Today we’d like to introduce you to Cali Young.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Cali Mesa, and I was born in Phoenix, Arizona. I’ve been singing and writing music for as long as I remember. I got a guitar for my birthday from my mom when I was around 10 years old, and even though I didn’t know how to play it yet I messed around with the strings and wrote the worst songs you’ve ever heard in your life- but it’s what made me fall in love with music.
When I was 10, I performed the National Anthem for a major league baseball game in my hometown for 35,000 people. This moment made me fall in LOVE with performing. I started singing anywhere I could- the state fair, coffee shops, open mics, karaoke at a local Mexican food restaurant, etc.
When I was 16, I was cast on Season 14 of NBC’s The Voice and when I was 17 and 18 I was on Seasons 2 and 3 of ABC’s reboot of American Idol. These experiences in the industry under the mentorship of artists such as Katy Perry, Alicia Keys, and Kelly Clarkson prompted me to move to Los Angeles at 19 years old to further my music career
Ever since, I’ve been writing, recording, and releasing music independently and performing around Los Angeles. I was recently signed to Grass Fed Music, the management company responsible for growing Sabrina Claudio’s career.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Music has never and will never be an ‘easy’ career choice by any means unless you are a nepo baby (which I, unfortunately, am not). Living in a small, conservative, and close-minded town in Arizona, I was bullied profusely for being different.
I spent my nights crying about mean girls in high school or a boy who didn’t like me back while writing music in my childhood bedroom. I have been knocked down countless times by the industry, especially as a young queer woman.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a hot girl pop artist with an emotional vulnerability to my lyricism. I am most proud of the fact that all of my releases have been completely self-written- I am the sole songwriter on all of my music.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Honestly, the most difficult part of COVID for me was not being able to play live. I missed the rush I got from performing and being able to connect in person with someone who felt something from a song I’d written.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @iamcalimesa
- Twitter: @iamcalimesa
