They say third time’s the charm, but Colbie Caillat never had the chance to find out.
Before writing for Taylor Swift, snagging a Grammy with crooner Jason Mraz and securing a spot on this year’s Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival line-up, the singer auditioned not once, but twice for a spot on American Idol. Despite her warm vocals and girl-next-door persona, she was rejected both times.
With hindsight on her side, Colbie told tabloid! she was grateful her life turned out the way it is.
“I was not right for that show and that show was not right for me,” she said. “I have an amazing record label that gives me full freedom in my creative process. I write my own songs and picked my own lovely team of people.”
And though her career had been threatened by a resounding ‘no’ from America’s most-loved talent show, it’s still going strong today. On February 19, she will take the stage in Dubai with jazz-pop singer Jamie Cullum and will share a festival bill with The Wanted, Olly Murs and the legend himself, Carlos Santana.
“Everything about it excites me!” she gushed. “Going to a country I’ve never been before. Seeing a different culture. Playing a show for fans I’ve never played in front of before. Hearing amazing musicians.”
Caillat isn’t new to enviable experiences. She certainly isn’t novel to being in the presence of, and even working with, some of the industry’s biggest names. In 2013, she wrote and provided back-up vocals for Swift’s critically-acclaimed album, Fearless, an experience songwriters everywhere would sacrifice metaphorical limbs for.
Caillat, who said she “very much enjoyed” working with Swift, spoke fondly of collaborating with others.
“It’s my favourite. Right now, I have been writing for my new album coming out this April, but I would love to focus on writing songs for other artist when I have more time.”
When she’s not helping mould young starlets’ careers behind the scenes, the 28-year-old is singing alongside some of the nation’s most loved crooners. She has one Grammy safely tucked away thanks to her hit with Mraz, Lucky, and a nomination this year for her song We Both Know with Gavin Degraw for the movie Safe Haven.
“I was so honoured and thrilled to be recognised for the hard work and creativity with Gavin, who is someone I admire as a musician so much.”
It all started for Caillat in 2005 when she signed up for the social media website, MySpace. She posted her first original song, Bubbly, and watched in awe as the number of clicks on her profile went from 6,000 to 20,000, and eventually, a whopping 22 million. Caillat gained status as the site’s most-played unsigned musician for four consecutive months and, in 2007, Universal Republic Records officially took her under their wing.
Nearly seven years on, she has some words of wisdom with regards to the digital world that catapulted her into the spotlight.
“Set backs to social media is that it consumes our everyday lives, thoughts, motives. It’s pretty crazy how much attention we put into it,” she shared. “But it’s also a really great thing. You hear of new music through it, can be inspired by people around the world you have never met before, speak to an audience through your own outlet… Careers are made now because of social media. People just need to find the right balance.”
Since her 2007 double-platinum debut record, Coco, Caillat has released two studio albums — Breakthrough (2009) and All of You (2011) — and one holiday album, Christmas in the Sand (2012). But her new album, yet to be titled and set for a summer release this year, might be her most distinguished one yet.
The first single, Hold On, was released in November with a music video posted on January 15. Both the song and video have an ethereal quality to them, setting them apart from the more cut-and-dry formula she’s used in the past.
“Yes, it is a departure and that’s exactly what you can expect for the rest of this record,” she said, cheekily adding, “You didn’t expect that, did you?”
Caillat spent two months writing for the in Malibu with friends, creating 28 songs she was happy with. She scrapped them, however, and kept working toward a superior final product. The extra sessions included OneRepublic’s lead singer Ryan Tedder and R&B producer Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, resulting in Caillat’s upcoming fourth album.
“It’s a really fun, up-tempo record, big choruses, songs you can dance to. I thought it was time for me to go to the next level musically and grow as an artist.”
And what are her plans for her year outside of developing her music?
“Staying focused and keeping a good balance with hard work on the road and quality time at home with my family, friends and dogs.”
Did you know: Colbie is a vegetarian and would like to eventually go vegan. “It’s very tough trying to stay healthy on the road and fit in exercise. But it’s so important. I bring my sister/personal trainer/nutritionist along with me and she helps me so much!”
The Emirates Airlines Dubai Jazz Festival runs from February 13-20. Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.ae. They are priced Dh995 (VIP terrace), Dh750 (front pit standing), Dh550 (middle pit standing) and Dh350 (regular standing). For a full list of performers, go to dubaijazzfest.com.
