Suite101 had the pleasure to interview two-time Grammy award-winning pop music sensation Colbie Caillat. She talks about her newest album “All of You,” lead-off single “I Do,” and her charitable organizations that she is involved with. Finally, Caillat offers advice for hopefuls who wish to make it in music, and shares her definition of the word success.
Colbie Caillat Shares her Musical Influences
“My biggest influences are usually singer-songwriters or people who have great voices. I love Lauryn Hill, John Mayer, and more,” Caillat says. “I was so lucky to have opened for John a couple of years ago, and earlier this year, I got to meet Lauryn Hill. It was so exciting, and she was so sweet.”
Colbie Caillat Talks About her Latest Album “All of You”
Regarding the song-selection process of her All of You CD, Caillat states, “during the process of making an album, I write lots of songs. Some get recorded and some are left behind, or I perform them in concert.”
Caillat continues, “of those songs, we record a bunch. Generally, twice as many as end up on the album. Some of the songs I play in concert, and I listen to the fan reaction. Others I put snippets online. Plus, I play them for friends and family. In the end, it’s my responsibility to make the final selection from my gut and that’s what I do. And it’s not just the songs individually; it’s how they fit together from beginning to end on an album.”
On collaborating with rapper Common on “Favorite Song,” Caillat reveals, “I had really wanted to work with him for a long time. When we were in the studio, he was so sweet, very smart and focused. He co-wrote the song with me and Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, who also produced the song. It was a great session!”
Caillat notes that she hopes her fans listen to the new album, and realize they are not alone in life and love. “We all go through ups and downs and I believe music, optimism and positivity will bring us back up again,” Caillat adds.
Colbie Caillat Talks About the Single “I Do”
“The song is really about saying ‘I do’ to a relationship, and talks about the ups and downs of coming together. ‘I Do’ is inspired by my own life and relationships,” Caillat shares.
Colbie Caillat Talks About Performing Live
Caillat notes a difference between performing in a live setting and singing in the studio.
“I always get butterflies before performing,” Caillat admits. “My stage fright has gotten much better over the years, but it is still an issue for me. I have to be brave as I walk on stage, but once I get there, and I have the feedback from all my fans, I really love it. You get to hear what they think about your every song.”
Colbie Caillat Talks About her Proudest Moments
“Wow, I have been lucky to have so many,” Caillat acknowledges. “Winning the Grammy awards was probably the highlight of my career. To stand and accept them while my parents were there in the audience was beyond words. Also, performing at the Nobel Peace Prize and the White House are extremely important moments for me. Of course, the day I found out Breakthrough had debuted at #1.”
Colbie Caillat Discusses her Future Plans
“For the next few months I am touring on the road. I’m always writing new songs, and I hope to take a really nice vacation with my family at the end of the year,” Caillat says.
Colbie Caillat Offers Advice for Hopefuls in the Music Industry
For hopefuls who wish to go into the music industry, Caillat states, “if you can learn to play an instrument and write your own songs, those are really important things. Believe in yourself, and keep following your dream!”
Colbie Caillat Opens Up About her Charity Work
According to Caillat, she remarks, “I hope my fans take the time from their studies or work and get involved in issues that concern them. I am involved with Surfrider Foundation because I care about the ocean, as well as Farm Sanctuary and The Humane Society because I’m concerned about farm animals and pets. Also, with VH1’s Save the Music because I think music education is very important. I am involved in Special Olympics because I believe in inclusion and that all people deserve a chance to realize their potential.”
Colbie Caillat Defines “Success”
“Success means exercising my creative abilities, whether it’s singing, songwriting, painting or taking pictures, and also being able to have a career and spend time with my family and friends,” Caillat concludes. “If I couldn’t have those people in my life, it wouldn’t be worth it.”
Many thanks to Colbie Caillat for granting this interview!
To learn more about Colbie and her latest CD, please visit her official website.
Source
- Personal Communication. Colbie Caillat. September 26, 2011.
Markos Papadatos - Markos Papadatos holds over six years journalism experience, authoring over 700 articles, many of which are feature profile interviews.
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