JitZul Interview
After the turmoil of the last few years, how does it feel to finally be releasing an album for your fans?
It feels like everything that happened was meant to be. Someone above is pulling the strings and I wouldn’t change any of the experiences because it’s only added to the music. It feels awesome finally getting our sound out there.
In terms of sound, how would you describe your new album, “Voodoo”? Does it have the “eclectic” feel of the songs you were creating with Epic Records or does it tread down a new path?
With “Voodoo” we wanted to make an album where each song was its own entity. Kind of like scenes to a film. We wanted each song to take you to a different place completely, yet as a whole, still maintain cohesiveness. Every album will be different. The Epic album was very world-sound inspired and rhythm driven. “Voodoo” has qualities of that, but we also went back to our more simplistic approach to some of the tracks. Eclectic pop.
Choosing which song to make a single can sometimes be very easy and other times be very difficult, what process lead to you choosing “Trip Around the World” as your single for this album?
It was the reaction from people’s first listen that pushed “Trip Around The World” to the top as a single. And also, the wonderful input from fans. A single doesn’t necessarily mean the best song; it means the most listener friendly. It’s something I’ll never quite grasp – how to truly pick the right first single. I’m too close to the music, I think but, I do trust that “Trip” is an invite to come listen to the full album.
As a Canadian artist one of the greatest challenges is penetrating the border to expand beyond the Canadian markets, what sorts of things are you doing to ensure your album is noticed in other countries?
Patience, I guess. I have a great team around me and we’re looking into new, innovative ways of getting the music out there. Because it’s an indie project at the moment, it will take time to build a solid foundation so we can hopefully propel into other territories.
Amidst the insanity of your music career have you been able to also continue to pursue acting? Can your fans look forward to seeing you on screen anytime soon?
In all honesty, it’s been tough to balance both careers. I’ve had to make decisions that are best for the music at times, when the music business isn’t the most secure platform. I wouldn’t want to be tied into another TV show for 5 years because it would take me away from pursuing my music but a great film, possibly one that would tie in the music in a soundtrack would be awesome. I’m a bit selective because I’m so passionate about music.
If you were able to start over, what things would you do differently?
I’m not sure I would do anything differently. I trust I’m where I’m supposed to be, you kind of just have too.
Let’s take things all the way back to the beginning, could you describe how your career got started and how the opportunity to be on Instant Star arose?
I put myself on tape for the role of “Jude” and landed the part.
Given your own affinity for both music and acting the role of Jude Harrison was perfect. How do you feel being on Instant Star helped expand your own musical aspirations?
Music was always my passion. I almost didn’t take the role on Instant Star because I wanted room to do music. The show helped sculpt Brendan and my writing abilities. By writing for the show, we knew the kind of different music we wanted to create for ourselves.
Alexz Johnson
Moving forward a bit, near the end of Instant Star, your character, Jude was dropped from her label, do you feel that this helped prepare you for when this also happened to you?
You’re never prepared for something like that. It’s an awful thing to go through, but you also get a fire in your belly that gets stronger… if you love it that much.
Due to the problems with Epic you essentially have a nearly complete album that will go unreleased. Is there any hope of these songs ever seeing the light of day?
There is. Possibly re-recorded and produced. There are some songs on that album that are incredibly close to my heart and it would be awesome to release them someday… when the timing is right.
While being associated with major labels is often very beneficial from a business sense it can also be harmful to the creative process. Do you feel that ultimately your difficulty with the labels will allow you to be a better artist?
I have loved the creative freedom we’ve had on “Voodoo” and the cover, and the music video, and the whole process in general. Our expectations are also not as high – just getting it out to the fans feels so good. When you’re signed with a major, it can be a stressful time because so much is expected and there’s fear-based decisions being made around money, and sadly, music. Doing what we love because we love it makes the whole process a lot more fun.
In your opinion, what is the most common mistake made by aspiring artists? Do you have any suggestions on how to avoid it?
Hmm… Everyone can make mistakes and I’m not one to judge. I would just keep your integrity at all times, play ball the best you can, but at some point, you have to be doing it for the right reasons. Or why do it at all?
