Exclusive Archival Interview: Carly Rae Jepsen Talks Pride in Concert at The Armory in Minneapolis, New Single “Western Wind” (2022)

Interview by Derek Murawski-Harguth, originally for TwinCitiesGayScene.com in June 2022 ahead of Carly Rae Jepsen headlining Minneapolis Pride in Concert

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For fans of pop music, Carly Rae Jepsen needs no introduction. She’s been on our collective minds ever since she dropped one of the biggest singles of the 2010s, “Call Me Maybe,” off her breakthrough album Kiss. 

Her next album was the fan favorite and pop phenomenon, E•MO•TION. It endures as one of the best pop albums of the last decade. The disco-tinged Dedicated was her last full-length affair, gaining praise from fans and critics alike. Earlier this spring, her new single “Western Wind” was released to fanfare. Fans are hoping that it signals the release of a new Jepsen album, and it seems like they might just get their wish. 

I spoke to Carly Rae Jepsen herself about E•MO•TION’s legacy, her upcoming Twin Cities Pride in Concert gig at The Armory in Minneapolis, her latest music video inspirations, and her new single.

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Derek Murawski-Harguth: How does it feel having “Western Wind” be out and received so well by fans?

Carly Rae Jepsen: I think any time it has been a while since you share something there are nerves attached, but with Western Wind, I had this real excitement that was competing with any fears. After Rostam — who produced and co-wrote “Western Wind” — sent me the first mix of this song, we both felt so connected to it. We were just happy to get it out there.

What was your songwriting process like for “Western Wind”?

The lyrics were a little bit like freeform writing, where you don’t overthink it. The song is trying to capture a feeling, more than tell a story. The feeling of nostalgia and longing, mixed with a new confidence that was being born in me.

Your “Western Wind” music video is gorgeous. What inspired it?

I was moved by a lot of things, but one of the inspiration videos that I sent to Taylor — who directed the video — was Kate Bush’s “Wuthering Heights.” I was quite captivated by how she was frolicking in the wilderness, singing the song to someone who wasn’t there. I wanted to indulge that concept for our video with some high fashion, tree climbing, and even a solo Vespa ride in the mountains. 

What’s the hardest part of creating visuals for your music?

When creating videos, I like to do one of two things: completely turn the song on its head with a shocking visual, or really lean into what the song is trying to say. With “Western Wind,” it was more of a lean in.

Now that almost seven years have passed, what is your biggest takeaway from the phenomenon that is your E•MO•TION album era?

I don’t think I’ll ever not be surprised by the support and love that we have received from that album. I remember the very first show we played after E•MO•TION, and the crowd was wild. They pressed a go button on an adventure that hasn’t stopped since. I am forever grateful for the energy the fans bring to help feed the live shows.

The LGBTQIA+ community has especially embraced your work. How does that feel?

That is one of the biggest gifts of my whole life.

Give us a tease of your Pride in Concert headlining performance June 25 at The Armory in Minneapolis!

Well, I don’t think you could find a group more excited to finally get on stage again, and let loose together. My bandmates have been together — some of us — for over a decade, and there’s a real family feeling about getting to be on stage and do the thing we love the most. I hope you all feel it, too.