Carly Rae Jepsen, the 40-year-old singer-songwriter, has embarked on a new chapter in her life. As a mother to a child born in March 2026, her world has expanded beyond the stage and studio. Yet, her recent creative endeavors reflect a profound personal evolution, one that began long before motherhood.
Jepsen’s new 24-track double album, Day and Night is a testament to her journey. It captures the essence of falling in love with her husband, Cole M.G.N., and the introspection that came with it. “I’m still processing how did I get here?” she muses, acknowledging the songs about exes and heartbreak that paved the way for her current happiness.
From Workaholic to Balanced Life
Jepsen’s path to this newfound balance was not straightforward. She confesses to being a workaholic proud of her dedication but lacking in personal life. “I didn’t have a ton of balance,” she admits. Her life changed while making Day and Night a period that coincided with her relationship with Cole M.G.N. becoming serious.
Her approach to songwriting has also evolved. Jepsen strives to be sensitive when writing about real people, focusing on the emotions and experiences rather than specific details. “I’m not looking to be like, ‘This guy did this one thing to me on this Tuesday at four,'” she explains, emphasizing the importance of respect and understanding.
Collaborations and Creative Growth
Jepsen’s collaborations have played a significant role in her creative growth. After the success of “Call Me Maybe” in 2012, she initially worked with A-list producers in Los Angeles. However, she found their approach to pop music manufactured and lacking in magic. This realization led her to seek a more authentic path.
Her second album, Emotion released in 2015, marked a turning point. Jepsen approached it with the mindset that it was for her, not for commercial success. This album, which initially underperformed commercially, became a cult classic fostering a dedicated fan base. “I was excited about it either way,” she says, highlighting her newfound creative freedom.
Theater and Literary Influences
Jepsen’s latest venture is a departure from her usual music projects. She is co-writing the music for a theatrical adaptation of 10 Things I Hate About You with a book written by Lena Dunham and playwright Jessica Huang. This project, announced in early August, has generated excitement among fans.
Jepsen’s connection to Dunham dates back to 2012 when they met through Jack Antonoff. “I had always hoped that one day me and her might work on something together,” she says, expressing her enthusiasm for their collaboration. The project resonates with Jepsen’s previous experience as Cinderella on Broadway in 2014, indicating a long-term interest in musical theater.
Jepsen’s literary influences also play a significant role in her life and music. She shares her favorite books, including Leonard Cohen’s Book of Longing which played a crucial role in her relationship with her now husband. “There’s a particular poem in there, ‘Disturbed This Morning,’ that I remember screenshotting and sending to my husband when he was still my boyfriend,” she recalls.
Other notable picks include Haruki Murakami’s What I Talk About When I Talk About Running Lena Dunham’s Famesick Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire and Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. These books have not only influenced her writing but also provided comfort and inspiration during different phases of her life.
