A popular Cornwall songwriter is using her past to give fans a hint about where her future might end up.
Melanie Brulee, formerly of the successful local act the General Electryk, has completed "Sucré/Salé" - an EP that includes her first completely Francophone offering, Neige au Japon.
Like most of Brulee's creations, Neige au Japon (Snow in Japan) is steeped in real-life events - in this case getting engaged in the Asian country while on a trip to Australia.
"It's about being in Japan...and it's about a real-life event and being afraid of commitment," she said, choosing her words carefully. "It was about the few days in Japan and seeing a significant life change happen and being quite fearful of that."
Brulee said writing the song completely in French adds to the realism of the event and she suggests getting in touch with her Francophone roots has become important as her time as an artist has evolved.
"When I write in French the sound feels like it should be French," she said. "The song tells me right away this part should be in French or this part should be in English."
Brulee, who made the move to Toronto to explore a solo career after the General Electryk folded, has been exploring new material and a new identity as an artist.
"I don't know if it's a different direction, but it's the evolution of where I am going as an artist," she said.
Brulee has immersed herself in the blues/folk scene in Toronto and there is a healthy dosage of cabaret and folk in Sucré/Salé. Not to mention her Francophone roots.
"We always spoke French at home," said Brulee. "I spoke French before English.
"And when I went to Australia I reaized how sheltered I was, because I thought everyone could speak a little French.
"Then I realized we are so lucky to be in a small part of the world where we have a second language. There's so much history."
Brulee said her songs will continue to evolve with varying degrees of French - and perhaps a full-length album completely in French is on the horizon, but it won't come together overnight.
"Songs are like children," she said. "Some come down the stairs with red cowboy boots on. But you love them anyway, right?"
The Sucré/Salé EP release party takes place Nov. 15 at The Social (formerly The Church on Sydney) with Brulee and a complete band.
Tickets are available at The Grind, Melody Music and Strung Out Guitars, or by calling 613-936-1761 or emailing raymondemcdonald@hotmail.com.
Tickets are $15 before Nov. 1, $18 after and $20 at the door.
