Today we’d like to introduce you to Cali Rodi.
Hi Cali, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I swear once I heard my first Disney song at 3 years old it was game over music was forever destined to be the center of my universe. I’m an Arizona-raised singer-songwriter who grew up belting my guts out for drunk cowboys in smoky bars for tips. In high school, I was in a band playing Paramore covers and writing songs in the bathroom stalls between classes about heartbreaks I hadn’t even experienced yet. When I was 17, I moved to Nashville (because I heard that’s where Taylor Swift went to get her big break) to learn how to be a better songwriter. After my first year at Belmont University, I got a publishing deal with guitar god Keith Urban. It was totally surreal. I got to write songs with the A-list of Music Row and play shows in legendary venues – it was my definition of “living the dream.”
However, a few years into the Nashville scene (made up of 221 songs, 3 ex-boyfriends, and 1 burned-down apartment), I realized my teenage angst was bleeding into my twenties and my sound lent itself more to the pop/rock genre. So I made the move to Los Angeles. I’ve lived in LA for four years now and realized why there are so many songs written about California. I’m perpetually inspired by this city and have never felt so at home.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Long story short- no. The music industry is not for the faint of heart. Especially as an independent artist. You have to wear a lot of hats… I’m not only the artist, but also the content creator, songwriter, video editor, booking agent, digital marketing expert, A&R, tour roadie, and social media guru – it’s a lot to keep up with! *nervous laughter*
The last couple of years have been an emotional rollercoaster, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. The rejection, negative comments, and internet trolls all disappear when I’m on stage or on the mic in the studio.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an artist and songwriter! I describe my art project as “playfully punk and perfect pop.” I’m a left-handed, guitar slinging, female frontwoman and am proud of the show I put on. I think my songwriting sets me apart from others. I love adding a touch of humor to my lyrics, sonically paired with crunchy guitars and driving drums.
As a songwriter, I can chameleon into other artists’ worlds, Recently I’ve fallen in love with writing KPOP music (I write in English and the songs get translated to Korean upon release). It allows me to itch the sugar-pop scratch that doesn’t quite exist in Western music anymore. I also thrive writing with other female artists and helping them tell their stories. I literally read the dictionary before bed so I can think of clever rhymes in my songwriting session the following day. Words are everything to me.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I grew up memorizing album liner notes. One of my favorite records was Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream.” So when I got an email from my publisher for a songwriting session with Emily Wright (legendary vocal producer and songwriter) I swear I almost passed out. I remembered her name from the credits in my CD booklet and knew I had to impress her in the studio. I walked in with a melody idea (that showed off my voice because obviously, I had to pull out all the stops) and it worked! After that session, we started writing more songs together and became true friends. In 2020 she signed me to a development deal and has been the best mentor and guiding light every step of the way. It was just a classic story of preparation meets luck!
My tips would be: 1) Do your research. 2) Ask good questions. 3) Don’t be weird. But my biggest advice is just to be nice to everybody- it’s really as simple as that. And to gravitate toward people you genuinely connect with. Everyone can tell if you’re just trying to climb the ladder.
Contact Info:
- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@calirodi?lang=en
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calirodi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calirodi
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/calirodi
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/calirodi
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/24a1Pzpc25LkTEvr0KFBni?si=pGHJeOt7S8SQ4LvyWhN1wg
Image Credits
Sean Behr, Marina Hunter, and Trina Iarosis
