Spotlight of the Day: Colbie Caillat

Twenty-two year old Colbie Caillat has struck it big in the musical arena. With a passion for music, this young woman's instrumental career has sky rocketed thanks to her pre-fame days on Myspace. As an 11-year-old girl, Caillat knew she wanted to spend her life singing after hearing Lauryn Hill's version of "Killing Me Softly." Caillat entered herself in several talent shows and sang many Lauryn Hill songs. As her talent and musical interest grew, Caillat's father, owner of a record producing company, offered her one piece of helpful advice: those who play their own instruments and write their own songs command respect in the music industry.

At the age of 19, Caillat picked up the acoustic guitar and started penning her own music. According to her Myspace page, "I wrote my fist [sic] song after my very first guitar lesson and then it just flowed out. If something's biting me I hold it in because that's the kind of person I am. Then it comes out in songs. Things builds [sic] up inside of me and I'll write three songs in a weekend. It's a release. I don't choose what to write about. It's just there."

After many songs were finished, Caillat started to post them on Myspace, hoping to cause a chain reaction of admiration and enthusiasm for her music. It wasn't until Caillat posted the song "Bubbly" that started the aforementioned reaction. Because of the simplicity and melody of the song, millions of fans were drawn to her Myspace page to get a glimpse of this undiscovered talented artist. Four months later, Caillat became the number one unsigned artist on Myspace. Soon after, record deals flew her way and she eventually signed with Universal Republic who she says has "offered her total creative freedom."

Her debut album, Coco, representative of a past nickname that stuck, features similar acoustic style folk melodies with Caillat's passionate voice shining through. With a sweet folk sound coupled with a bit of old soul, Caillat successfully sets herself apart from the rest of the bubble-gum pop artists and one hit wonders. Her recreation of vintage soul and classical rock from influences such as Fleetwood Mac, Steve Miller Band, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder has spawned a new talent whois leaving her own footprints behind. Fans can see Caillat perform live as she tours with the Goo Goo Dolls! Get your concert tickets here! Check out more of Colbie Caillat at myspace.com/colbiecaillat! Her album, Coco, is out now so don't forget to pick it up!

Recommended Songs!
*Bubbly
*The Little Things
*Feelings Show
*Realize

Go here to see her video "Bubbly"! http://youtube.com/watch?v=2PWfB4lurT4

*Stay tuned for next time's Spotlight of the Day: Diana DeGarmo!