Today we’d like to introduce you to Cali Rodi.
Cali, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in a cowboy town in Arizona. Cave Creek (for some reason) had a happening music scene and when I was twelve, I was bar-hopping and playing for tips. I picked up a left-handed Fender Stratocaster when I was nine but didn’t yet realize that my love of singing songs into my hairbrush could be combined with the new chords I was learning in guitar lessons. Taylor Swift was a huge influence for me because I saw her on stage with her guitar singing songs that she wrote. That was a turning point for me and I decided I should start writing my own songs too. It’s funny, I recently found a baby book my mom made in 1999 and one of the questions was, “what is your favorite song?” My answer was, “the ones I make up.” Some things never change!
After high school, I moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University. I went for a year and then dropped out and dove headfirst into the Music Row songwriting community. Eventually, the songs I wrote with my friends caught the ears of Keith Urban and his publishing company. Within a few months, I was signed and getting paid to write songs. I was living the dream! I met so many amazing collaborators who turned into lifelong friends. But after five years of Southern living, I hit a ceiling and realized my heart was in California. I fell in love with the people, the palm trees, the bright lights, the sushi (!), and most off all- the music. I knew moving would put a timestamp on my Nashville publishing deal, but I was so confident that it was the right move for me. Everything LA had to offer was next-level. I sold everything in my Nashville studio apartment and drove to LA. I’ve been here a year and a half now and never looked back. Even though I parted ways with a company I truly respect and have so much gratitude for, it was worth taking this chance on myself. I belong in California. After all, my name IS Cali…
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I don’t think anyone has had a smooth road in the music industry. Every day there are more roadblocks to try and push through, but it almost becomes addicting. Everything is ever-changing and staying in the game becomes like a high. I think I’ve developed a really thick skin and am always actively trying to remember that every single thing happens for a reason. For example, right when I dropped out of college, I decided to audition for The Voice. I wasn’t a huge fan of the show, but I didn’t really have anything else going on, so I decided to go for it. I made it through the cattle-call auditions and before I knew it, I was on stage for the blind auditions in front of the judges. I felt confident in my performance, but alas, no one turned around for me. It was super awkward and left me feeling lower than I’ve ever felt about myself and my voice. I went back to Nashville to continue the songwriting grind. 2 weeks later, I got offered my publishing deal. If I had made it on the show, I couldn’t have taken the deal. I didn’t have a lawyer, so I cold-called the one from the show and asked if she would represent me. It worked. (Shout out to Debbie White for believing in me and staying with me on this crazy rollercoaster!) Looking back, it felt like the most devastating defeat to not get on The Voice, but it turned out to be the biggest blessing. “When one door closes another one opens” is so cliché, but in my experience has been proven time and time again.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with your work – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m a singer/songwriter. I’m new to the scene for sure, but am proud of the progress I’ve made in the last year. I had three songs I released independently in heavy rotation on Radio Disney, which was a childhood dream come true. I think my voice sets me apart from other artists. And when I say voice, I don’t mean my singing voice. I’m talking about my writing voice. I think I have a special way of telling stories and twisting words to make an idea sound fresh and original.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I just narrowed down my catalog to the songs I’m most excited to share. I have about 7. My friend Emily Wright (vocal producer for Katy Perry, Kesha, Britney, etc.) is vocal producing my records and we’re working on building up these songs to make them ready to release in the next few months. I’m beyond stoked for the world to hear them. I’ve released a few singles before, but these are going to even better and a step above my previous releases. Right now, I’m forming my dream team to help me get the songs in front of as many ears as possible, and I’m so ready for you to hear them!
Contact Info:
- Website: calirodimusic.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calirodi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calirodi
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/calirodi
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/24a1Pzpc25LkTEvr0KFBni?si=zzDecDd4Rq2xJ5rH2ADTwA
Image Credit:
Green dress couch horizontal pic and Britney Spears shirt in front of lockers- Joshua Shultz
Laughing in chair at diner- Erika Whitaker
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