Q&A with Canadian Cutie Jesse Labelle

Jesse Labelle's sophomore album "Two" released Aug 7, 2012*

So I talked to the one and only Jesse Labelle earlier today and while I have an article on the go for  Suite101.com, I figured I would post the Q&A portion of if here for you all to see! Our interview was short and sweet (he probably wasn't used to that but I didn't want to take up too much of his busy schedule) but he had some really great things to say.

While it was only for 15 minutes I got a good sense of who he was as a person and an artist. I know that a lot of people put their favourite musicians and bands on pedestals (I admit it, I do from time to time) but in the end they are really just normal people. I hope you get the sense of it to as you read on!

(p.s. I tried to get this as true as to what Jesse said. As it was a phone interview I had no recording device so I had to type as fast as I possibly could!)

Taryn: Hi Jesse! How have you been?

Jesse Labelle: Been busy, early mornings long days, and late nights but it’s been fun.

T: How does it feel to be releasing your second album finally? Did you face any obstacles before the release?

J: Not really, but there is an interesting story. It’s actually the second second album I did. The record label didn’t think the first one I wrote was quite right so I had to re-write a second second version and that became “Two”.  After I wrote it I was so proud and so happy with it and I was glad I had the opportunity to write it again.

T: If you compared your first album “Perfect Accident” to your new one, what would you say the main differences would be?

J: It is completely different album. It was written from the time I was 18 until 26. There was long time in between and a lot of things happened. “Perfect Accident” was about me chasing my influences. This one I really wanted to go originality over influence. Ninety per cent of “Two” was written over the piano – over the keys. Has a sound that is is closer to my own sound. I mean every artist wants an album that sounds like who they are and I think this album has touched on that.

T: What has the writing process been like? Was it easier the second time around compared to your first?

J: It was a lot different and I included a lot of co-writers.  For my first album I only had one other co-writer. With “Two” I started to believe in strength in numbers and I really wanted to get the opinions of others. The writing process was a lot more intuitive and happened over a lot shorter period of time and  it was a lot more cohesive.

T: Everybody has their favourites (like mine are Won't Let you Down and Some to Feel) but what song or songs off of “Two” are your favourites?

The first song Won’t Let You Down, is definitely my favourite. I put it first because it’s the purest and most honest song on the record and I wanted everybody to be able to listen to it and feel that. I also wanted to let them know where I planned to take the music.

T: What’s the story behind One Last Night? Do you believe the world is going to end in December?

J: *laughs* I honestly don’t know. I mean you’ll never really know. I kinda like to live my life as if the world is going to end every day. Things pop up and things happen but you just have to go with it. This song is about living for the moment and making it count.

T: Heartbreak Cover-Up is about a personal experience right? What do you do to pick up the pieces of a broken heart?

J: Pretty much what’s in the song. That’s really where that song came from, having a broken heart and having the emotions that go along with it. Pretty much everybody has a way to deal like this, unless you’re too young and don’t have the card. They’re only emotions you can make because you’re grown up (talking about drinking Patron). That’s what I have done in the past. I haven’t had a broken heart in a long time and I don’t really want one of those again. They’re no fun to deal with and nobody should have to feel like that.

T: You also worked with Alyssa Reid on Heartbreak Cover-Up. Is there any other collaborations you’d like to do in the future?

J: There are tons, I mean there are so many people I would love to work with.  I’d really like to work with Ryan Tedder from One Republic. I really like his style and what he does. I’d also love to write a song with Rob Thomas - that’s always been a goal of mine. When it comes to collaborating with artists – this is going to sound crazy – but I would like to sing with Bono. I know it’s a little out there, but I would love to collaboration where would just share the song.

T: After reading your bio I got the vibe that you’re a bit of a romantic? How would you get the attention of the girl you like?

J: Yeah a little bit, I can be at times *pauses*. Wow, that’s a good question. I guess there are lots of different ways. I mean it really depends on the girl. I guess though that to get her attention I would give her attention.

T: You also mentioned in your bio that you’re trying to tell a story from beginning to end with “Two”. Do you feel that you accomplished this?

J: Yeah, I mean the record is all about human interactions and both sides and connections. It’s really about the good, the bad, the ups, and downs. It starts with an honest and happy song and it ends with a kind of sad song. But I really believe that it does have a beginning, middle and an end.

T: Can fans look forward to a tour anytime soon?

J: We’re working on it! I mean the summer doesn’t really have an opportunity for shows but we’re working on some shows for the fall. There should be an announcement soon about it.

T: Do you have any other projects on the go that you’re excited about?

J: I’m doing a ton of writing right now; so much. I’m working with a bunch of bands and artists. I’m helping with Alyssa Reid’s new album and as of yesterday a band called Bangarang. I’m really just looking to write with as many people as possible.

T: If you could tour with anyone, who would it be?

J: That’s a great question. It’s so hard to choose as there are so many amazing artists out there that I would love to tour with. I would be happy touring with anyone really. I would totally choose U2.  Or even Coldplay as they are like the U2 of this generation.

T: What favourite playlist could we find on your iPod/mp3 player at this exact moment?

J: I love Of Monsters and Men – they’re great. I really like the Frank Ocean album, and Collective Soul. I love them so much and always find that I am going back and listening to them. I mean I could really go on, I’m a lover of all kinds of music.


After all of this I want to thank Jesse for taking the time out of his schedule to talk to little ol' me. I wish him all the best with his new album and I hope to hear from him a LOT more! You'll be sure to see me at one of his up-coming concerts if one of them happens to be in the Toronto or GTA! 

- T 

*photo courtesy of Wax Records.