What is your name?
Sally Caitlin
What is your genre of music?
I’d say it’s electronic pop with a bit of an edge.
Give us a little bio about you.
I am a 23-year-old singer-songwriter from Manchester, UK, who creates electronic pop music with heartfelt, autobiographical lyrics. I like to write about my own experiences, which I think gives my music an honesty that is not always seen in commercial pop music. I like to make music that is relatable for many people. I have been writing songs at my piano since the age of 15 and I released my first single, Stuck In Limbo, in 2015 following my graduation from university.
Tell us more about your music.
Whilst rooted in pop, my new EP ‘Experiments’ takes influences from numerous different genres, such as drum & bass and tropical house. It is pop music but it’s an edgy and electronic type of pop music. I would say it’s a mix between Tove Lo, Selena Gomez and Zara Larsson. As I write all my own songs, I think the lyrics tend to be more raw and meaningful than people expect from commercial pop. I like to pour all my feelings out onto the page when I’m writing. My aim is for people to be able empathize with the story in the lyrics but have fun dancing and singing to the songs.
Tell us more about ‘Lead Me Down’
Lead Me Down is probably my favourite song off the EP as it’s got a really moody and sexy vibe. I would describe it as an electro synth-pop track with a bit of darkness and a catchy, sing-a-long chorus. The lyrics were inspired by the feeling of having nothing to lose and wanting to be reckless, even though you know it’s not the best decision. It’s about living in the moment and doing something because it feels good and not worrying about whether you will regret it after it’s done.
What was the writing process like?
The song was actually written whilst I was on holiday in Scotland. I was in the spa and drifting off to sleep in this relaxation room and then I suddenly got inspired and made myself wake up. I had this idea to use vocals as an instrument in the backing and the whole thing flowed from there. I wrote the lyrics and melody in Scotland and then when I got home I put the chords to it at the piano.
What was the recording process like?
The recording process was pretty smooth for Lead Me Down as I was definitely on the same page as the producers I was working with. We managed to write the track pretty quickly and then it was just a case of nailing the vocals. We managed to incorporate using the vocals as an instrument in the pre-chorus, where we built chords out of my voice.
The official video is also out, what was the process like creating the video?
I struggle with feeling confident in front of the camera in general, as it feels really unnatural to me, so music videos can be a struggle! Lead Me Down was a great shoot though as the team I was working with, Cosmic Joke, were very professional and enjoyable to work with. I ended up having to get a little bit of ‘dutch courage’ on set, but on the whole it went really well! The strobes and lighting changes made it easier to pretend I was in a club and really get in the zone.
Are you a signed?
At the moment I am not signed, just grafting away as an independent artist!
Are you heading out on tour or have any gigs coming up?
I have a few exciting gigs coming up including acoustic gigs at Fab Café and Gullivers in Manchester and a gig in Camden as part of a showcase on May 19th.
If so where will you be heading and where can tickets be purchased?
All the details for all my gigs are on my website and my Facebook page, links to tickets can be found there!
Who are your influences?
I’m influenced by a very wide range of musicians! As a songwriter, I draw inspiration from artists like John Mayer and Fleetwood Mac, and then newer artists like Banks and Kiiara in terms of how they meld their song-writing with the production styles they use. On the electronic side, I love Pendulum, Chase and Status and Cheat Codes. Tove Lo is another big influence as I love how honest her lyrics are.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
I find it hard to picture myself in the future as I try and focus on the task at hand most of the time! I’d love to be signed to a major label and on a world tour in 5 years, but we’ll see where life takes me! You never know what is going to happen in this industry!
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I spend most of my time doing music related things and I’m literally always listening to music, but when I do take a break I like to read a lot, watch films, go out with my friends…. Nothing particularly interesting! I love food so I like to cook something nice or go out for a meal.
Where would your dream venue to play in your hometown?
I think I would have to say the Manchester Arena or Old Trafford… aiming high! I grew up going to watch the biggest artists at the Manchester Arena and always dreamed of being on the stage. Old Trafford would be unreal though as my whole family are United fans and go to watch the football most weeks, so that would be very special! Gorilla is also one of my favourite bars, so I would love to perform there too.
Would you be up for collaborating with an unsigned artist or band? If so how can they contact you?
I’m always up for collaborating and making music! You can message me on Facebook or email me at sallycaitlinmusic@gmail.com
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
I can’t pinpoint a specific song, but John Mayer’s ‘Where The Light Is: Live In LA’ album was incredibly influential for me. It made me want to write more and I think writing is probably the main reason why I want to be in the industry.
Where is your dream festival to perform?
Coachella would be amazing as it’s so glamourous! Or maybe Parklife, just because it would be a homecoming!
What made you go in to music?
Music isn’t something I wanted to pursue as I knew it was going to be a really tough industry to break into! I went to uni to study Chemistry and for the first year I did no music at all and was miserable. I then started writing again and recording in the next two years and everything kind of went from there! It wasn’t really planned and I still have my degree as a back-up.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
I’m terrible at taking advice to be honest! I think the best advice I’ve been given was to slow down sometimes and not always be aiming for your ultimate goal. Sometimes it can be better to break things down into smaller more manageable targets and focus on them instead.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not just about the industry also just as an artist/band?
I’m also awful at giving advice but I would say never let someone talk you into making music you aren’t passionate about. The music is the most important thing and as long as you love your own music, you are off to a good start!
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
My new favourite quote is one from ‘The Picture of Dorian Grey’ by Oscar Wilde. It says, “No life is spoiled but one whose growth is arrested”. What I take from that is that as long as you keep pushing forwards and are always trying to grow and learn, you can give yourself a break. This society is terrible for making us constantly compare ourselves to others in terms of success, but success is subjective and the most important thing is recognizing that we are ‘works in progress’.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
The energy of the crowd in general is always the most memorable thing, then which song went down the best. I always remember any mistakes I made, any comments I received after a performance and, finally, the nerves beforehand!
You come off Tour
1/ Where is the first place you go?
Home to my bed.
2/Who is the first person you see?
Probably my parents and my dogs, or my best friend Abi.
3/What is the first thing you eat.
When I’m tired I always make cheese on toast, so probably that!
You work with Kimwaves Radio Pluggin &PR how did that come about?
I found them in this group on Facebook for Bands, Venues and Promoters and we started working together pretty soon after that! I think we work well together as we are very clear on the goals and expectations.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
I’m on basically all social media apart from Snapchat and all my links are on my website: www.sallycaitlin.com. I’m most active on Facebook
