5 Questions With… Ali Caldwell
Opportunity is all anyone needs to get the chance to prove themselves. Particularly in the music business, one chance meeting or performance can turn into a successful career. In 2016, singer Ali Caldwell auditioned for The Voice (Season 11) and made the competition as part of Team Miley Cyrus, finishing as a semi-finalist for the season.
This was the breakthrough Caldwell needed to pursue the career she was passionate about. She released the single “To Be Loved” last year, which was her first commercial release after she competed on The Voice. She’s currently touring with Christina Aguilera as she is preparing her debut studio album entitled “88” which is set for release in early 2020 via 2MaroMusic™/ 2MaroMedia Inc.
With her eyes starting to focus on other business interests outside of music, Caldwell took time from her recent tour and studio time to speak about what’s on her plate, her recent collaboration, and what she is learning about the business that will propel her to success.
What have you experienced thus far in your career that has been unexpected and you never would have imagined before any of this happened, good, bad or indifferent?
I would have to say getting the opportunity to perform in front of thousands, with millions watching, singing and performing some of my favorite artists’ songs on national television and actually receiving acknowledgment and positive responses from them, in particular, Chaka Khan and Patti Labelle. Being able to perform a Mary J Blige song in front of Diddy and getting that stamp of approval. I mean I 100% believe in myself but these things just HAPPENED and I totally wasn’t expecting them to but I do know for a fact they are the rewards for working as hard as I’ve been working for all of these years. I’m super grateful for all of these experiences in my career. More ups than downs and grateful for that.
What did your fans anticipate on your recent tour and what are you working on that you are excited about?
My fans experienced a variety of feelings and music between myself and Divinity Roxx, who I’m very excited to tour with. They heard some new music from me on this tour and I worked really hard with my MD Demar Brown from my hometown Jersey on this show, so the set up from beginning to end took them on a rollercoaster ride. I have been so focused on working on my new project entitled “88” purposely taking my time and making sure its a perfect masterpiece not just for myself but also for my new and dedicated fans who have been patiently waiting for new music.
What brought the two of you together to embark on this tour and do you have any expected collaborations coming up?
We talked about collaborating on some music, we shall see what the future is cooking up. Stay tuned.
What have you learned, business-wise, that shapes the way you approach your creativeness and the thought process behind your future plans?
What I’ve learned the most is that you can not run a successful business by yourself! Even when it comes down to growing and learning, I get that knowledge and know-how from being around and working day to day with my manager/business partner, Omar “O2” White (who is one of the smartest men I know). He teaches me and coaches me in certain areas I’m eager to be sharper in. It’s very important for me to take care of my team and people who take the time out of their schedules to help take my vision to the next level. Staying consistent with Teamwork will continue to make me a stronger and wiser businesswoman in this male-dominated industry.
Talent is usually the driving force behind a successful artist, but is there anything else you’d like to pursue as far as making your career a success in your eyes?