It was just last month that Vancouver musical legend Carley Rae Jepsen welcomed her first child to the world. But if you asked any fan of pop music in the early 2010’s they would say that this is her second baby, and that her first came over a decade ago.
In early 2012, Carly Rae Jepsen was working as a waitress in Vancouver, playing coffee shops, and handing out demo tapes. But the dream for any local artist would soon take over. By the end of that year, she had the biggest song on the planet with the release of Call Me Maybe and was opening for Justin Bieber as part of his North American “Believe” tour.
A once labeled “One hit wonder” Carley has proved over her 19 years of releasing music, that she isn’t just not a one hit wonder, but rather one of the best Canadian artists of all time. Throughout her career, the BC native has cemented her status as one of the most influential songwriters of her generation, and it’s not just me saying that, as she has the accolades and stats to back it up.
Carley’s journey is a masterclass in BC musical heritage. Before the world knew her, she was a student at the Canadian College of Performing Arts and a third place finalist on Canadian Idol. Her early career was forged in the small clubs of the Lower Mainland, eventually leading to a signing with Vancouver’s own 604 Records. It was here, alongside Marianas Trench frontman Josh Ramsay, that she co-wrote “Call Me Maybe.” The song was great. It was catchy, fun and matched every box that an early 2010 pop song needed to go viral. However it wasn’t until her fellow countrymen Justin Bieber would tweet about the song, for it to become a global hit.
“Call Me Maybe by Carley Rae Jepsen is possibly the catchiest song i’ve ever heard lol” Tweeted Bieber in December of 2011.
The song was huge. I remember I was only in Kindergarten when it was released. Every car ride, every radio station, it was a must listen. Today the music video for the song as well as the Spotify version has nearly 2 billion watches and listens. Easily cementing it as one of the staple in Canadian music history.
Carley didn’t just stop there. Since, she has released 4 albums and in 2023 was a nominee for Juno Pop Album of the Year with her hit release “The Loneliest of All Time”.
As Carley Rae Jepsen takes on her new role as parent, she is a reminder to all local artists that you can make it no matter what. And to all world wide artists not to conform to what people label you. Without Carley’s constant songwriting and work ethic the world would be without amazing music like Call Me Maybe. And if Carley were to have listened to the haters she would have conformed to being a “one hit wonder”. Rather she persevered and proved that she’s one of the best BC born musicians of all time.