April 03, 2008 issue
Pop Singer Colbie Caillat Plays Farthing Auditorium April 15
Tickets Nearly Sold Out
Story by David Brewer
A couple of years ago, there was no such thing as a MySpace phenomenon. The term, now used to describe artists who log millions of hits and tens of thousands of friends through the social networking site, is a part of the digital age’s still-developing lexicon.
You don’t have to explain the concept of MySpace phenomenon to California-based singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat. In a year, the 22-year-old Malibu resident went from being a total unknown to scaling the heights of pop stardom, thanks to the popularity of her songs posted on her MySpace page.
With no marketing push and only the power of the music behind her, Caillat (rhymes with ballet) became a sensation on the social networking site. Last October when she had 6,240 friends, Rolling Stone highlighted her as one of the top female artists on MySpace, later swelling to more than 160,000. With her profile receiving more than 3 million hits and her songs such as the irresistible “Bubbly” amassing more than 10 million plays, you could say she hit the musical jackpot.
On Tuesday, April 15, Caillat and her band will perform at Farthing Auditorium. Tickets are $18 in advance for students and $24 for all others. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. followed by an opening performance by Jason Reeves. The show is presented by A.P.P.S.
Caillat has been featured in the pages of People, USA Today, and on the cover of Pollstar, as well as appearing on NBC's Today Show and The Tonight Show With Jay Leno. She's appeared on MTV's signature countdown show, TRL, and dropped by ABC's hit morning show The View.Currently in the midst of a tour that has taken her around the globe and will eventually visit 25 of the lower 48 states, Caillat has grown up fast in the fast-paced show business world.
“I am hardly ever at home!! I’ve been on the road most of the last year except at Christmas,” said Caillat. “At first I thought it was great to be out there; then my schedule became so busy, I thought ‘what have I gotten myself into?’”
Crediting her hip-hop soul diva Lauryn Hill with inspiring her to begin seriously singing at age 11, Caillat’s legions of fans have come to love the California girl’s relaxed, soulful vocal style and instantly memorable pop melodies.
I did have a lot of stage fright. But now, I am really enjoying myself, and feel as if I have learned a lot,” said Caillat. “I can actually do this.”
In addition to finding popular success through MySpace, Caillat’s debut CD Coco also bounded around at the top of the charts. The disc debuted at #5 on the Billboard pop charts and at #1 on iTunes. Coco is now certified gold, having sold more than 500,000 copies—no small feat in today’s musical climate.
While her success has been startling, Caillat has been surrounded by music throughout her life. Caillat’s father Ken is a producer, who sat behind the controls during the making of such landmark albums as Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours and Tusk. His experience in the business has certainly aided his daughter during her meteoric rise of the last year.
“He told me that the one way to have a career is to write my own songs,” said Caillat. “That is really great advice. There’s not much time to write while I’m traveling, although I did write a couple of songs. One was about missing everyone at home.”
While success can be fleeting for pop starlets, Caillat isn’t planning on being a one-hit wonder. Although her focus has been on touring, she is already making plans for her sophomore effort.
“I’m just writing songs and then we’ll take a listen and see how it all fits together,” said Caillat.
To preview Caillat’s music, click to www.myspace.com/colbiecaillat.
Want To Go?
Date: Tuesday, April 15
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Farthing Auditorium
Cost: $18 for students in advance/$24 for all others
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