The Music Industry can be
quite hilarious at times. Just when you think that you have it all together,
BANG, if not your fans, its the record label that suddenly stops
believing in you. Or did they? Well in Fefe Dobsons case, being dropped
by Island Def Jam back in 2006, just a week before the release of her
sophomore, still feels a bit cold to the touch. She’s moved on…
Fefe was a bolt of lightning
when she debuted. While the Canadian’s musical counterparts were lugging around
acoustic guitars and chewing bubble gum to the top of the charts, Fefe
hit the stage in a white tank top, blue jeans and truly rocked hard
with no regrets. Not to mention that she was also a female rocker of
color in a genre that was reintroduced to this image (i.e. Tina Turner,
which Fefe played the role of the NBC show, “American Dreams”).
Fefe had this spirit about
her that didnt necessarily lead to Top 10 charts at that time. However,
that same spirit rewarded her with multiple talk show appearances, movie
soundtrack placements, a strong fan following as well as a Juno Pop
Album of the Year nomination in 2005.
So why would Island Def Jam
drop an artist with the potential for career long success? In my opinion,
all you have to do is some industry math. Maybe Fefe was just a casualty
of a Mr. Shawn Carter run label. And if you take it step further, the
former President signed now R&B/Rock superstar Rihanna, which was
on her early rise at the time of Fefes exit. These are just a few speculative thoughts
on what could have happened.
On a brighter note, Fefe is
now independent and ready to continue her musical career. Her new album Joy is a raw, beautiful ride, led by the singles “I Want You”
and “Watch Me Move.” The born rock star sat down with AHH
to talk about her new album, her thoughts on fellow Canadian and Rap
star Drake, Rihanna and why Canadian women are so desirable.
AllHipHop.com: Fefe, if you
dont mind getting right into it, talk about the energy behind your
sophomore album, Joy.
Fefe Dobson: The energy was
amazing, so awesome. I was able to write this album with all of my friends.
It was all about positive vibes, no negativity came to the table. I
wanted to do a record that wasnt overly produced. I wanted for this
album to be raw, to show all of my talents and flaws. I find that when
albums are overly produced, it hides the artist true talent, true voice.
I wanted to showcase my talents in a real way, not computerized.
AllHipHop.com: Although your
second album with Island Def Jam wasnt released, some of the singles
from that album were covered by artists, including Jordan Sparks. How
do you feel about being so young and having a few covers of your music
under your belt?
Fefe Dobson: First of all,
its crazy to have people covering my music. I am 24 years old, and
I have already had to Contemporary covers of my music. Its cool and
its nothing but an honor, Im loving it.
AllHipHop.com: Fefe, I cant
lie, there is just something about Canadian women, I cant put my
finger on it. Being a beautiful Canadian woman yourself, would you like
to speak on that?
Fefe Dobson: I cant answer
whether there is something different about Canadian women that guys
love about us. I dont know, maybe its in the maple syrup or something.
Or maybe you just love Canadian women.
“Rihanna and I
are both Black women that perform music that has an edge. But if you are a true music lover, you can easily hear the difference
between us.“-Fefe Dobson
AllHipHop.com: True, True (we
laugh). Speaking of Canada, Hip-Hop was greeted in 2009 by the now Top
3 emcee in the game, Drake. Being a fellow Canadian, do you have any
thoughts or opinions on his success?
Fefe Dobson: I think that the
success Drake is achieving right now is great. Ive known Drake for
a while now. No one saw this coming. And its awesome because he is
such a nice guy. Well he is nice to me; I dont know what hes like
to other people. I think that his success is awesome, like, why not?
Oh, one of my friends has the hugest crush on him. She wanted to know
if I could have him call or come to her birthday party. I was like,
I think that hes kinda busy right now.
AllHipHop.com: There were quite
a few debates in online communities comparing your style to Rihannas.
Yet people would often say that you were always consistent and somewhat
of a prototype for what you both do musically. Any thoughts on the comparisons?
Fefe Dobson: Rihanna and I
are both Black women that perform music that has an edge. I believe
that this is the reason why people would say that we are similar in
style. But if you are a true music lover, you can easily hear the difference
between us.
AllHipHop.com: I had the opportunity
of attending your live performance a few weeks back. You always leave
everything that you have on stage, very personable with the crowd and
the mic-stand. While promo-touring for Joy what are some of your
favorite songs to perform?
Fefe Dobson: I love performing
the single “I Want You.” Its fast, and it has a lot of energy
is such a short amount of time. I love performing the song “Im
a Lady.” It is the first song on our set. It is a womans anthem;
I know that it is for me. It talks about being a lady and asks the question,
Are you ready to be this ladys man? Theres a ballad called
In Your Touch that I love performing that song. I love ballad.
I am a sucker for good ballads. Ballads are a great connector to the
audience. Fefe Dobson performing at Mercury
Lounge
Will
Deshair Foskey is a social journalist/blogger,
born and raised in New Jersey. His most recent project, www.TheRacetoNowhere.blogspot.com has launched to rave reviews this
past summer.
In this photo: