Michael BublÉ + Nelly Furtado

Feminism and High Heels

MB I’m just going to start by saying that when my career wasn’t exactly going strong, I thought that perhaps I’d be a journalist. So this is actually really cool for me to be able to ask you some questions, considering you’re my friend and I’m a huge fan of yours.

NF Aaagh!

MB You’re so cute, Nelly Furtado! Okay, so the first question that’s hugely important to me is about the Canadian music industry and whether you think we have our own “star system.”

NF Star system? Well, I’m not sure. I thought it was all very civil and low-key. But when I came onto the scene with my big, shiny pop song and my big, shiny pop video, I was living by myself in, like, a little loft apartment. I was almost freaked out to leave my apartment because overnight everyone had heard the song and it seemed like, all of a sudden, there was more of a market for a tabloidy-type culture, which I found really funny.

MB Both of us have been to many different countries. Don’t you find that each of those countries has their own identity?

NF Yeah, they do. I think everyone has their own culture. In Canada, all the classic songwriters like Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Robbie Robertson started that whole eclectic thing: “I’ve got my guitar. I’ve got some really earnest lyrics, some great melodies and wide-open space. I’m going to write some touching ballads.” And people have kept that torch going, everyone from Sarah McLachlan to Avril Lavigne – even someone like Tom Cochrane, who’s a great songwriter with super lyrics.

There are all these great indie rock bands now, and everybody thinks they’re from New York. They’re not; they’re Canadian! Death From Above, Arcade Fire and Hot Hot Heat… It’s the most exciting music in the world right now, in my opinion. I never have more fun than when I’m collaborating with a Canadian artist, like with you or... I just did something with k-os. It’s just a lot of fun, you know?

MB Cool, thank you. I can hear your baby crying…

NF Oh no, no, she’s fine. She’s eating lunch.

MB So how is being a mommy?

NF I finally fit in! I’m not an alien anymore. I used to live in L.A. and I hated it, but I just spent two months there, and I thought everyone was so nice. It’s because I’ve got an adorable two-year-old next to me. That’s the thing: People are nicer to you when you’re a mother. You get a lot of respect.

MB Has it affected your career in a positive way?

NF Yeah, it’s made me work harder in a way. You know: Gotta keep the funds flowing; gotta keep on truckin’.

MB I’m sure your priorities changed a lot, Nelly.

NF Yes, definitely. Number one is my daughter: Is she happy? How are we going to create this life for her? It’s freestyle parenting in a way because we travel a lot. She comes everywhere with me, and she’s getting the best education I think a toddler could have. [Laughs]

MB You know, it’s my dream to be able to do what I do and tour with the kids.

NF It’s so fun, I can’t tell you! You’re gonna call me one day and you’ll say, “Nelly, you were so right! It’s so fun; it’s amazing!” I’m going to be touring again next year, so we’ll be travelling again.

MB So you’re making the new record for that tour?

NF I am recording my new album right now.