Jules

By: Jenna Melanson

EP – Heart of Armor
Release Date – May 4, 2015
iTunes Link – https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/heart-of-armor-ep/id988198001
Genre – Pop

Fourteen year old, singer/songwriter, Jules Collarile, known as Jules released her first EP entitled “Heart of Armor” in May. The EP features six tracks including the “Supergirl” which was the winning entry in a national contest to open the “Girls Who Believe Fest” in Toronto.

Of the six tracks, five of them are originals and then one great cover of Joan Osbourne’s classic, “One of Us”, which is one of her all-time favourite songs.

I really enjoyed the second song, “City Lights” which is an upbeat song that will have you singing along, and you can clearly hear how talented Jules is. The other song that took no time at all to implant in my head was “Never Get Up” which is the fifth on the EP. It’s a song about believing in yourself, which is a message that I will never tire of.

You can clearly see that Jules is on her way to the top, and I for one, can’t wait to see what’s next.

Rating: 4.5/5

Connect with Jules:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisisjulesmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jules_luvsmusic


Jenna Melanson
I’m Jenna, and I am the creator of Canadian Beats. I have had a strong love for Canadian music, which started with Hedley. I have a passion for promoting these talented Canadian bands and artists, and that’s how Canadian Beats came to be. I am so proud of what it has become over the last few years, with many talented music lovers and writers coming together to spread the word of Canada’s music. - Jenna Melanson

“HEART OF ARMOR” BY JULES, EP REVIEW
July 21, 2015 · by Anna Fair · in review

JulesHeart of Armor is the first EP release from Jules, a pop-rock artist inspired by the likes of P!nk and Avril Lavigne. Jules’ voice is strong, deep, and confident – not traits that you expect from a fourteen year old girl. The Heart of Armor EP is proof that she’s got talent and wisdom far beyond her years, and the dedication to become a rock star.

The six-song EP starts off with a more pop sound, but that slowly transforms into more mature rock sounds and ballads. With the transformation comes a change in theme. At the beginning of Heart of Armor EP, she’s singing about being a “Super Girl” and seeing the “City Lights.” But by the end of the EP, she’s dedicating a whole piano ballad to what I can only imagine must be a very important person. Initially, the pop elements do come across as overplayed, overused even, the Heart of Armor EP still completely original and completely worth your time.

One of the most prominent songs on the Heart of Armor EP was Jules’ cover of “One Of Us.” She did more than give the classic song her own spin; she truly made it her own. And as she’s singing the song, you can tell just how much she enjoys it and how much it might mean to her. It becomes something totally new.

“My Little Soldier (Kevin’s Song)” was the grand finale to the EP, and it takes your breath away. You’re left wondering how a young girl could become so wise. The amount of passion in the song is amazing. There really aren’t words to describe it. And it leaves the listener feeling like Heart of Armor is something incredibly important; which in a lot of ways, it is.

Jules is making her debut into the music world with a bang, every note she creates demanding well deserved attention. The pop elements to Heart of Armor can be a little off putting. But there’re so many other things about the EP that stand out, and display all of the talent that Jules has. It’s well worth the time, and I’m excited to see where Jules goes from here. - Anne Fair

Toronto Native Jules Drops Debut EP, ‘Heart of Armor’
By Gabriella Steffenberg

Toronto native singer-songwriter Jules released her debut EP Heart of Armor on June 4.

Produced by Karen Kosowski, Heart of Armor is filled with insightful and emotional tracks, such as “My Little Soldier” and “Super Girl,” which have already won two awards at the Indie International Songwriting Competition. With her strong vocals and rock influence, “Never Give Up” sounds as if Jules-Paul-Steward-Photography--6it could be off of an Imagine Dragons album.

Jules writes with keen observation, writing on what she says in the world around her, and what she sees in other people. Each song on Heart of Armor tells a story, including the title track, which conveys a story of fierce loyalty in the face of adversity.

To stay updated on this rising artist, and to buy a copy of her album, head to Jules’ official - Gabriella Steffanberg

Hello GTA!

My name is Jules, I’m a 14 year old pop-rock singer-songwriter from Oakville, Ontario. I take influence from P!nk, Avril Lavigne, and Canadian artist Serena Ryder. People say I’m funny and sarcastic, and I can’t really disagree with that. I bring a bit of my personality into every song I write, and it shows through in my live performances. When I’m on stage, I feel completely at home, and I live for the moment. I don’t care who’s watching, or what people are saying. It’s as if time stands still. It’s the best feeling…I can’t even explain it!

Being 14 and juggling school, a social life, and my music can be incredibly exciting, but also a little freaky! It’s tough to balance studying for finals with finishing a new song, but when you’re as in love with music as I am, you make it work. In truth, music has really made me look at my life in a completely new way. My friends will talk about what they did on the weekend, and when they ask me, I tell them I worked, because I had a gig. It’s already wired into me to work hard, chase your dreams, and pursue your passions.

I just released my new album, Heart of Armor on May 4th, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with the world! With it, I hope to encourage my fans to pursue their dreams, not give up, and have the courage to do what you love. Music is literally my life, and if I’d never had the courage to pursue my dreams, I wouldn’t be where I am now, experiencing all the wonderful things I am. And I want that for all of you. I want you to all get out there, and pursue your dreams, and have the courage to step outside your comfort zone. There’s a whole world out there waiting for you. Show ’em what you’ve got.

Thanks for taking the time to check out my music, and I hope to see you all very soon!

Jules - Alicia Tout

Oakville’s Jules Collarile, 13, working on first EP
Oakville’s Jules Collarile, 13, working on first EP
Oakville’s Jules Collarile, 13, working on first EP
photo by Ryan Nolan
Thirteen-year-old Jules Collarile, of Oakville, is a singer/songwriter working on her first EP, which is expected to be released in the new year. The local artist has already accomplished much at a young age, including opening at a music festival in Toronto and making the semifinals at the Canadian National Exhibition’s Rising Star competition. As well, in November, she will be serving as an ambassador at the Girls Inc. third annual Re-thinkc Girls Conference in Ajax.
Oakville Beaver
By Abigail Cukier, special to the Beaver
After performing at a recent charity event, Jules Collarile signed autographs for two giddy young girls.

If Jules has anything to say about it, those are only the first of many.

The 13-year-old Oakville resident is a singer-songwriter, who also plays guitar and is working on her first EP with producer Karen Kosowski.

Jules, who is in Grade 8 at St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary School, has been writing songs for a few years. Her EP will have five original songs and a cover.

“It’s been so exciting. A whole different experience,” Jules said. “Recording in the studio and getting to see the producer working is a great learning process.”

The EP will be ready in the new year and Jules can’t wait until the release party.

She has been busy.

Last year, Jules won a national contest to open the Girls Who Believe music festival at The Great Hall in Toronto.

The festival celebrates female talent in Canada, showcases female-run businesses and raises money for Girls Inc., which helps girls feel empowered through programs and workshops.

This year, Jules is serving as an ambassador at the Girls Inc. third annual Re-thinc Girls Conference Nov. 2 in Ajax.

Attendees will talk about the challenges girls face and leave with strategies to promote empowerment, self-acceptance and resiliency.

Jules will play a song, answer questions and talk to the girls about following their dreams.

She also recently performed at the Oakville Father Daughter Ball and made it to the semifinals at the Rising Star competition at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto.

Jules entered her original song, My Little Soldier, into the Unsigned Only international competition. She was one of 93 finalists in the teen pop/alternative category.

Jules wrote My Little Soldier about a family friend, Kevin Siddall, who was fighting cancer. After she sent the song to his family, Jules found out that Kevin listened to it often and said it kept him going. It became like a family anthem.

Kevin died earlier this year at age 14.

“It was his dying wish that I would perform at his funeral,” Jules said. “Though it was so sad, it was an amazing feeling to perform there and offer comfort to his family.”

Jules, whose influences include Pink and Bruce Springsteen, just wants to keep writing music, singing and performing.

“I am still writing songs so I can make a bigger EP when this one is over,” she said. “I want it to be my career. I am just living it each day and loving it more and more each day. I am determined to make it big.” - Abigail Cukier

Singer, songwriter Meredith Shaw congratulates Jules Collarile for winning a national contest to select the opening song for this year’s Girls Who Believe Fest. Her entry, Supergirl, ‘wowed’ the judges.


Jules Collarile likes to write songs about events in her life. The recent Girls Who Believe Fest might just make for some great material.

The 12-year-old Oakville resident won a national contest to open the music festival at The Great Hall in Toronto. Now in its second year, the festival celebrates the vibrant female talent in Canada, showcases female-run businesses and raises money for Girls Inc., which helps girls feel empowered through programs and workshops.

The contest was open to girls ages eight-16 who submitted a video of an original song. The judges were Lennon and Maisy Stella, Canadian sisters who were discovered on YouTube and are now featured on the ABC television show, Nashville.

“They thought Jules stood out. Her confidence came through on video. And the lyrics and subject matter of the song resonated with them and with the meaning of the festival,” said Toronto-based singer-songwriter Meredith Shaw, and festival founder.

Jules’ song-writing coach Robyn Dell’Unto told her to enter the competition. About two weeks later, while she was doing homework, her mom received an email.

“My mom yelled my name. I jumped out of my seat. She scared me to death,” Jules said. “It was amazing. I was so excited to win and then when I found out about the whole day, I loved it.”

The “whole day” included a night’s stay at the Pantages Hotel, a wardrobe from West 49 and makeup from Benefit with hair and makeup done by Alicia Nikole. Jules also met Eric Alper, director of media relations and label acquisitions at eOne Music Canada.

“I want this to happen every day,” she said. “Meredith is amazing and I met other performers. It made me really think of how I want my career to go. It gave me a taste of what it would feel like.”

And Shaw was just as impressed by Jules.

“She just rocked it. She nailed it, I was so proud of her. She has such a shot at this,” Shaw said. “I can't say enough nice things about her. I really believe in her. To have that sense of yourself and what you want to say to the world at that age is pretty amazing.

“The whole point of the festival is to tell girls to dream big and keep going. When growing up, sometimes life gets in the way. We want to tell them to keep believing.”

Jules, who is in Grade 7 at St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary School has been writing songs for a few years. Her winning entry, Supergirl, was inspired by her mom and is about following your dreams to do what you want. Another song, My Little Soldier was inspired by a friend who is fighting cancer.

She has participated in school talent shows and Burlington Ribfest, as well as raised $10,000 for Princess Margaret Hospital in honour of three moms from her school who died from breast cancer. She also cut her hair for Angel Hair for Kids and performed a song at her school’s pasta night.

A hockey player for the Oakville Hornets, Jules also takes vocal and guitar lessons. She is working on an entry for the FIFA 2014 World Cup — the winning piece will become its theme song.

Jules plans to get even more involved with singing and songwriting and posting videos online to get feedback from others. And it seems performing at the Girls Who Believe Festival just made her even more motivated.

“I came home and started writing right away,” she said. “It showed me what I wanted to do.” - Abigail Cukier

Tell us about yourself.

Well, I have been doing this my entire life. I grew up in a musical family. I’ve played guitar since I was 6, singing from 8 years old. I just got seriously into music about 5 years ago. I was at music camp and I took a songwriting course and fell completely in love with it. That week, it was an experience I had never felt before. Like a whole different world. I told mom, at that point, I’d need to songwrite for the rest of my life. My first EP was Heart of Armor. I’m working with different producers and performing at different venues and I’ll be releasing another EP in April 2017. I’ve just recently gotten a Juried Sound Recording Factor grant and I’m so excited and grateful about it. I was a finalist in the Unsigned Only songwriting contest – the only Canadian in the teen category – and I was a semifinalist last year. I’ve also recently signed a management deal with Cool Planet (Todd Arkell and Cameron Carpenter).

How did you come about your stage name?

My actual name is Juliana. But Jules is not a stage name. I am Jules. It wasn’t a decision to come off as cool or edgy. It’s my name. I’m a fan of simplicity and staying organic and true to who I am.

How do you find your inspiration?

Obviously, I’m young. I haven’t experienced many things. I haven’t gone to university. But I find inspiration through everyday things. Being on the train. Seeing people. Hearing stories from my mom and my friends. And, yeah, I’m a teenager. I talk to guys. I go to high school. Everyday things, they all resonate and I connect to it.

What book are you reading right now?

Books, oh gosh. Is it bad that I don’t like reading? If I could pick between reading a book and new music… I would choose new music. I’m not one to pick a book over something else.

What music are you into right now then?

I listen to every type of music. Rap, country, pop, indie, alternative. To figure out my sound: One Republic, Paramore, Imagine Dragons, Pink, The 1975. Those are the main groups I really hear my sound resonating with. Also, Shawn Mendes. I honestly listen to everything! Top 40, classics — like Led Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen. There’s a huge variety of music that I listen to.

Any recently you just got into?

Mike Posner – I went to the Demi concert and he opened for her. I fell in love with his live performance. His opening poem touched my heart. Huge, huge, huge fan of concerts. It’s all I’ve been doing lately, going to concerts. The opening act is always the one I look up afterward, though. Just like how DNCE killed it at Selena. I resonate more with openings – I would love to open within the next 3-4 years. That would be incredible.

Where is your special place?

My room – it’s very artsy. I have lights in there, really artistic pictures. I listen to my music in there. All of my favourite artists are on my walls. It’s more like my sanctuary, not necessarily where I write a lot. It sparks a lot of my ideas for songwriting.

What sparked your passion for music?

Being in a room with other people and connecting with them. Songwriting is a completely different language, you know? Being at the music camp – speaking with teachers and the people around me – I was in my element. I always knew I could songwrite but that’s where I really felt at home. A lot of times, if I’m in a session and my mom’s there and I discuss an idea, I’ll get it and the songwriters will get it. It’s like a completely different language.

Which song means the most to you?

It was from the first EP: a song called “My Little Soldier (Kevin’s Song)”. I wrote this song for a friend of mine who passed away from cancer. It touched my heart, his heart, and a lot of other people. It took a lot of tears and hard work to finish it. It’ll always be the song that means the most to me no matter what – because he means a lot to me. My new music means a lot to me symbolically because you can feel and see that I’m maturing and growing up through the new material.

Which song took you the longest to write?

I’ve got to think about this one!… My song Super Girl. I started it at 9 and finished at 12. I started and didn’t think it was good. My mom missed hearing about it and convinced me to pick it back up so I tried to complete it, but it took me years.

If you could turn your artistry into a TV series, what would the title be?

Making It You – because music is all about the person writing it. It’s all about you. The show would totally be about musicians and artists putting themselves into the music. Painters, they have a part of them in their paintings. Artists in their books. You are inside of every piece of your art.

What is your favourite thing about being an artist from Toronto?

I love it because Toronto is such a diverse city. There are so many things happening – events, indie week. Events where artists can be themselves and showcase their hard work. I’m always a part of those things. Toronto’s great at providing a platform for new artists. There’s also so much inspiration from the city itself and its culture.

What is your favourite track coming up?

There’s nothing set stone for the actual EP, but right now, it’s a song called No Matter. That song is probably one of my favourites at the moment. The song’s lyrics discuss how no matter what anyone says, I’m still going to be me. Writing it was so real, I could say things in a cool way. “I wanna live a life worth living no matter what they say.” I’m gonna write, sing, and live how I want. I’m doing me.

What sparked the idea or inspired the Heart of Armor EP?

It didn’t really have a theme as it was such an early stage in my artistry and my life. I didn’t have a lot of material to choose from. It was a learning experience. All of the songs were very much the young me. Each song was separate in the sense that they individually held their own themes and ideas.

What was the initial goal you envisioned when you first set out as a musical artist?

My main goal was to make an impact in a positive way. P!nk: people look up to her as a strong independent woman. She’s empowering, her music is real and relatable. If someone is going through breakup, divorce, a lost job, if they’ve suffered death… all of those things, I want people to resonate with in my music. I want people to listen to me to feel better.


What’s next?

To keep writing. The next EP is coming out in April. I’m getting out the best songs I can. I’m figuring out the sound and which songs bring out me as best as possible. I want my work to be inspirational and powerful. I’m doing more gigs, meeting more people, trying out different producers, and experimenting for the new EP so that it’s the best I can possibly do.

How do you deal with the hustle and bustle of life whilst making art?

It’s a friday night and my friends are like, “Let’s go see a movie!” Sorry, I have a gig but you can come! I’ve brought five of my friends to a gig before, so I do find compromises A lot of times I’ll have to ask my teacher, “Can I hand in at the end of class?” They’re very understanding. My school is understanding of my career. If I can’t get it done, I’ll finish it during car rides, the train ride up there. Some nights I have to stay up late. It’s definitely about keeping a good schedule, staying on top of it all, and maintaining balance!


What advice would you give to upcoming artists?

Back to the TV show concept: do you. You’re gonna have people ask you what kind of career is that? It’s honestly about doing what you love. You have to do it. Listening to other people that tell you you shouldn’t? That’s not my thing! You know, it’s absolutely none of their business, so keep working on your dreams.

How can our readers find you?

You can find me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

My website is JulesMusic.ca and you can listen to my stuff on iTunes, Spotify, and SoundCloud. - Kevin Mise