Caii- Exclusive interview
Things frequently change,people,our surroundings and everything in between and sometimes we need a fresh start,a new beginning,because no one stays the same.
Change can be good,change can make us stronger.
I was lucky enough to Interview Caii about what brought about the change,her upcoming Jimmy's NQ show and what is next for Caii.
What sparked the name change?
I felt like Sally Caitlin just didn’t reflect who I was as a musician anymore, so I wanted a completely fresh start. My influences and musical tastes have changed so much over the last couple of years and I’ve developed so much as an artist; I thought a new brand was the best way to celebrate this. I’ve taken a lot of time to really consider the type of artist I want to be and I’m excited to move forward as CAii!
What can we expect from you, new music wise?
As well as writing all my songs, I’m also producing for myself now, which I think has helped me to curate my own sound. The way I describe the music I’ve been working on is something I call ‘creepy church’ blended with pop. It’s darker than my previous offerings as Sally Caitlin and I think much more intriguing, with unusual chords and harmonies. I am really pushing myself from a songwriting perspective and delving deeper into my emotions to really connect with the music. I feel very proud of the music I’m creating right now. It is much more focused and cohesive overall than anything I have made before and I feel like I’m really finding my voice. I’m hoping fans of Sally Caitlin will remain fans of CAii, but that I’ll also pick up some new people along the way!
Who are your inspirations for the new music?
I listen to so much music that inspiration comes from everywhere, but I’d say within the alt-pop/alternative scene there are a few key influences for me. Over the last couple of years, Banks has been the biggest inspiration and is still one of my all time favourite songwriters. I think her lyricism is just unparalleled and every time I write, I just try and get closer to her impossibly high standard. She just has this amazing way of touching on exactly how I’m feeling. I’m also really into Billie Eilish right now, Bülow and Sasha Sloan, as I think they are all trying to bring something different to pop music. Lo-Fang is amazing too; he is probably part of the reason for my obsession with strings!
What does this music represent to you?
I’ve been quite conflicted and lost for a while, so this music is the result of me finally making sense of a lot of what has been in my head for the past year or so. I think that makes it the most important material I’ve created yet. I would say CAii is me at my most honest and vulnerable, but also at my most fearless.
I’m currently working towards an EP, but I’m really taking my time. So many times in the past I feel like I’ve made bad decisions because I’ve rushed into things, so I’m working so hard to avoid that this time, and to put out the best music I can. I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t been close to driving me crazy at times and that I wasn’t nervous about how it will be received after all this work, but my main focus is putting out a collection of songs I am really proud of.
You have a show supporting Kyle Parry on the 20th of July at Jimmy's in the Northern Quarter in Manchester, what can we expect from that show?
Brand new music, a lot of passion in the performance and a side to me that you maybe didn’t realise existed! It’s the most nervous and excited I’ve been for a show in a while and I can’t wait to share everything that I have been working on!
