Classic country storytelling with an East Coast soul
Born and raised in the Maritimes, rising country artist Jolee has been steadily making waves with her heartfelt storytelling, classic country roots, and undeniable passion for music. A two-time Music P.E.I. nominee, Jolee’s journey took an exciting turn when she caught the attention of Canada’s Queen of Country Music, Carroll Baker. That chance connection sparked not only a touring opportunity alongside the legendary artist, but also the beginning of a brand-new album project shaped by Baker’s guidance and experience.
Recorded at Blue Gull Studio in Southern Ontario with producer JK Gully, Jolee’s new LP This Is It blends timeless country influences with her own Maritime charm. Featuring songs penned by Carroll Baker and Bryan Way — including the lead single “I’m In Love with the Radio” — the album showcases an artist stepping confidently into a new chapter. We caught up with Jolee to talk about working with Carroll Baker, recording the new album, and the journey that brought her here.
First off care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello everyone…my name is “Jolee” and I am from beautiful Prince Edward Island! So happy to be here to introduce my new single “I’m In Love With The Radio” to you! Thanks for having me!
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
“I’m In Love With The Radio” is one of 10 songs on my new Album called “This Is It”! It is a song that was written by Canada’s Queen of Country Music – Carroll Baker, and a gentleman named Bryan Way! It is the first song released from the Album, and I think the title says it all! We love the radio…what would we be without Music!
Walk us through your creative progress when creating music.
This is my third album, and each one was very different in the making! For “This Is It”, I travelled to Ontario to work with Carroll Baker on creating the finished project! Together we poured over many songs to find the ones that “spoke” to Me! Carroll wrote, or co-wrote, 8 of 10 songs, and it really was a labour of love to be able to bring these beautiful songs to life and give my own “SPIN” on them! I learned so much from her, and really got into the words, the stories, and the emotion of each song! It was such a growing experience, and I am so very happy with the results!
Now that the music is out, what does the ‘road ahead’ look like? Beyond tours and videos, what’s one ‘bucket list’ goal you hope to achieve with this release?
So…this is my first experience in truly bringing my creations to “RADIO”! The 10 tracks with be released over the months ahead, and of course, depending on the reception they receive, I am planning on a Tour! Certain songs truly call for a Video, and that will be worked on, as we move forward! A “Bucket List” would be to be acknowledged by the Music Industry, and ultimately, enter into the Awards, and, heck…GET SOME!! Wouldn’t that be the ‘Bees Knees’!
Every artist has a ‘lightbulb moment’ where things just clicked. Looking back, what’s the one performance or milestone that made you realize, ‘Okay, this is what I was meant to do’?
You know…I am truly a person who enjoys my Family, my Island, my Beaches, my time alone! I love reading, and quiet spaces…so why do I love performing? I just get such a rush and enjoyment out of standing on stage and connecting with audiences! I have been on stage from the time I was a little girl. I have been in bands, singing groups, duos, even acted on stage, in commercials and movies…but there is something special, in just going on stage, as “Jolee”, singing the songs I love, and having folks really listen to the stories, tear up or laugh, and go on that journey with me! When they come to me, after a performance, and say how much a song took them back to a certain time in their life that was special to them, it just makes me happy! Songs are all about that…Memories!
We love championing Canadian talent. If you were curated a ‘Must-Listen’ playlist of emerging artists right now, who is the first person you’d add?
Shantaia – I love her smooth vocals
There’s nothing like the energy of a live room. Where can fans catch you on stage next, and for someone seeing you for the first time, what should they expect from your live show?
Right now, just coming off from Recording this Album, we are in the planning stages of “What Comes Next”! We will be working on an “Album Release” and a Tour in the near future! Being that this Project is very unique, and different than my previous performances, I want to make it something to really introduce me, “Jolee”, to the world! So I will keep you posted on upcoming shows and appearances, as they unfold! My show will have a classic country feel! I will be bringing original songs that tell stories and leave audiences with a feeling of nostalgia and have them coming back for more!