Julie Crochetière (born July 10, 1980 in Montreal[1]) is a versatile independent Canadian singer/songwriter, pianist and arranger.[2]
Julie Crochetière began learning to play the piano at the age of six, continuing her classical piano studies for another eight years. At the age of thirteen Crochetière wrote her first song. In high school Crochetière began developing her singing voice, before going on to study music for two years at Collège Lionel-Groulx.[2]
In 2000, Julie Crochetière joined the Popstars reality television series which was nationally televised on the Canadian Global Television Network where she became part of the girl band which came to be known as Sugar Jones, on the Universal Music Group label. Sugar Jones did two national tours[3] and released the album Sugar Jones which went platinum[4] generating top ten hits first with How Much Longer and then with Days Like That[5] Sugar Jones disbanded in 2002.
In 2003 Crochetière independently released her first EP, Café, which led to appearances at many prestigious jazz festivals, such as the Beaches Jazz Festival in Toronto, Ottawa International Jazz Festival and Montreal International Jazz Festival, CMW and NXNE.[1]
Crochetière and drummer Tony Albino co-produced her full length album A Better Place in 2008. The single Precious Love hit #18 on the Canadian as well as being nominated for Best AC Song at the 2009 Canadian Radio Music Awards . A Better Place was the 8th highest downloaded album on iTunes Canada's R&B chart. Crochetière was also nominated for Best Female Vocalist at the 2009 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards.[6]
“The recording of this project was very intense and focused. I wanted to record this album in an old school way to capture the magic of the ‘live’ sound: put the band in a room, press the red button, and let’s play”. explained Crochetière[7]
Crochetière performed at the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame press conference[8] where the CSHF 2008 inductees were announced in 2008.
In March 2008, Crochetière launched her Play it Forward concert series, which gives kids a chance to perform on stage with her and her band. Play it Forward combines live entertainment with community building and fund raising for local kid's music programs. The show inspires children to play an instrument, sing, write songs and perform.[2]
“I'm inspired by kids a lot,” she says. “They have no boundaries.” With the shows, Julie can provide children with the same experience that has led her to where she is today. “I want them to have as many great memories of being a part of something big musically. I want them to feel the power of music. I want them to leave the show inspired, knowing that they can do anything.
Sugar Jones (2002) Days Like That How Much Longer If You Keep on Walking Never Leave Hurt Alone It's Like Ice Cream Baby Boo Get Yourself Together I Got U Little Bit of Heaven Days Like That How Much Longer
Album Information: Universal Music Group Mirella Dell'Aquila vocals Andrea Henry vocals Sahara MacDonald vocals Maiko Watsonvocals Julie Crochetière vocals Released February 2002
Café (2003) One More Day Your Woman Have You Had Enough Worldwind Have You Had Enough (Acoustic Version)
Album Information: Independently released EP Julie Crochetière - Piano, vocals Tony Albino - Drums Joseph Marchand - Guitar Adrian Vedady - Double Bass Menasen String Quartet Produced by Julie Crochetière Released January 2003
A Better Place (2007) Hillside (3:16) Footsteps (4:03) Mellow Mood (2:49) Maybe We'll Meet Again (3:43) Someone Saved My Life Tonight (5:53) Precious Love (4:51) Shine (4:01) Rich Girl (2:55) Slip Sliding Away (4:37) Now That You're Gone (4:03) Stuck on You (3:00) The Only Thing I Know For Sure (3:24) Run To Your Mama (3:40) A Better Place (2:44)
Album Information: Avalon/Somerset Julie Crochetière - Piano, vocals Tony Albino - Drums, Percussion Bob Gusevs - Organs, Wurlitzers Peter Dowse - Electric Bass Justin Abedin - Guitars, Banjo, Lap-steel Guitar Jocelyn Tellier - Guitar Kevin Breit - Guitar, Mandola, Mandolin William Sperandi - Trumpet Bryden Baird - Trumpets William Carn - Trombone Perry White - Saxophone Kevin Fox - Cello and Cello Arrangements The Menasen Quartet - Strings Don Breithaupt Horn Arrangements Anthony Bozankovic - String Arrangements Recorded "Live off the floor" in Montreal Produced by Julie Crochetière and Tony Albino Released January 2007
