Photography: Mark Kelly, Showtime Australia.
Growing up in Christchurch, Josette Klausen wanted to be singer/actress Hilary Duff. She learnt the guitar and would watch the music video for the popstar’s hit Teardrops On My Guitar on repeat.
“We only had enough internet to load the first 30 seconds, so I’d just replay that!” she recalls, smiling.
Never could Josette have imagined she’d one day be an international sensation – touring the world as a Taylor Swift tribute act!
“I also used to listen to her Red album lots as a kid, before getting into different genres,” she says.
“Even if you’re not an avid listener, everyone knows Taylor’s songs, so when this opportunity came up, it was the easiest thing to fall back in love with her catalogue.”
From backing vocals to spotlight
Josette’s career as an impersonator first began when she was asked to perform backing vocals for an Abba tribute show run by Showtime Australia, which also tours with Michael Jackson and Prince imitators.
She was later told she had “Taylor Swift vibes”, which led to her first-ever gig as the Midnight Rain singer.
Josette remembers, “I got to frolic around pretending to be a mega popstar. All I needed to do to get out of my head was look at the kids singing along and having so much fun.”
Transforming into Taylor Swift
To transform herself into “athlete” Taylor, Josette’s first step was building her fitness. The brunette dyed her hair blonde, watched endless concert videos to perfect Taylor’s choreography and mannerisms, and started wearing heels.
“She’s very expressive with her hands and eyes, and her strut is iconic,” Josette explains.
“I did lots of strut drills! I’m tall, so I haven’t worn many heels, but now I’m dancing and running in them.”
She has since toured Canada and South Africa, travelling with her boyfriend, lighting technician Joe. And for the next two months, she’s excited to return home to tour her homeland. Chatting to Woman’s Day from Melbourne, Josette admits she’s thrilled to be bringing a taste of The Eras Tour to Kiwi fans who couldn’t fly overseas to see it.
“There are so many kids who’d never dream of making it to Australia to see Taylor,” she says.
“I’m also excited to say te reo Māori town names correctly everywhere we play. I’ve been practising going from my Taylor accent to te reo, then back to American!”
Josette’s globe-trotting career is a huge achievement considering she struggled with singing and suffered from anxiety as a youngster.
“I would audition for choirs and not get in, which was so disappointing because I loved music so much and wanted to be Hilary Duff with everything in my being,” she remembers.
“I also loved Avril Lavigne, so the fact I’m on tour playing guitar – little Josie’s mind would be blown!”
Early stage nerves
Recalling a performance in The Lion King at the age of nine, Josette says she was so nervous, she sprinted off stage afterwards petrified. Thankfully, musical theatre and dance helped build her confidence. By 16, she had her sights set on becoming a singer-songwriter.
Completing a Bachelor of Music Arts at Ara Institute of Canterbury, Josette gigged around her hometown while saving up to record her songs. She released her EP Daytona Fair in 2022 and formed girl group Pixie Platoon with local songwriter pals.
Tribute work vs personal music
Even though being a tribute artist has meant that Josette’s singer-songwriter dream is on hold for now, she wouldn’t have it any other way. She loves the energy of the young fans, saying they’re the “sweetest”, especially at the post-show meet-and-greets.
“Seeing how everyone dresses up and hearing them talk about their favourite Taylor era is so cute,” she enthuses.
“The first time I was given a bracelet with my name on it, I cried. For many kids, this is their first concert, which is special because I still remember mine – the Wiggles. It was the best day of my life!”
Becoming the “biggest Swifty”
Meanwhile, Josette has also become the “biggest Swifty”.
She admits, “It’s hard not to be when you see people so elated from singing her music.”
Performing as Taylor has also boosted her confidence as a musician.
“I’m more in love with live performance than ever as I see how much joy it brings,” she shares.
Balancing tribute work and original music
“It’ll be nice to write songs and play original music again, but I don’t feel any rush because what I get out of original music, I’m getting now, which is connecting with people and bringing joy. “It wasn’t long ago I was on my bike, with my PA speaker and guitar on my back, biking to my next gig. This is a very different lifestyle. I love both!”
The Unofficial Tribute Show – Taylor: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift Music tour begins on Saturday in Auckland, running nationwide until 20 December. For info and tickets, go to showtime.net.au.
