Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Cally Rhodes

Cally Rhodes is having the summer of her life. The singer-songwriter recently dropped a new tune and it’s heating up the airwaves. Titled “Summer of My Life”, the fun, upbeat single is the perfect introduction to this rising star, combining her pop, reggae, and country influences. Pop Culturalist caught up with Cally to chat about “Summer of My Life” and her career.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Cally: I’ve always had an organic love for music. As a kid, I was quite shy and singing gave me confidence. I actually found it easier to sing than to converse with people! I naturally loved music from a young age and would mess around on the piano making little tunes at about the age of four because I loved the way the piano sounded.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Cally: There are two legends I’m completely in awe of. The first is Kate Bush because her vocals are captivating and unique, and I love how she tells stories through music. The second is Freddie Mercury. In my opinion, he’s the best frontman to ever exist. I remember one of the first music performances I ever watched was a recording of Queen Live at Wembley. I love the conviction and power he gave in every song and his musical ability was genius.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Summer of My Life”. What inspired the track?
Cally: I’m quite a seasonal person and naturally feel more inspired and adventurous during summer, so I wanted to write a song conveying that. The song is a real fusion of pop music, reggae influence, and even a hint of country in the top-line vocal melodies. I never want to pigeon hole myself when writing music, especially when the song is all about summer, which for me is the most exciting time of the year, so why not add a bit of all my favorite influences into the song?!

PC: You wrote the track with Si Hulbert. What was it like collaborating with him? What was the biggest takeaway from that writing experience?
Cally: Si Hulbert is a great producer/writer to work with because he’s so generous and allows me to explore every idea through and make the most out of things. He’s encouraging and wants the best for me, and I’ve taken that positivity with me, which gives me faith to continue with the path I’m on.

PC: Of all the singles that you’ve released thus far, if you had to choose one that best encompasses you as an artist, which would it be and why?
Cally: Although “System” has received the biggest stream count so far, I’d actually choose “Like I Used To”. It’s by no means the best song I’ll ever write, but it completely sums up how I was feeling at that time. The lyrics are very black and white and matter of fact, and I feel that’s sort of how I think as a person. I don’t have a great amount of middle ground in my personality, so I either feel something deeply or don’t feel it at all.

PC: What does the rest of the year hold for you as we look ahead in 2019?
Cally: I’m continuing to work with Si on a greater body of work! There will be live performances, recording original music, and binge-watching Stranger Things.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Cally: Enya

PC: First album you bought?
Cally: Kanye West’s The College Dropout

PC: First concert you attended?
Cally: Kanye West

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Cally: An Awesome Wave by Alt-J because it was like nothing I’d ever heard before and the harmonies were out of this world!

PC: Someone you’d like to collaborate with in the future?
Cally: Kygo

To keep up with Cally, follow her on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “Summer of My Life” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or stream it on Spotify.