After introducing herself with her dazzling debut single 'Possibility' earlier this year, Atlanta-based artist Callas Dozier is back once again to deliver her dreamy new offering 'Heart Gets In The Way'.
Exploring more of that warm and riveting R&B aesthetic she is quickly earning a reputation for, 'Heart Gets In The Way' makes for an incredibly rich and alluring listen throughout. With her spellbinding vocals spread across this lofty production at every turn, she is certainly looking to pull on our heartstrings with this one.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to discuss her background and influences over the years.
What was the first band or artist you fell in love with?
The first artist I fell in love with was Anita Baker. My parents played a lot of jazz, soul and funk music while I was growing up, and my mom would always sing her songs. The very first concert that I went to was an Anita Baker concert, and I have all of her albums. I was very influenced by her sultry approach to music and how she wrote about love and relationships. While I love many artists from those genres, Anita Baker was my first.
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
There was a girl trio that I sang with in high school. We sang anywhere from Regina Bell to SWV, and we sang at a couple of talent shows. We were cute, but it was short-lived since we ended up at different schools. I sang a lot in chorus and with community gospel choirs when I was young. I was a featured soloist for many of the concerts. This paved the way for me to do the many choir and group projects as an adult, and I've always loved it.
What has been your primary inspiration in writing music?
My inspiration in writing is love and relationships. I like to write about our authentic experience with love, whether it's romantic love, family love, or faithful love. Personally, I am filled with love and surrounded by love, so I have to write about love. I think it's something we all can relate to, and we should have more open and honest conversations about love.
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
I won't say that I wish I had written someone's song because there is an experience that goes with it being created. I will say that there is a laundry list of songwriters who resonate with me. The song that's top of mind is "For All We Know" by Donnie Hathaway. The way that the song is written, arranged and delivered is so intimate and touching. When you listen to the song it's not heavy with instrumentation; it's just a simple but beautiful piano, the lyrics and the voice. It's moving.
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
If I could relive a moment, it would be my first live recording with Kevin Lemons and Higher Calling. The whole project was a grassroots effort that the entire choir made happen, which made it special. We sang our hearts out and we sang our good notes! It was an amazing experience singing our music to a packed audience, and the energy was off the charts. It was a great night with a great group of singers and friends.
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
Wow, picking just one is tough, so I'm gonna cheat a little. I'd pick Robert Glasper knowing that he pulls together great artists for these amazing collaborations. I'd love be on stage with his band and sing with artists such as Lalah Hathaway, Esperanza Spaulding, and Alex Isley to name a few. These ladies always have beautiful vocal arrangements to their music, and they're fun to sing.
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
Another tough choice, but I would love to collaborate with Alex Isley or We Are King. Again, they have such beautiful and unique vocal arrangements, making their music beautiful and enjoyable to sing.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
I never know where life will lead me. What I do know is that I'll always be somewhere singing and creating new music. My hope is that I'll move into more collaborations with artists who I love.
Callus Dozier's new single 'Heart Gets In The Way' is out now. Check it out below.
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