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The Canadian singer-songwriter also explains why she loves penning songs in Nashville.

Jocelyn Alice is a pop star on the rise. While she's been in the industry for a while now, the Canadian singer-songwriter has been making waves with her hit single, "Jackpot" and her new song, "Feels Right." Before going solo, she was in jocelyn & lisa with bassist and collaborator Lisa Jacobs as well as co-wrote tunes for One Tree Hill and Pretty Little Liars.

We had the chance to chat with Jocelyn about her Popstars past, the first song she wrote and the story behind "Feels Right."

Hometown: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

What's your first musical memory?

Wow. What a cool question. I didn't come from a musical family. I can't really remember music being a part of my life until I met my elementary school choir teacher, Mrs Rhodes. I was a troubled kid and most teachers just punished me when I was actually really struggling. I think she saw that and instead of handling me the same way everyone else was, she made me do solos in the choir. It ignited something in me and taught me that maybe the troubles I was experiencing weren't that at all.. Maybe they were gifts. I've never looked back.

Talk about the first song you wrote?

I lost a friend of mine in junior high. It was the first time I had ever experienced grieving like that, and I was really in need of a way to understand what I was feeling better. There was a poem on the back of her funeral card and all of a sudden I had put a melody to it and turned it into a song. It was really special to get to share that song with all of these people that were hurting too. I knew I was on to something.

What's "Feels Right" about?

Ryan Guldemond and I had a hoot writing this song. I can remember us dancing like losers in the studio when it first came to fruition. And to me, that's exactly what it's about. It's about letting go of what others think of you and what you think of yourself and just doing what "Feels Right." I love the message of the song. Especially because I am generally a pretty weird person who easily offends people with unnecessary, inappropriate comments. So sometimes it's a lot harder for me to just be myself because I can be quite bold. I think the song is about courage and bravery and having the guts to share yourself fully.

You were once on a singing competition show, Popstars. What did you learn from that experience that you still carry out today?

That what I think about what I'm doing is the most important opinion. I loved that process because as a 16-year-old beginner singer I was getting so much feedback from professionals. But at the end of day, it reminded me that my gut is stronger than anything else. It's important to vet your ideas and get opinions.. But I think that artists need to trust that they know best.

You were also in a duo, jocelyn & lisa. How does your music in the group differ from the solo work?

Lisa and I never really thought our band would go as far as we did. We were so stripped down and acoustic and it was just the two of us up there. My solo stuff is a lot more pop heavy and soulful and I am so proud that Lisa is now the head of my band. There's no one I would rather stand next to up there.

According to your Instagram, it looks like you've been going from one city to the next to work on more new songs. Which city do you feel is the most inspiring for songwriting? And why?

Omg. Easiest answer ever. NASHVILLE!! The people there are not only lovely, they are also incredibly smart and hard working. And surprisingly not at all country!! Haha. I am so excited to be spending most of the fall there this year.

What's your definition of success?

Being a good person. Making people feel good. Finding that balance between work life and family life. And obviously, hopefully, continuing to stretch and grow as a songwriter and performer.

 

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