Rising star Colin Callahan has just released his brilliant house anthem ‘Original’.
Colin Callahan is one of those rare talents in dance music. From an early age, he has been engrossed in music production, learning and honing his production skills after being influenced by all areas of dance music from House to EDM. It was only a matter of time before his path took him to start DJ-ing too and coupled with track support from the world’s DJ’s he has been successfully spinning at clubs in NYC and beyond.
We have a chat with him about his inspirations in dance music.
T.H.E – Hi Colin, where are you from?
Colin Callahan – I’m originally from Madison, Wisconsin! I’m now based in New York City where I go to the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at New York University!
T.H.E – Were you always musically inclined growing up?
Colin Callahan – I’ve always loved music. This comes from my upbringing as a kid listening to an eclectic mix of music from classical, to electronic, to pop music. For me, listening was really the first art. I began playing piano and singing in choirs. Being able to deconstruct music into its elements and how a song creates its emotional impact was something that became second nature to me from a very early age.
T.H.E – What inspired you to start making house music?
Colin Callahan – I took a class on electronic music production when I was 13 and I instantly became obsessed. During high school I spent time in Miami and discovered DJ culture and dance music. I began learning from DJs on the DJ Mag Top 100 list and soon after my mashups were being played by some of EDMs biggest acts.
T.H.E – What artists would you say are your main influences?
Colin Callahan – I appreciate and look up to the artists and producers that don’t just release great tracks but understand song craft. The songs that have great vocals are the ones the people really remember and that’s what I strive to do with my music. I really like the direction future house is going with producers like Don Diablo, Mike Williams, and Throttle. I’m also a fan of the recent David Guetta and Martin Garrix collaborations.
T.H.E – Can you tell us about your new single ‘Original’?
Colin Callahan – “Original” is a melodic house anthem that was inspired by the feeling you get when you meet someone new and feel an instant connection with them. My co-writer Blü Eyes (an LA based songwriter) did an amazing job with the vocal. I’m very happy with the impact the song has both on and off the dance floor.
T.H.E – What other places are you looking to take your music? Where do you aspire to travel and play?
Colin Callahan – I’d love to continue to play shows in NYC and in other places around the country like LA and Miami, as well as expand to shows in Europe (Switzerland, UK, and Holland) and Asia (Japan, Korea, and China). Look out for shows in these places and others in 2018!
T.H.E – What’s the favourite club you’ve performed in anywhere in the world?
Colin Callahan – Producing and releasing music is currently my main focus, but if I’d have to choose it would be Liquid in my hometown of Madison, Wisconsin.
T.H.E – What three records never leave your record box and why?
Colin Callahan – I love playing my friends records the most! Currently these are some of my favorites.
1.
Artist: Colin Callahan and Lanna
Track: “Eden”
Comments: It’s a modern anthem with seductive vocals and a feel good summery vibe.
2.
Artist: Gil Glaze
Track: “Wild and Free”
Comments: It’s house-y, groovy, and a good track for clubs.
3.
Artist: Whizkid and Lanna
Track: “Want it Back”
Comments: It’s a great melodic house track recently supported on Tiesto’s Club Life podcast!
T.H.E – What does the near future hold for Colin Callahan?
Colin Callahan – I have upcoming major label remix releases, original tracks on Breeze Records and other big dance labels, and plans to tour around the world!
