour, Jepsen made a quick stop at CHFI and KISS 92.5 earlier today, performing Call Me Maybe live with her Band. Members of her Team drove all the way from British Columbia as evinced by the License Plate on her Van. The bubbly Brunette was lovely to stop and chat for a quick minute, posing for a Photo. I had to ask how annoying it must be to be asked still about Canadian Idol, which was almost five years ago. Tactfully, she giggles "Oh, it's okay. I don't mind!".
Jepsen is scheduled to appear tomorrow on MuchMusic's New.Music.Live at 5:00 PM where she will be revealing a secret, which she vows not to tell until then. Is it a Tour? Is it a forthcoming Collaboration? Is she getting married?!? Was she signed to a U.S. deal?!? We'll know soon.
Surely some of you will want a Photo signed by Jepsen, right? Enter to win by clicking "like" on Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook and also this corresponding Post. You also should be following me on Twitter here - Jepsen already is! Your deadline is March 15, 2012.
Order Curiosity on iTunes here. At $4.99, you have no reason not to!
UPDATE: How amaze is it that Jepsen herself ReTweeted this Post? Yay!
So as predicted, Jepsen confirmed on MuchMusic's New.Music.Live that she has signed a Record Deal with Scooter Braun's Schoolboy Records (distributed via Universal Music) in the U.S. Both Braun and Bieber congratulated her in a taped Video Message which can be seen here. This is major!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)
