By Jason Genegabus

Jason Genegabus photo

Malibu-based recording artist Colbie Caillat performed for a sold-out crowd as the headliner during this afternoon’s sold-out “Diversity Harmony Peace” concert at the Sheraton Waikiki.

The Na Lei Aloha Foundation produced the event, which also featured performances by Keola Beamer, Amy Hanaiali’i Gilliom, Raiatea Helm, Natalie Ai Kamauu, ‘Ulalena and Chamber Music Hawaii’s Spring Wind Quintet. Caillat was joined on stage by her three-piece touring band, which includes former local talent Justin Young.

“Diversity Harmony Peace” is part of the annual Lantern Floating Festival that took place yesterday at Ala Moana Beach Park.

After her set, Caillat made herself available for interviews. Unfortunately, her narrow-minded manager decided this reporter would not be allowed to videotape our interview, so there is no footage of our conversation available to watch online.

Never mind that a camera crew from a local TV station was in line behind me and appeared to have gotten permission to film.

I’m amazed an artist like Caillat, who honestly needs all the help she can get when it comes to promoting her music at this point in her career, has hired someone with such an ignorant viewpoint.

The guy’s Hollywood attitude was an added bonus; I always appreciate it when people turn around and walk away while I’m in the middle of asking them a question.

Anyway.

Lucky for me, I had Plan B in my bag of tricks (i.e. an audio recorder), so we were still able to have a pleasant conversation during the five minutes I was given to speak with Caillat.

Here’s what she had to say:

QUESTION: Tomorrow’s your birthday. Do you have any plans to celebrate?

ANSWER: “No plans, and that’s exactly what I want. I want it just to be spontaneous, spur of the moment, just whatever we feel like doing.”

Q: You’ve performed on the “Today Show” and made appearances on “The Tonight Show” and “The View,” but you keep mentioning during interviews how nervous you are while playing. How are you doing with that?

A: “It’s better. It’s definitely getting better. There are still times when I’m nervous, but now it’s fun (to perform). Like today’s performance; I had a lot of fun.”

Q: Your bio states that you’ve been coming to Hawaii twice a year since you were 12 years old, but while you were performing you said this was your first trip to Oahu.

A: “Yeah, I’ve always gone to Kauai and Maui, and I’ve visited the Big Island. I have family here, but I’ve made even more friends since I’ve visited every year.”

Q: Two years ago, your friends posted your music to MySpace without your knowledge. One year ago, you released your solo debut on a major label. Are you surprised at how successful you’ve become in such a short period of time?

A: “My reaction is different every day because I’m still not used to it. It’s really cool and a lot of fun some days, and other times it’s a lot of work and really scary. But it’s still cool and I want to do this.”

Q: Is there still room for you to grow as an artist?

A: “Yeah, I like all different styles of music, so at some point I’d like to (explore that). What I did on the first album was try to write a song that was, like, Hawaiian style with a ukulele. And one was more R&B style, and another was more country. But the next album is going to be more mature and have different styles and stuff.”

Q: You performed “Turn Your Lights Down Low” today. Is that a tribute to Bob Marley or Lauryn Hill?

A: “Both, because they’re two out of my three favorite people in the world. I like Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill and John Mayer.”

Q: What’s it like having a band full of guys from Hawaii?

A: “It’s awesome. Being on tour can be really hard, but having my band get along so well (is great). They’re all laid back and friendly guys … we just have fun together. And they’re from Hawaii, so there’s no attitude.”

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 27th, 2008 at 5:45 pm and is filed under Outside The Club, Music. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.