Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Cailin Russo is a star on the rise. You might recognize her voice from the hit TV series Heated Rivalry, where her song “Bad Things” was featured on the soundtrack, or from her popular single “Triple It,” which went viral across social media last year.
Now, fresh off her sold-out tour across the country, Cailin’s stepping into a new era with more pop star energy than ever with her latest release, “x on my chest.” Sweety High caught up with Cailin to chat about life on tour, her new music and so much more. Read our exclusive interview with her below.
Sweety High: What was the process of bringing “x on my chest” to life? What are you feeling about the release right now?
Cailin Russo: I feel relieved and proud of choosing “x on my chest.” The track is not a traditional pop song; you kind of really have to feel it, so I’m glad I pushed hard for this track because I really believe in it. I’m just proud of making a decision at all during the current state of the world. It’s so easy to compare or think, “Is this even worth it?” There are 99 reasons why we shouldn’t do anything, and I’m really happy that I pushed past that and went all the way.
SH: Your track “Bad Things” was featured in Heated Rivalry. How did that opportunity come about, and what was your reaction when you saw your song take off on social media?
CR: The song came to be because of comedian-actress Michelle Mylett, who sent “Bad Things” to Jacob Tierney when he was creating the show, and that was last year, probably around July. They requested the sync in October, and while that was happening, I was working a retail job for a year. Again, as an independent artist, I was going through a lot of changes in my life. I was at my job, taking a lot of meetings during my lunch breaks and work breaks, when I got the offer for Heated Rivalry.
Weirdly enough, the song blew up on TikTok. When the actual scene came out, I did not realize the gravity of it at all. I had a rough winter, so I wasn’t catching up with shows or entertainment for a while. I was home for the holidays, and one day, my phone started blowing up, and my brother and I were the only ones awake. I remember him saying, “This is a really big deal,” and I also thought it was a really big deal; it came as a nice Christmas surprise.
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SH: Tell us about your EP coming out in August. What was the inspiration behind it? What was on the mood board, and what can fans expect from it?
CR: The EP is called SCARE. It’s the second release, and it’s going to be coming out in three parts. It’s very loud, it’s very proud, in your face, scary pop music.
(Photo credit: donslens)
SH: From your debut release to where you are now, what does this new accomplishment mean to you, and how does it motivate you to keep striving for more success?
CR: I feel that, as a person, I see myself in a very specific light, and I definitely strive to also be seen in that light by others. I’m going to continue to create and bring to life impactful and innovative moments between music and experience; that’s what motivates me: motivation, excitement, commitment, talent and passion.
SH: What has been the most memorable experience you’ve had while on the road this past month?
CR: The tour started really cool. It started in a really small room in Philadelphia, and I had maybe like 50 people in the audience, and the front row of 12 people were screaming so loud that the room felt as if I was playing an arena! I couldn’t even get a word out; it was the first show, and it was the most adored and appreciated I’ve felt. Among the memorable moments was, at the end of the tour, when my team and I went to this place called Casa Bonita. It felt like Disneyland but a restaurant, and it was the most insane and fun experience we bonded over that I won’t get over.
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SH: What is a city or country you’d love to perform in soon, or one that you feel a special connection to?
CR: I would love to perform in Brazil or Germany! I imagine the crowds being so energetic.
SH: What’s something you have to experience in every location you visit, whether it’s a favorite food, sightseeing spot or local activity?
CR: I always have to get a good steak meal and get myself to a sauna. I’ll find myself a sauna in every location I go to, and a good meal, it’s a must in every location.
(Photo credit: Marcus Cooper)
SH: Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?
CR: I would like to say to my fans that I love you guys! You have made touring really special, and thank you for supporting my vision. I hope I make good music for you!
Want more interviews? Click HERE to hear from Sabrina Sterling on new EP, An American Crime.
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