She’s huge in the US and looking to break it over here. On the day of her first gig in the UK, Chloe Addo caught up with talented newcomer Colbie Calliat.

The Californian singer-songwriter, Colbie Calliat, has been compared to artists like Norah Jones and Jack Johnson. Now 22 years old, the singer has always been surrounded by music.

Her father, Ken Caillat, co-produced Fleetwood Mac's ‘Rumours’ and ‘Tusk’ albums and later ran his own record label; his influence is prevalent in her music and her views on the industry.

For those who don’t know your music, how would you describe your style?

Acoustic pop, its very sunny and optimistic music that makes you forgot if you’re having a bad day and puts you in a good mood.

Do you think the US is ahead of the UK in the acoustic-pop genre?

I think so because I know a lot of artists from where I am from play in that genre, but maybe I haven’t heard of the artists in the UK because they are unsigned.

Can you tell us three things, you think people won’t know about you?

I’m shy, I love sushi and I love water sports, especially swimming. I used to be on the swimming team.

Does your shyness disappear when you’re on stage?

No, its takes me the first half of a set to warm up and feel comfortable, then I’m cool: I think I can have fun up here.

Do you have a pre gig drink to chill you out or calm your nerves?

Sometimes I’ll have a glass of wine or a vodka cranberry, but other times I’ll just drink tea and honey or a glass of water, depending on the night.

Which bands or artists are you currently listening to?

I’m always listening to Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley, John Mayer and an American band The Weepies. I also listen to a lot of Amy Winehouse and Natasha Bedingfield.

Where was the best gig you played?

Reno, Nevada. We played in this grand ball theatre, which had red carpet balconies on the side and it’s the biggest stage in the United States. It was amazing, really dim lighting and gorgeous backdrop. It was a really cool theatre.

Who is your all time favourite act?

John Mayer. I love all of his songs, his voice, how he delivers his music and I love his guitar playing.

Is he your biggest influence?

Him and Lauryn Hill tied. I love her voice and she inspired me to start singing when I was 11.

Did your dad also inspire you to go into the music industry?

Yeah, he’s helped me so much and he made me realise I cant just be a singer; I need to be able to play an instrument, be able to write my own songs, be in charge of my career and not let anyone take over. He taught me a lot about the industry.

Do you have a specific brainstorming strategy to help you write songs?

My usual process is me sitting in a room by myself, I have to be alone and I play my guitar and sing a melody on top. I just try to hum something, once I’ve got a melody that I like and that sticks I record it. Then I try adding lyrics to that, which would suit the mood of the melody.

You haven’t been playing guitar for very long, was it hard to learn and did you ever have any doubts?

Totally, I learned to play the guitar when I was 19 and after my first lesson where I learnt to play four chords, I wrote my first song. I was so excited, but I couldn’t play the guitar and sing at the same time so I was really frustrated with myself.

I actually put the guitar down for about a year; I was like ‘whatever, I don’t want to do this’, but I didn’t give myself enough time to work on it.

Then at 20 I met a friend, Jason Reeves, who got me back into playing guitar and getting more confident with it.

What advice would you give to inspiring artists?

Just stick at it. Everything’s a process and it can be difficult, but it is worth sticking to it. In the end pushing through that short period of frustration is worth it and once you get passed it you will get better. I can now sing and play at the same time and keep writing songs, so keep at it. Learn whatever instrument you want to play very well and write songs that come from your heart.

If you’re going to be a singer/songwriter I think it is best to be able to play an instrument and so you can write and play songs yourself.

If you could be trapped in a lift with any celebrity who would you pick?

John Mayer, because I would like to ask him lots of questions about career advice and song writing.

If you could play with any band or artist who would you choose?

There are so many, but probably one of the singers that I named off (Lauryn hill, Bob Marley, John Mayer, The Weepies, Amy Winehouse and Natasha Bedingfield) .

Any band you wouldn’t like to be in?

A pop and dance act, because I wouldn’t fit in that kind of genre.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Starting a family and for work; continuing to write songs, but maybe for other people and working in the studio.

Check out: www.myspace.com/colbiecaillat