Canada's Golden Girl

She was featured on the cover of the September issue of Playboy France, has collaborated with Mac Cosmetics, and just dropped a sensual ‘80s-inspired music video for the crowd-pleasing track, “Sex Paranoia.” We had a chance to chat with the East Coast native about her album and her passion for fashion.

Q: Your new album Very Best is disco-inspired. What drew you to that genre?

A: Myself and G (my producer) have created a lot of music and visuals in the past few years. We don’t really pay attention to what anyone else is doing. We go into the studio and make music. We made a few songs in a row that had a sort of disco-feel, and we got to talking and just thought, ‘Why not do a concept album?’… Within a week, we pretty much had the music and visuals mapped out.

Q: Your lyrics feel very honest and unfiltered. Why did you choose to have this type of transparency in your music?

A: Growing up, I went to an all-girls catholic school; my parents were famously strict. My personality is a rebellion of my foundational years. I don’t like rules, I don’t like anyone telling me what to do or what to wear or how to speak. I don’t pretend to be anything I’m not.

Q: Walk us through your writing process. Do you look for a melody first or start with lyrics? What inspires you to start writing?

A: First things first, [I] go outside. A lot of artists think being a lone wolf is the way to create art. Time alone working on your craft is important, but I think of experiences as collecting data for my music. I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. I write when I feel inspired to. I don’t force it. Sometimes it’s melodies; I have a giant list of topics I pull from, too.

Q: What has your experience been like as a female artist in the music industry? How has starting your own label compared to working with major labels?

A: I am certain being [either] a man or a woman in the music industry comes with its share of highs and lows. I have seen it all after four years in LA, and I didn’t feel like I was growing on a major label. I had plateaued, and I didn’t want to quit. That’s why I moved to Paris and started my own label with my best friend. This comes with its fair share of stress too, but it’s on my terms. I feel so much more accomplished when I write, mix, [and] master a song and upload it to iTunes. I don’t need to wait around on anyone and I get to make decisions for myself.

Q: What do you hope audiences take away when they listen to your music?

A: I hope they dance, workout, feel sexy, and cry... any of the above is my goal. I make music for my soul, but, more than that, I make music so that I can connect with more people. My life goal is to expand my friend circle; I want to keep growing my network of friends, so we can all feel less alone and more together. I hate that a lot of “cool people” are so insular. My music is open to everyone, especially people who don’t fit in.

Q: What was your life like growing up in Cape Breton? Now that you’ve been travelling the world, living in Vancouver, LA, and now Paris, what was the biggest adjustment for you? G

A: rowing up in Cape Breton was very different from LA and Paris. My upbringing was a little redneck… My family business was a junk yard, so you can imagine me separating car parts after school whist dreaming of being a singer. I am a sponge when I travel. I think it’s good to know your roots, but I am always open to seeing how other people live their lives. It’s always an adjustment, moving, but I have always been too proud to go back home empty-handed.

Q: Besides music, how do you express yourself?

A: I use fashion, the way I dress… I also started dance classes this year. I love it.

Q: How do you stay connected to your Canadian roots?

A: I have a lot of good friends in Canada, and a lot of them travel. It’s probably why we get along so well. I go to Toronto and Nova Scotia several times a year. It is one of my goals to do Toronto Fashion Week and start expanding my circle to Canadian designers and producers. I am always looking for Canadians to work with.

Q: You’ve had some notable fashion moments – from wearing Dsquared2 to Amfar and working with Diesel Black Gold and John Galliano. What role does fashion play in your life? How would you describe your personal style?

A: I wear whatever I feel in the moment. So, sometimes it’s flouncy feminine florals, and, other times, it’s structured masculine proportions. I have always been fascinated with how people dress. I don’t take myself too seriously and I am super comfortable in my skin, so I like to be adventurous. Life is too short to not wear colour and pattern.

Q: In terms of style, where do you draw inspiration?

A: I like to take photos of old men with cool style. Maybe I should make this into a coffee table book. I have so many sneaky photos.

Q: How do you choose your music video and touring outfits?

A: Right now, it’s all about sparkles. I either do vintage finds, politely beg designers to lend me pieces, or I get them made. My closet is full of pieces I have worn in videos and on tour. I like my investments hanging up right where I can see them.

Q: Are there any designers or brands that you’d love to work with?

A: I just did a project with Canadian designer Rad Horourni that will come out in early September. I would love to work with more Canadian designers. I think Mikhael Kale is [making] some amazing clothes.

Q: Now that you’ve released the album and are starting to tour, what else are you looking to accomplish over the next year or so?

A: You’ll just have to wait and see what I have up my chiffon sleeve.

Q: After working with big stars like LMFAO, Steve Aoki, Diplo, Pusha T, and Ryan Tedder – what has been the best advice you’ve received?

A: “Eat food off the ground. It will improve your immune system.” - Diplo

By Jane Bradshaw