Q: I enjoyed the vocal performance on “You’re More”! I loved how mellifluous and smooth the vocals sounded! What vocal routine did you follow when recording this song?
CALISTA: Thank you so much! It’s bad, but I usually don’t do any warm-ups when I go into the studio, so we do a few takes until I get the vocals just right. For this song, we recorded sections at a time- verse one, chorus, verse two, then bridge. After the first session, we comped the main vocals then I went back a different day and worked on the background vocals.
Q: Was there anything in particular that inspired you when writing this song?
CALISTA: Before writing “You’re More”, I was only writing sad songs and I figured if I continued in that head space, I would remain sad. So, I was like, “why not write about a great guy even if he’s just made up for now”. I was basically trying to manifest a great person who enjoys the things that I do. I started writing, and I came up with a riff that sounded a bit Latin so I figured I should throw in a line or two from one of my favorite Spanish songs, “Dos Gardenias”. It’s one of those classic songs that many people cover, but my favorites are by Daniel Santos and Buena Vista Social Club.
Q: I see you were in a band named Alone Together, what did you take away from this experience and how has it influenced your music?
CALISTA: Being in Alone Together, we were able to perform at many local venues so it definitely helped me with my stage presence and realizing the type of songs I want to create to get certain reactions from the audience. My two favorite songs I wrote in the band were “Show Me” and “Spring Moon”. “Show Me” being the most energetic song we had and “Spring Moon” being the only ballad. Writing those made me feel I was capable of doing different styles, so as I continued my writing journey, I knew I could just be free creatively and have fun with my music.
Q: How would you describe your style of music?
CALISTA: I usually just say “Pop” because that’s such a huge umbrella to fall under, but I don’t know specifically what style I would say I am. I just make music that I like and whatever comes out, comes out.
Q: What is your favorite song? Why?
CALISTA: I just discovered “You (Live)” by Miley Cyrus and it’s been on repeat. The way that she sings it so passionately made me fall in love with it.
Q: Do you have anything you’d like to tell your supporters?
CALISTA: I just want to say thank you to everyone who constantly supports me and listens to my music. We still have a long road ahead of us and I hope you stick around!
Interviewed by Zoey King
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