Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Novul

Pop-alternative artist Novul may be from a small providence in Canada, but she’s got big dreams. She first burst onto the music scene with her debut single, “Spark”, which lit up the Billboard Dance Charts, peaking at #16. Despite all of the success, she took a short hiatus from music, but now she’s back and ready to embark on a new chapter in her career. This October, she dropped an infectious new hit, “Boys Like You”. Pop Culturalist sat down with Novul to chat about the new song, her creative process, and what’s ahead.

PC: When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
Novul: Since a young age, I’ve always enjoyed entertaining. Luckily, my family was supportive and put me in dance. From there, I knew I had a voice and I wanted to share it with the world.

PC: You grew up in Saskatchewan, Canada, which has a population of roughly 500 people. Did that present any challenges when launching your career?
Novul: I believe launching anything can be challenging, but yes, it definitely was more challenging. I didn’t have the resources, but I had a supportive family that believed in me and that helped make things possible. I was flying out to Toronto and training with Shania Twain’s vocal coach once a month. Anything is possible; you just need to work for it.

PC: How would you describe your sound to new listeners?
Novul: Electro-Pop meets Groovy Funk.

PC: What is your creative process like when you’re working on a new song? Has it changed over the years?
Novul: Each single has a different creative process, but sometimes my singles will come from poems I’ve written or creating melodies to the lyrics. Other times, I’ll have a melody in mind and write the lyrics to that melody, too.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Boys Like You”. What was the inspiration behind the song?
Novul: Every single I write is from personal experiences or something I’m going through. Clearly, this one is inspired by a bad boy. I would always question myself, saying, “Why do I go for these types of bad boys?” [laughs] Then again, they’re my type of love drug and muse. One minute I’m done, then there I go back again! [laughs]

PC: What does the rest of 2018 hold for you? Are there any plans to hit the road?
Novul: I’ll be ending the year with dropping another single followed by another music video. I’m really excited about this single because it will showcase my more intimate, vulnerable side that I haven’t shown. Also, the video will be a continuation of “Boys Like You”!

PC: Is there a venue that is on your bucket list to perform at?
Novul: Yes, there are massive venues, but let’s be real, I’m up-and-coming, so I’d love to start hitting LA’s local venue theaters and having more intimate shows.

PC: You started your career at a young age. What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Novul: It won’t happen overnight.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Novul: The Bachelor

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Novul: A Star is Born

PC: Favorite book?
Novul: The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Novul: Into the Woods

PC: A band, artist, or song that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Novul: “Make You Miss Me” by Sam Hunt

PC: First concert you attended?
Novul: Cher!

PC: First album you bought?
Novul: Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Novul: This Is Us

PC: Hidden talent?
Novul: I can make a 3 leaf clover with my tongue. [laughs]

Make sure to follow Novul on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “Boys Like You”.