Cali Rodi – God Save The Queen

By starrymag | August 30, 2020

By: Robert Warren

 

 

 

Q) Going from “Party Favor” to your new single “God Save the Queen,” how did you decide “God Save The Queen” was going to be the next single? What makes it a special song?

 

A) I think of “God Save The Queen” as the big sister to “Party Favor” and a perfect bridge between songs I’ve released in the past and my new material. They have similar themes of empowerment, but I think “God Save The Queen” is more of a universal message. I thought there was something special about it from the moment I started writing it – probably because there was a marriage of all favorite thing – pure pop production, angsty guitars and a strong, positive message. I love when phrases have new meanings and it was fun to flip this one into a modern-day girl power anthem.

 

Q) What was the hardest part in writing “God Save the Queen,” such an open/vulnerable song? 

 

A) The hardest part was keeping the message truthful and raw, without it feeling like I was painting myself as a victim. I wanted there to be joy in the fight to be strong.

 

Q) How have you been able to open yourself up to write such a unique song like this?

 

A) I’ve written hundreds of songs about heartbreak and falling in love, but I feel like writing a song with a specific message is so much harder. As a new artist, I want to make sure the first couple of songs I put out into the world are really saying something. In order to do that, I’ve had to dig deep. I guess getting assaulted on the streets of Los Angeles helped with that deep dive.

 

Q) Creating this song really reflects strength and is quite empowering, especially to women. When it comes to women finding strength, how do you advise finding this strength?

 

A) I’ve come to realize strength isn’t something you find, it’s something you build. The best thing we can do is be there for one another to build each other up. There’s strength in vulnerability and we have to be willing to ask for a little help when we need it.

 

Q) What has been the most rewarding part of creating this song?

 

A) For me, it’s been so rewarding just to put out music again. It’s the first song I’ve released in far too long and the adrenaline rush of finally letting your little song baby shine is so surreal.

 

Q) What instruments or equipment were used in creating this song?

 

A) I’m stoked this song highlights electric guitars – something I feel like I shied away from for far too long. It gives me the nostalgic feels and makes me want to jump up and down on my bed singing into my hairbrush.

 

Q) What was the recording process like?

 

A) The recording process was a lot different than usual. Since we’re in heavy lockdown still in LA, my producer Lindgren worked on the production remotely and we did most of the arranging via Zoom. My vocal producer Emily Wright and I had to do multiple versions of the lead vocals to get it how we wanted it. She makes me do a hundred takes, but it’s always worth it!

 

Q) What do you hope people take away from listening to “God Save The Queen?”

 

A) A feeling of confidence, fearlessness, and energy!

 

Q) What do you have planned next?

 

A) I have a lot of visuals following “God Save The Queen!” A quarantine music video and an acoustic version are slated for an upcoming release. That will be followed by more singles, hopefully a collab or two, and my debut EP!

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans?

 

A) I hope we get to hug in person someday soon!! There’s nothing more rewarding than playing live for the people who have shown up. They mean everything to me.

 

Watch “God Save The Queen” 

Listen to “God Save The Queen” – https://levelmusic.lnk.to/GodSaveTheQueen