Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Calvin Goldspink

It’s been six years since Calvin Goldspink has released new music. But the best things in life are worth waiting for. Case in point, Calvin’s new single, “The Cold.”

An anthem that the world needs now, “The Cold” is a song about embracing the mistakes and lessons that have made you who you are.

Pop Culturalist had the opportunity to chat with Calvin about “The Cold,” his career, and how he hopes to pave the way for the next generation of up-and-comers.

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Calvin: I always enjoyed listening to songs and singing them back to myself. At around eight years old, I noticed that I could sing a wide range of different tracks very easily and in tune. A couple of years later, my school music teacher picked me out to play Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I quickly took up singing as a hobby and began seeing various coaches to help me develop.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Calvin: It’s hard to single out one particular thing. I’ve been consistently really lucky getting into the things that I’ve done. All of my achievements and experience have influenced where I’m at today.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success throughout the years. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Calvin: My first proper live show performing to fifteen thousand people at Manchester Arena. It was a really crazy way to make my live debut.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “The Cold.” What inspired the song?
Calvin: We all experience times of transition: when you’re in between jobs, in a relationship, or just stuck in a rut not knowing what’s next. “The Cold” is about embracing that moment and learning from the mistakes that got you there.

PC: It’s your first song in six years. How have you grown during that time?
Calvin: I’ve had a long time to develop since I released my first EP in 2014. During that gap, I’ve started a family and set up my own company. It’s been an incredible experience and I’ve enjoyed exploring new ways to be creative and express myself.

PC: You’re now releasing music independently under your own label. Tell us about how Breaking Sound came to fruition and the mission of the label.
Calvin: When I released my debut EP in 2014, I found it extremely difficult to find good showcases to play and promote my music. It was always a great venue but with terrible lineup curation or vice versa. With the music industry being so large, it was frustrating that there wasn’t much variety for independent acts to choose from. So I started Breaking Sound to showcase the hottest emerging artists from premium locations. Before the pandemic, our team had expanded the company to sixty-plus shows running on a monthly basis across US and UK territories. We can’t wait to get back to it. In the meantime, we’ve added Breaking Sound Radio to the mix, which currently plays to two hundred and fifty thousand people worldwide! You can download and listen in on the iOS and Android apps or through the website.

PC: You’re getting ready to drop a new EP in 2021. How does this new body of work differentiate itself from previous releases?
Calvin: I’ve been riding out the pandemic with my family in Norwich, and I’m spending a lot of time in a makeshift basement. I’ve mostly been exploring electronica with big hooks. It’s something I’m really hoping to incorporate for this next release. The ideas are coming in quick, and so far, I’m pleased with how it’s coming together.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Calvin: Pulp.

PC: First album you bought?
Calvin: Linkin Park’s Hybrid Theory.

PC: First concert you attended?
Calvin: The Eagles.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Calvin: Hotel California was always played when I was younger. My dad was a big fan of them. The guys wrote incredible songs and really had their infectious melody ingrained in me.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Calvin: Red Rocks.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Calvin: Beer.

To keep up with Calvin, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify. Pick up or stream “The Cold” today.