Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Callaghan Belle

Music has always been a part of Callaghan Belle’s life. As a young girl, she would spend her time writing dozens of songs in her notebook, which she thought was a talent everyone had until her mom told her otherwise. Years later, the singer-songwriter made the decision to move to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams. It was a life-changing moment that brought new experiences and opportunities.

This past February, Callaghan made her musical introduction, dropping her debut single, “Dear Detroit”. Pop Culturalist chatted with Callaghan ahead of the release.

PC: Who or what would you say has had the biggest influence on your career?
Callaghan: Ironically, it was my decision to move to Los Angeles. That’s given me so much to write about, whether it’s actual experiences, emotions, or the people that I’ve met and the connections that I’ve made.

PC: What is your songwriting process like? Has it evolved through the years?
Callaghan: It’s definitely evolved. I don’t really have a process, though; I’m all over the place, but when I’m writing alone that’s the most interesting. I feel like I get this urge to sit at the piano and fifteen minutes later, there’s a song—it’s like magic. Then when I’m collaborating with other people, it’s also like magic, but in a different way. There are a lot of ideas that are passed back and forth. My process has evolved over the years because when I was living in Detroit, it was more isolated, so there weren’t as many people to collaborate with. Since I’ve moved to Los Angeles, I do a lot more co-writing.

PC: That’s the perfect segue. Tell us about your new single, “Dear Detroit”. What was the inspiration behind the song?
Callaghan: That’s a funny story. Before I moved out here, I had this meeting at the Beverly Hills Hotel. I feel like a lot of girls have had this scenario happen to them: you’re sitting in this meeting with a guy in a suit and he’s telling you who you are and who you should be. He told me that my songs needed to be more about guns. There I was, sitting in my sundress, nodding along, trying not to cry. I went home to Detroit and I thought about that and ended up writing this song about feeling like I didn’t belong. It’s specifically about Detroit, but it’s also about being homesick, that sense of belonging, and this internal battle.

PC: This is your debut single. What was the process like deciding which of your songs would be your musical introduction?
Callaghan: That’s a really good question! No one has asked me that. I didn’t want to release something really pop and cutesy as my first single, which was obviously what everyone wanted me to do. I have those songs, but I really wanted to go and say something a little different. I felt like this song was the most unique and the most “me” on the album. That’s how I ended up picking it.

PC: You’ve written for artists like JoJo and Colbie Caillat. Tell us about that!
Callaghan: Colbie Caillat was my first co-write, which was so intimidating. I was only fifteen or sixteen at the time and I was in the recording booth when she popped in. Writing with her was amazing; she’s so lovely. When I wrote for JoJo, it was actually for a Netflix film called Extinction, which came out over the summer. I have a few friends who do music scoring for different films. They called me and they were like, “Hey, can you turn this orchestration piece into a pop song?” So, that’s how it got made. Then they called me one day and asked if I thought JoJo would be a good fit. I literally screamed, because JoJo is the reason I started making music. It was really awesome to work with her.

PC: What is the biggest lesson that you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Callaghan: You have to have a strong foundation in who you are. In my experience, it has always been challenging to withstand the constant stream of unsolicited advice. People are always questioning your songs, your look, and your timing.

PC: As you look ahead in your career, what are some of the aspirations you hope to accomplish?
Callaghan: Oh gosh! I’d like to win a GRAMMY® someday, but that’s really ambitious right now. I’m trying to get my first EP out there and, actually, my second EP is almost done as well. I don’t know if it’s too ambitious to try and get both released this year, but I’m just trying to get music out there. I’ve been writing for other people for a while now and I just want to balance the two worlds. I’d also love to go on tour someday.

PC: What can you tease about the two EPs?
Callaghan: The first EP is like my baby. It’s been done for two years. Isn’t that crazy? Everyone has been telling me to wait and wait and wait. Finally, I was like, what am I waiting for? It’s like looking back at a baby photo. I would call the first EP dark pop, but it’s sweet and vulnerable. The second EP is a little more savage, but the same vibe. I’m excited!

PC: Is there a song on either EPs that best encompasses you as an artist?
Callaghan: If I had to pick one, it’d be “Kids” on the first EP. It’s a song about growing up in a broken home and learning to trust and love. It’s my favorite song on the EP.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Callaghan: Friends

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Callaghan: Pretty Woman

PC: Favorite book?
Callaghan: Anna Karenina

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Callaghan: The Greatest Showman

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Callaghan: The Pretty Reckless

PC: First album you bought?
Callaghan: JoJo’s first album

PC: First concert you attended?
Callaghan: I grew up on tour. My parents were working for Anita Baker when I was born, but the first concert that I went to was Hilary Duff.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Callaghan: Madison Square Garden

PC: Someone you’d like to collaborate with?
Callaghan: Ryan Tedder from OneRepublic

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Callaghan: I would say Kelly Clarkson’s Breakaway album. That’s the album that made me realize pop songwriting was its own kind of art. It’s also how I learned to sing. I would sit in the backseat of my mom’s car screaming along to “Since You’ve Been Gone”.

PC: Hidden talent?
Callaghan: I can eat so much pizza. It freaks my friends out.

To keep up with Callaghan, follow her on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “Dear Detroit” on iTunes or stream it on Spotify.