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Anjulie’s name might not be instantly recognizable, but if you’re lucky, you’ve become familiar with her sound, thanks to her addictive first single, “Boom.” After writing hits for other artists over the years, this charismatic singer/songwriter just released her own self-titled debut and continues her chat with Instinct about the collaboration process, touring and Kanye.
You’re signed to Hear Music, which is Starbucks’ label. Why go indie?
At the time, we had a deal on the table with [a major label] and we went with Starbucks mainly because of their distribution opportunity, which is pretty amazing in an industry where records stores are being shut down. It was the more obvious choice for me. Also, to go with a coffee shop made more sense because they don’t really control your creative process as much as say a major label would. So there is none of the fear of being molded or being pushed.
The video for “Boom” is so cool and creatively stunning, and it even got you nominated for your first VMA, so congratulations.
Thank you! Yeah, the video is amazing. It feels really good. I was in Canada doing a talk radio show and I got a call from the director, Adria Petty, and she said, ‘Congratulations! You just got nominated for a VMA.’ And I deleted the message and I thought it was a mistake. My profile up until this point has been very independent. I mean, I’m not really even been played on the radio. So, it was really amazing to be recognized by MTV in that way.
Are the videos and style elements important to you or do you like to let others interpert your songs?
I’ve learned the art of collaboration over the years. I used to be a total control freak. But working with Adria, who is an unbelievable talent, I had to trust her and I just feel in love. We collab in terms of how I would look and how my hair would be, but in terms of the video, that was all her.
A lot of reviews of your album seem to compare you to some major female singer/songwriters. Do comparisions bother you or do you take them in stride?
It’s very flattering comparisions to amazingly talented singer/songwriters, so it’s not something I’m offended by at all. I mean, I’m not being compared to Paris Hilton.
I also understand you’re making some celebrity fans. Didn’t Kanye tell his website followers to check out your “Boom” video?
Yes, that was amazing. It’s always awesome when artists with a much bigger platform can kinda bring you up and help you up. That was really awesome.
Do you know him or did he just do that randomly?
I don’t know him. I think I met him in passing one time, but before I had a record. I guess he saw it and liked it.
And what are your plans here on out?
I wrote and sang on the opening for the new musical, Fame. It’s called “Big Things” and it’s a really fun song, so check that out. And we’ll be doing a few festivals and then a fall tour.
Is touring and performing on stage something you really like or are you more comfortable in studio?
I love being on stage! The way I started my career was playing live every other night, so that’s something I really love doing.
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