Julie Crochetière: hybrid soul

Hybrid soul is how Montreal-born Julie Crochetière describes her music, but the quirky descriptor is also telling of the artist herself.

“[My music] draws from the live sound of classic soul, the melody and colours of jazz and heart beat of rhythm and blues and the lyrical content of French chansons,” says Julie of her work. Her latest album, A Better Place, follows this unconventional mixture with success. Mainly through word of mouth, Julie has been building a fan base with little help from press or radio play.

Julie writes, produces, and plays her own music – rare enough in itself. But the artist also welcomes the challenge of handling the business aspects of her career.

“I hand pick everyone on the team. I read all the contracts and I am a part of all that is happening from point A to point B. I think most artists don't want to be a part of the business. I do.”

Julie was first attracted to music by parents who “wanted me to touch as many things as possible so that I would have a pool of experiences and resources to draw from in my life when came time to pick a career.” They put their daughter in piano lessons, art classes, and tennis. “I went on to play music in my high school band and met the teacher who would turn this entire thing around for me, my music teacher...He's the first one who gave my singing a chance. I got to feel what a 'live' show was like. From that moment on, I had the bug.”

With tours of Canada and France in the works, Julie is also working on Play it Forward, a program that gives kids a chance to team up with Julie and her band to perform a show. “I'm inspired by kids a lot,” she says. “They have no boundaries.” With the shows, Julie can provide children with the same experience that has led her to where she is today. “I want them to have as many great memories of being a part of something big musically. I want them to feel the power of music. I want them to leave the show inspired, knowing that they can do anything."