Final Article Draft

Callum

From the valleys to the next chapter of his life and career.  Joining us in the centre of Cardiff in our top recording studio ‘Dewi Sant’, Callum certainly seems dedicated to his music.  It takes everything for one of the latest pop geniuses to release a heart wrenching and moving album such as “Emotion” so early on in his career.  Beat-driven “Loyalty Soldiers” swooped One Direction right off number one in the Shuffle charts after their 3 week hit of “History”.  That’s just the first blast in an unexpected release of sensational textures and unique song structures on his new album, which features the phenomenal collaborator, Jess Glynne, along with hit maker, Justin Bieber (who makes up the majority of our top hits). “There’s nothing disappointing, I know that much”, says Max Marcus, who co-wrote Callum’s career finding single, “Turn It Up” and was in help with the new albums lead single.

In this exclusive first interview about his extraordinary new album, the star took a look ahead at the thrilling new sounds and creative endeavours in store for him, while also recapping the many milestones along the way that have earned his place in the spotlight.

 

Your new album Emotions is the new buzz, everyone admires it! How do you feel about this craze?

It’s awesome, it really is!  I never thought it would get this big.  I never even thought it would make a release, it was so unexpected.  It just seems too early to even have the right career for myself but I’ve made an album, WHAAT?  Words cannot describe how overwhelmed I am.  It’s amazing!

Well were in love with it. But tell us what we really want to know.  What’s the story behind the album?

[Laughs] I shouldn’t laugh; it was a hard time for me.  Well, while writing for the album, I was going through an awful break up with my girlfriend, ah ex-girlfriend.  Which is why I called my album ‘Emotions’ because I purely based it on how I felt through this time. I was young and I fell in love way to quick. I put her before everything, school, friends, music which is what the song “Put You First” is based on.

So your album is very true to you, which must be really important.  But I don’t get it, some of your songs on the album are very upbeat and lively?

Yeah, well albums take months to write and I didn’t just write songs because I was going through a breakup.  I mean I’m not Taylor Swift [laughs].  I wanted to base my first album on my life at the time I was writing the songs, so the first couple of songs on the album were very exciting because I was still with my ex at the time; then we broke up and the rest of the album just became more emotional.

Did the album help your emotions?

Yeah, I got it all out of my system.  It’s like all my anger and frustration is out now.  I was never really good at talking so I write songs and they’re generally personal to me.  However, when I was younger I used to write from other people’s perspective.  When I hit 16 and developed a bit of maturity, something happened and it hurt me.  I realised that writing the truth just makes everything a lot easier.

 

 

 

Do you think there’s a benefit to that?

Yeah.  I think a lot of people don’t wear their hearts on their sleeves.  People may be a bit put off about how honest I am and how open I am in my music, but I think it’s better that way and I’m happier.  It’s helping me move on.  I feel like I know where I am again, I’m pushing myself to be as successful as I can, I have to constantly evolve.

I’m looking forward to so much more of your music. What do you think makes a good pop song?

[Laughs] I’m looking forward to so much more too.  Absolutely everything, something that everyone can sing and dance to. I used to love singing Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake, I played Jackson in a school play once but I had to lip sing.  That was upsetting because I wanted to show off and promote my own voice for future productions.  I love pop music and current music so everything is good about them.

You have two featured artists in Emotion. It’s so exciting. How did it come across?

Yeah, Justin and Jess. They’re amazing, they really are and they are so talented.  My co-writer, Max, which can I say, I would never have done this album without, is very friendly with their co-writers and they  got together one day for a catch up as they say and put some lyrics together and BAM we were in the studios and had some great songs.  But yeah, Jess and Justin are great to work with and I’m still over the moon to have the chance to work with them.

And what is your favourite song on the album?

I have one song ‘Years and Years’ which I couldn’t wait for people to hear. It has so many emotions in, good and bad. The tempo varies which makes it unique and exciting and the song itself is personal to me and listeners could probably relate to it too. It’s probably my favourite because I could sing it however I liked because you could interpret it in any way you want.

Are there any last comments you want to make to the readers?

Yeah, I just want to thank everyone for the support and courage I have received.  It has been amazing. I’m also thanking you a hell of a lot for having me here today and how much you and this magazine has helped me develop my career. Oh and I also want to thank my ex for breaking my heart which is helping me write so many songs and getting them to number one. Jokes on you now!! So yeah, thank you to absolutely everyone.

You can now purchase Callum’s album of ‘Emotions’ on iTunes and in music stores.  Visit his website www.callummusic.co.uk for more details on his first UK tour and his upcoming career and status or follow him @callummusicuk on Facebook and Twitter

Words: Megan Webb