CaliStar- She is also Cali Star Entertainment, LLC is a multi-platform entertainment company created to inspire others to pursue possibility. Interview conducted on May 25, 2022 by Dan Locke
CaliStar, also known as Calista Wu, is an American recording artist, activist, and well-respected attorney whose repertoire defies expectations and inspires others to pursue possibility. As the founder of a multi-platform entertainment company, Cali Star Entertainment, LLC, she is breaking barriers and redefining empowerment through music, art, fashion, and community. The gifted singer/songwriter has crafting a highly anticipated project featuring songs produced by Jae Chong (Solid, Aziatix, Coco Lee, Elva) and Enik Lin (FYKE, Royal Pirates, Amber Liu, James Lee), and mastered by Chris Gehringer (Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Rihanna, Lady Gaga). Her company brand is represented by the alicorn logo, a mythical creature that is both unicorn and pegasus—as such, she poised to take the world by a beautiful storm with her alluring vocals, captivating compositions, and stunning visuals.
What was your upbringing like?
I grew up as the daughter of Taiwanese immigrants in the ethnic enclaves of Southern California. It really shaped my upbringing and view of the world and my role. I was taught to work hard, make safe career choices, and represent my family well. I felt this duty to really blaze a path and bring honor to the people who sacrificed for me. If you asked me as a child though, my dream was to become both a singer and a lawyer, and when I told people, they would laugh at me. I don’t think anyone really thought I was serious about wanting to do both, but here I am today.
How did you discover music?
As a child, I turned to music to help me express myself. I started playing piano at the age of three at the request of my parents, and I joined the children’s choir at my church as a very young child because I wanted the snacks. My parents told me that I would hold the sheet music upside down because I was so young and couldn’t even read, but I insisted on going because I loved music and loved the treats. Growing up, I loved the music in Disney movies, and I would practice singing in different voices and coming up harmonies to songs by myself in my room. I also loved improvising with various instruments. I was always surrounded with music somehow.
How did you start to write music?
When I was younger, I would come up with different lyrics and melodies, but I never really thought of them as full songs for some reason. I would also improvise often with my vocals and with my instruments, but it didn’t occur to me back then that I was writing songs. I think that because my parents emphasized to me that music is supposed to be only a skill or a hobby, and not a career, I disqualified myself. I thought songs were what other people (professional people) made, and it seemed far away and out of reach. It wasn’t until I left my job as a management consultant and spent time doing international aid that I felt bold enough to try reaching for my childhood dreams of being a singer and a lawyer. That’s when I sat down and worked on songs more seriously and created my first EP, The Prologue, which was released in 2009.
How did you get the name CaliStar?
When I decided to leave the law firm life toward the end of 2020 and start doing music again, a big part of it was because I wanted to help increase representation for Asian Americans in music. That led to the conscious choice to make pop music, instead of the more singer-songwriter indie sound that I had previously as Calista Wu. Growing up, a lot of people had a hard time pronouncing my name, probably because I grew up in an ethnic enclave. My dad would tell them “it’s California star without the R.” My pop artist name (CaliStar) and entertainment company name (Cali Star Entertainment) are tributes to my parents and the communities that I represent. I hope that in shining and stepping into my calling, I can be a light and make a positive impact.
Describe your music.
My music as CaliStar is pop. “Ethereal Lover” is more dance pop. “Can’t Sleep” is more pop rock. “Don’t Give Up” is more of an inspirational pop song. These songs were inspired by Dua Lipa, Katy Perry, and H.E.R.
What was your first performance like?
I’m pretty sure that my first singing performance was as a toddler in church choir. I later did a lot of singing in church and then did competitive a cappella in college (yes like in Pitch Perfect). I also had plenty of piano recitals growing up. My first debut as an artist was my release party in 2009 for The Prologue. It was so much fun singing and playing an acoustic set for my friends. It really was like a family back in the day when we were in the early stages of building an Asian American community of entertainers in LA. I’m so grateful to everyone who showed up for me back then, and many of the same people have continued to show up for me ever since.
Do you belong to any songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
Yes, I’m part of BMI.
How does it feel to be honored as part of Asian Pacific American Heritage month?
I feel honored whenever people listen to my music, watch my videos, or learn more about my story. I do have a huge passion and deep love for the Asian American Pacific Islander communities, so I am very grateful when people take the time to highlight the communities I represent, during APAHM or any other time. It is pretty crazy to think that I have the honor of representing my communities sometimes. I don’t take that lightly, and I am humbled and grateful.
What makes a good songwriter?
I always love songwriters who bring me into their worlds with their lyrics and melodies. When I can see and feel and imagine where the song comes from and get a sense of what it is like to live in that realm, I feel like that’s an amazing songwriter. These are just my interpretations of what the songwriter was creating, but when it can feel real, I just love it. For me, I really appreciate catchy songs, and I believe it is such a skill to make a good hook. I personally also adore the raw songs with really beautiful lyrics. If a song has both, then I’m a huge fan.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
The first full official original song I wrote was Black Coffee. I recorded it and released it with my EP The Prologue as Calista Wu.
What is the process of writing your music?
I actually enjoy writing in various ways because I feel like different processes lead to different types of results. I sometimes start with an idea of lyrics and a melody and write with my keyboard/piano. These songs sound more singer-songwriter-y. I also sometimes write over tracks from producers when I find ones that I really like. Most of the songs I’ve released recently have been where I’ve written the topline at the same time that my producers have worked on the track, and it’s been very collaborative. I love that collaborative process a lot.
Tell me about “Don’t Give Up”!
“Don’t Give Up” is a song about the dreams that are buried within. It is about finding the strength inside to be vulnerable about your fears and taking the steps to overcome them. Sometimes we forget our dreams, whether it’s because we feel like they are too big for us, or because we have other obligations that outweigh them, or because we let ourselves be kept in the boxes that other people put us in. But there are those dreams that some of us might feel like we were put on earth to do, almost like a divine calling or assignment. This song is about looking within and finding the boldness to step into the most authentic versions of ourselves, even if we feel like we don’t deserve to or we don’t know how or we don’t have all the answers. This song is meant to capture the message that sometimes there are dreams that we just have to pursue, and maybe more important than the result is that process of stepping out in faith and finding the courage to not give up.
The video was directed by Ron Yuan – Ron Yuan will be sit in the director’s chair for the upcoming untitled 47 Ronin sequel. The action-fantasy pic will be produced by Universal 1440 Entertainment, a production entity of Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.
Tell me about the making of the video. Why did you pick NYC as the location?
The music video concept was initially thought of by the director Ron Yuan, who is a very talented actor, director, and action director, and also a friend, after he listened to the song. He approached me with the idea and asked if I would be willing to use the song “Don’t Give Up” to highlight the rise in anti-Asian violence and the responses of our community. He told me about Teresa Ting, an actress who started Main Street Patrol in Flushing, Queens to help protect the elderly and escort them home. We brainstormed to flush the video concept and shot list, and we started involving some of our other talented friends, including Celia Au, Yao King, Henry Mu, Alan Pao, and Kyle Pak, who became producers on the project. Ron and I flew to New York to finish pre-production, scout locations, finalize the remaining cast and crew, and to shoot the video over four days. We ended up involving so many amazing actors, stunt people, makeup artists, community members, and crew members. You’ll probably see some cameos. We have scenes that involved a real rally and march in Flushing, Queens. We involved real community members from multiple generations from Manhattan Chinatown as well. Even the local businesses supported us by feeding us and taking care of us during production. So many people came together during the production that it felt like we were all creating something beautiful together to help get our message of love and unity and overcoming, to the entire world. We’ve experienced so many amazing people who’ve worked with us on post-production as well, from the colorist to the composer to the editors. It really took an entire army, and we hope that everyone really sees the heart we put into the video.
What is your favorite track on your upcoming album?
My favorite song that I’ve written to be performed as CaliStar is “Don’t Give Up.”
What are your feelings about streaming music?
I love streaming music, and I love how accessible music is now. I love the innovative algorithms and playlists that utilize technology to bring listeners music. I have a background in management consulting for tech companies, and I love innovation, which is probably why I’m drawn to different platforms and innovative ways to create and build.
The symbol # is known as the number sign, hash, pound sign and a sharp sign in music. The symbol has historically been used for a wide range of purposes Since 2007, widespread usage of the symbol to introduce metadata tags on social media platforms has led to such tags being known as “hashtags”, and from that, the symbol itself is sometimes called a hashtag. Are people forgetting that the # is a part of music?
I think that people who are classically trained to read music still know that the # symbol means sharp. I actually love the use of the # symbol as hashtags as well, and I think that the same symbol can be used in different ways for different purposes.
Digital vs. vinyl?
I have a vinyl player, but I prefer digital for accessibility purposes.
What song from the past is on your mind right now? Moreover, what does that song mean to you?
I just performed a set for the AAPI LA Market this past weekend at Smorgasburg LA, and I sang a cover of “Make You Feel My Love” by Bob Dylan (the Adele version). I actually performed that cover at my release party in 2009, and it brought back memories of that day. It reminded me about how I laid down my music career to go to law school and how I ended up being able to make music and perform again, so to me, it was significant. I’m grateful for my journey.
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that Covid-19 has killed live music? How do you feel that Covid-19 is going to affect the music business in the future? Do you think that Covid-19 has been a plus to an artist’s career?
I feel like Covid-19 definitely made it difficult for artists to perform at live shows with their fans in the audience, especially during lockdown. Now that things have opened up more, I think that a lot of music fans have still decided to attend indoor concerts for artists that they love, but I still think that overall live concert performance attendance has still declined. I hear of a lot of people being more open to attending outdoor shows. I saw a lot of artists try to find innovative ways to connect with their fans and perform virtually as a result of Covid-19, and I’ve been very impressed.
You started Cali Star Entertainment. Tell me about it?
I started Cali Star Entertainment in September 2020 after leaving the law firm life in order to help inspire others to pursue possibilities. I designed it to be a multi-platform entertainment company, starting with music as CaliStar. A big part of the decision was a desire to help increase representation for Asian American artists, particularly in music. We have made steps to expand into other entertainment platforms as well, and the hope is to keep building in the areas of music, entertainment, fashion, art, tech, events, and community. We recently released a music video NFT, for instance, for a virtual avatar named ST0RM.
You started CSE after you had 2 bad car accidents which left you with traumatic brain injury. Has forming the company helped you to move forward?
Forming the Cali Star Entertainment after the accidents, or doing anything after the accidents, has been challenging. But for me, the purpose and the reasons why are so important to me that I want to constantly try to find ways to overcome obstacles. What I’ve learned through the accidents is to give myself more grace and to accept that I cannot be perfect. All I can do is try my best, and at the same time, I want to keep surpassing limits and odds.
How has your music changed from your name stake to Calistar?
When I first released music as Calista Wu, it was very acoustic, singer-songwriter-y. With CaliStar, I made the conscious decision to create pop music, which involves catchier pop sounds and lyrics and more production. I created songs with all of this in mind, including music video concepts and world building aspects.
How was it to see yourself in Rolling Stone?
It was honestly surreal. I’m still shocked when I think about it. The fact that they said nice things and also included a photo blew my mind. I don’t know if I’ll ever get over it.
What have you been doing during quarantine?
During quarantine, I became very active on Clubhouse, the social audio app. I love making authentic connections and learning about and from people, so it was a great app for me. As of this week, I am the latest app icon for Clubhouse, along with my friend Daniel Anderson. It’s pretty shocking to me that my face is on the app. I have also been spending a lot of time in the web3 space and have become active with NFTs. I released a music video NFT as well.
How did you stay healthy during the lockdown?
Honestly, I tried to stay indoors and avoid crowds unless absolutely necessary. I also tried to find ways to stay physically active and maintain a healthy diet when possible. I found ways to manage my mental and emotional health, which wasn’t always easy. I was also recovering from the brain injuries sustained from the car accidents during this time, so it was a very intense period for me healthwise. It involved many doctor visits and treatment plans.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
I’ve honestly discovered my love for web3 and NFTs, which involves trading, strategizing, building communities, innovating, and creating. I’ve helped launch projects, advised projects, advised companies wanting to get into the space, helped projects with partnerships and collaborations, helped build communities within projects, and even made my own. It’s been an intense time of learning and growth.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merchandise to them at their shows?
I feel like I’ve seen some creative approaches to this, including engaging with fans on social media more and in different ways, doing virtual performances, or even building whole communities around various platforms. I think bands that have found ways to keep providing content for and interactions with their fans in organic ways have done very well.
Is pay to play still a thing? Now pay to play also means things like playlists on the internet and opening slots for a major band on tour.
I still see it. There are still people or situations that require payment before access is granted.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
Having holographic concerts sounds like it might be closer than we think. I’ve been curious about exploring ways to incorporate AR and VR with my virtual avatars.
In the past, if a musician stopped doing music, they’d find a new career. For example, David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, and Dee Snider (Twister Sister) did voice over work for SpongeBob SquarePants. If you can’t do music, what would you like to be doing?
In terms of another career if I cannot do music, I would love to still create somehow, whether it’s storytelling through videos and anime, creating my art through fashion, or building communities in web3, web2, or IRL.
What is your happy place?
If I can be in my pajamas at home watching anime, with some hot pot and boba, I’m good.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are about to sell their entire song catalog for $140 Million. In the past year a lot of musicians such as Stevie Nicks ($100 Million) , Bob Dylan (over $400 Million), Taylor Swift, Journey, Def Leppard, K.T. Tunstall, and Shakira have sold their catalog rights. Once you get to the age of about 70, publishing is far more lucrative then the mechanical royalties paid to artists based on sales, airplay and streams. A good example of this is Michael Jackson brought the rights to the Beatles catalog in 1985. And in the late 80’s the Beatles Revolution appeared in a Nike commercial. The lump sums being offered by publishing firms are more tax friendly concerning estate planning. Do you think you would be willing to sell your back catalog if someone like Universal is willing to buy everything, such as all the rights to all your songs?
I don’t think I can answer that question right now. I would probably need to see where I’m at when I’m 70 and what the terms of the deal are. I am a transactional attorney, so that’s my honest answer.
Now that TikTok is fully licensed by all three major record companies, will you start using TikTok more?
I’m open to it. I would need to spend more time on the app, and lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time in web3.
Breaking news: TikTok is launching TikTok Radio, a full-time SiriusXM music channel going live this summer. The station will be available in vehicles and as a streaming channel on the SiriusXM App, desktop, and all connected devices. The station will be part of a new TikTok collaboration with SiriusXM and its subsidiary, Pandora, to jointly promote emerging talent. Do you think this platform could become a force in the future of streaming music?
I definitely think it could be. We are already seeing so many TikTok songs go viral, and platforms like Spotify have very successful playlists made up of TikTok songs alone. I wonder if people are listening to radio and whether TikTok can convert its users to listening to TikTok Radio in innovative and seamless ways.
Anything you would like to say in closing?
Thank you so much for taking the time to interview me! I’m grateful for the ladies at Painted Bird Co for making this happen. And definitely thankful for all of the incredible people who worked with me on the song and music video. I hope that people enjoy the song and the video because we really put a lot of heart into them both.
