Canadian musician JJ Wilde is already going like the clappers in her home country.
Debut single ‘The Rush’ hit the Number 1 spot on Canada’s modern rock, active rock and mainstream rock charts last year, and debut album ‘Ruthless’ won Rock Album of the Year at the 2021 Juno Awards.
It’s been an exciting couple of years for the artist, and she’s about to arrive on our shores for a new tour of the UK and EU in support of recent EP ‘Wilde’.
“This upcoming tour will be my first time playing shows in Europe,” she says. “Something that I’ve always dreamed of. Something that I’ve always equated to the fantasy of being a performer and travelling the world. I cannot wait!”
Find all the new dates below, and get to know her a little better too.
Hello! How are you doing? What have you been up to today?
I’m hungover watching movies on the couch.
Have you been getting out much now things have been opening back up?
I have! It’s been really nice to be able to enjoy patios this summer and seeing friends.
How have all the restrictions over the past year or so impacted you? You seem to have been very active throughout?
It’s been tough. Not being able to play shows has been really hard. I feel for all musicians; music and performing are huge parts of my life, and to have it be put on hold, there was definitely a void there. I do feel very lucky, though, that I was still able to record and release music to keep active.
How are you feeling a year on from your debut album? Did you consider postponing it until everything had calmed down?
I’m feeling very excited to get on the road and tour the new music! I thought about postponing, but really I think people needed music during the pandemic more than ever. An escape from all the craziness that was going on.
It must be nice to be able to tour again; what challenges come with booking in live shows at the moment?
We’re not having many challenges with bookings at the moment since quarantine and travel restrictions have been lifted! Although some of the places on tours we would play have been closed, which is sad.
Is there anywhere on your upcoming dates that you’re especially looking forward to playing, or visiting?
I’m super excited to be playing my first hometown show! Also, Bottle Rock in Napa, California. I’ve always wanted to play that festival; I can’t wait to be surrounded by people and music for an entire weekend! Seems like a dream after the last year and a half.
What does your setlist look like – is it debut album focused? Are you going to be performing any new material?
My setlist changes with every show. My new songs are always my favourite, so I love putting them in the mix! I like to have an energetic set with a few slow moments in the middle. I’ll play the album as well as my new EP!
What have you been listening to yourself lately? Do you gravitate towards anything in particular during tough times?
I definitely am someone who listens to sad folk music when I’m sad, and happy upbeat music when I’m happy. My music taste is based on my mood; what I’m feeling usually dictates what I listen to. Right now, I’m loving indie-pop.
What are you working on at the moment?
I am currently in LA on a five-week writing trip! Working on the next album.
Anything else we should know?
I’d like to say how appreciative I am of everyone who listened to my music and supported me during the pandemic. Being able to create and share music through such a hard time really helped, and I am very thankful.
Catch JJ Wilde on tour at the following:
NOVEMBER
29 London, UK – The Lexington
DECEMBER
2 Berlin, DE – Badehaus
5 Leuven, BE – Depot
6 Paris, FR – La Moquinerie
7 Amsterdam, NL – Paradiso
8 Cologne, DE – Yuca
Tickets go on sale from 24th September.
