Callie Reiff
Photo credit: Bellamy Brewster
Callie Reiff is one hell of a producer, and one amazing artist. She’s just released her brand new single featuring Madison Daniel titled “Crash Into Me”and it’s going to be your new favorite banger.
The single delivers infectious melodies with some magical vocals from Daniel and a big production from Reiff.
I am still discovering both artists but I’m hoping to see more collaborations in the future because they did an INCREDIBLE job on “Crash Into Me”. Both talented and promising talents for sure.
“Crash Into Me” is now available worldwide :)
Photo credit: Bellamy Brewster
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
My name's Callie Reiff and I’m a 21 year old artist and producer born and raised in NYC. To sum it up, I started learning how to DJ vinyl at the age of 12 and then got into live shows at 15 with Webster Hall being the first venue I ever played. Around the same time I started DJing shows, I downloaded Ableton and taught myself (through tons of trial and error lol) how to produce! In the past 2 years I feel like I have really found my sound through writing sessions and working with singers. I am so excited to share this new body of work with everyone!
How would you define Callie Reiff, the artist?
I try to make music that I would sit in my room for hours and listen to or go to a club and dance to! My music is very collaborative and I want the emotion behind each lyric to resonate with people. I like to call what I make “indie club” — it’s a lil of the NY club energy (it’s in my blood!!) with vocal driven feels. I’m constantly evolving!
You’ve just released your new single "Crash Into Me" - what's the inspiration behind this single?
Woo-hoo! The inspiration is the feeling of wanting to jump in the deep end with someone with no regrets. No holding back. Hoping and dreaming that you two can work everything out and stay in this dream land. It’s all about being fearless as cheesy as that may sound but it’s true!
Could you describe the production process for this single?
I started off with the melodies which I wanted to have a minor feel to add a bit of darkness to the lyrics. Then I have this uplifting piano melody that comes in in the bridge through until the end which I really loved doing. Madison Daniel’s vocals are so strong in this so I didn’t want to add a ton extra after doing the big melodies, so I kept the drums and fxs pretty simple and there ya have it!
What made you want to collaborate with Madison Daniel on this song?
Madison sent a few topline ideas and once I heard this vocal demo, which was originally called “Drown,” I knew that was the one I wanted to work on. She sent over the vocal stems and I started to work on it right away. Everything fell into place so perfectly working together!
What's your favorite thing about this song?
I think Madison really crushed it so being able to work with her on this and have her voice at the front of it all really is the highlight for me.
What made you want to release "Crash Into Me" as a single?
I’m just starting to release all of this music I’ve been working on for the past 2 years and this one feels so special. This year I’ll be doing a few singles and then an EP so this is just the start of that!
What can you tell us about the artwork?
I love the artwork so much!! I did a photoshoot with this photographer in Brooklyn, Bellamy Brewster, and we just had the best time. I love his work and Annebet Duvall, my stylist, did a lot of the creative direction. As I was going through the pictures, the one that we ended up picking was the white dress one. The meaning for me is that with the over exposure Bellamy did where it looks like I’m almost moving and in a plain dress, it feels like the lyrics to me… crash into me! The movement and energy match perfectly. I got the illustrator iscreamcolour to add his amazing drawings and colors all over it too. I’m so happy with how it turned out.
What is your goal for this song?
For people to have a bit of escapism right now and to feel like if they close their eyes, they can picture themselves in the middle of a mosh pit at a music festival screaming the lyrics.
What are you looking for in artists when collaborating with them?
I always keep an open mind when it comes to collaborating as you really never know what could happen! For me, it always comes down to how well I can work with someone. Sometimes things can just flow and it makes the process so fun and allows you to push yourself creatively.
As a producer, what equipment and software do you usually use?
I use Ableton as my production software and, since the pandemic, have made all my music in my room instead of finishing them in the studio. I got in the groove of headphone mixing and just used my audio technicas, USB mic and an Alesis midi keyboard. Everything else is in the box mixing and playing with plugins / manipulating and recording samples.
In your opinion, what makes a "good" producer?
When I see a producer that’s in the game and sustains longevity, I think they must be doing something right. When you can spot / guess the artist’s sound in a song of theirs without looking at the title. Someone who’s not afraid to push genres boundaries and work with all different types of artists.
What does it mean for you to be an artist?
It’s describing the part of me I could never live without. There’s really no separation between me and the word artist, I make music because I love to do it every single minute and I am so fortunate to have it in my life.
What lessons have you learned since the beginning of your career?
Sooo many!! Surrounding yourself with good people and a good team is so important, that’s the number one for me. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, mess up or send cold emails! Practice makes perfect and there’s no rush. Comparing yourself to others is the worst thing you can do as everyone’s unique in their own way and everyone’s time will come. Take the time to appreciate the small accomplishments and enjoy the journey. Also, you never stop learning :)!
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
Today’s music industry is very mysterious and unknown territory. I think it is really changing every day for the better. There’s going to be tons of music released this year, albums on albums which is so exciting. EDM has become this sound that is used in top 40 music and I believe this year we will have a shift in new genres and quality unique productions from legends and up and coming artists. Once we are able to safely return to playing shows and travel and be around people again, it’s going to be so cool to see how things pan out. We are basically starting from a blank page now!
What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
There’s been so many places I’ve been able to play and travel to and people I’ve gotten to collaborate with. I always reflect on that and feel so grateful. One of my proudest moments though was getting to play Red Rocks, my favorite venue ever in Denver, Colorado — it also happened to land on my birthday! Plus, after that at the after party, I went B2B with Deadmau5. So best birthday ever you ask? Yeah!!!
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
Make sure to take your time with your art, take in the good moments, keep your circle small, and never delete any idea of yours.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Music and all the beautiful creative minds out there constantly putting their heart into their work!
What message do you want to deliver to the world?
I want anyone who listens to my music to feel something, anything. I know how much music means to me and if one of my songs affects someone in a positive or relatable way, I’ve done my job. Also never stop pursuing what you want in life! You’ve got this!
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