An interview with
Calli Graver
by Stacey Zering
Listening to singer-songwriter Calli Graver is like letting the warm glow of summer enter your soul. She crafts songs that heal wounds and emotionally lift you to a better place. Stacey Zering talks with the artist about working on that sense of optimism.
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There are myriad vocal influences that I hear in your songs: folk, jazz, and opera. Where did you learn to sing so well?
Much appreciated! I grew up with music, and my years of singing at home or school culminated in taking my learning to Philadelphia at the University of the Arts. I have always been interested in singing lots of different things and was trained as a “crossover vocalist” in preparation to enter the gigging world. My ambition to diversify my repertoire and performance was grounded in my interest in moving my voice in multiple ways, but also in an effort to navigate the world of a professional musician and make myself [worthy of being hired].
Certainly, you’re eclectic, but is there a musical style you lean most toward?
I’d still consider my music jazz forward. It’s an American art form, and so it naturally encompasses lots of sounds of our country’s history. I never want to find myself falling into a tight box and calling myself one thing, even at the cost of confusing labels, radio stations, and those who might want to classify my music. I think there’s a little bit of something for everyone in my sound.
It’s tough being a musician. When did you decide to enter this challenging career path? Or do you consider this more of a hobby?
I am a full-time musician. I pride myself on being able to sing a multitude of styles and have always worked towards creating a daily life that stretches my skills. And no, it is certainly not easy what we do! But I’ve known probably since I was a child that I was supposed to sing, and that assurance has guided me. I wouldn’t call it a traditional employment path by any means, but it’s worked for me!
The sense of optimism on your album is quite infectious — and real. Would you call that theme of the The Sun’s in My Eyes LP, looking at the brighter side of life?
I think so! We put together the majority of the material during the pandemic, when we weren’t out in the live music world. I had time to process what my career currently looked like and what I truly wanted for myself. I spent time reframing my insecurities to focus my music and give myself direction, as we were about to enter life again in a different way. The future always seemed like a black hole to me, something that I never could see clearly or that had direction. It was ominous and consuming. I didn’t trust in what was to come. I looked for the opportunity to change that mindset and see the future as the sunlight, and when I moved fear out of my way, everything started to fall into place. It made my music come to life in this completely inspiring way.
How did it feel singing with Aretha Franklin? Describe that experience.
Singing behind Aretha was truly a once in a lifetime thing! We had the great pleasure of backing her up when she came to participate in the Papal visit in Philadelphia. The concert was in front of the Philadelphia Art Museum on the parkway, looking out to thousands upon thousands of people. She was absolutely masterful, laser focused, and soulful. To see her open her heart to an intimidating moment of that nature and let herself be in the music was inspiring and something I think on often.
Without a doubt, The Sun’s in My Eyes has that same kind of invigorating feel.
