Colbie Caillat Co-Pens Songs With Boyfriend, Opens Up About Working With Father on New Album

Posted on Jul 12th 2011 10:00AM by Contessa Gayles

Colbie Caillat Universal

Amid a hectic schedule of touring and releasing her third studio album 'All of You' (which hits shelves today, July 12), Colbie Caillat sat down with AOL Music to spill the beans on her collaboration with Common, co-writing songs with her boyfriend and what it was like working with her famed producer dad, Ken Caillat. Leading up to the album release, Colbie has been giving AOL Music an exclusive look at her life on tour with a series of behind-the-scenes photos. See Colbie's Tour Photo Diaries here and check out our exclusive Q&A with Colbie (and find out who her favorite rappers are) below!

You co-wrote a couple songs on the album with your boyfriend, Justin Young, who is also the guitarist in your band. Are the songs about your relationship?

Yes. We wrote 'Like Yesterday' together, with Jason Reeves, in Hawaii last year. It's about how our relationship blossomed and how it surprised us. [The] chorus of the song [is], "I remember like yesterday, lovin' you seemed far away, we were friends in different places, then love began leavin' traces." We also wrote a song on this record called 'Shadow' about my best friend and the relationship she was in at the time.

How did you guys work together when it comes to songwriting? Any fights, or creative differences?

We definitely have some creative differences. Like every songwriter will have. But we're respectful of each others ideas. He's a great writer and is good at helping me express what I'm trying to say cause he knows me so well.

Your father, producer Ken Caillat, worked on all of your albums, including this one. How is it working with him?

My dad executive produced the first record 'Coco' and produced four songs on the last record 'Breakthrough' and this new record 'All Of You'! I love working with him. He's such a creative and enthusiastic producer! His heart is always in everything he does.

How was it working with Common on 'Favorite Song'? How did that collaboration come about?

It was amazing! I had dreamed of working with him for years, and when I met him for this Grammy panel we did, we talked after and said we wanted to work together. So (OneRepublic's) Ryan Tedder and I had a writing session we wanted him to come in on. I admire and look up to both of them in this business -- with their talent as writers, producers and beautiful voices, their positivity, and where they've taken their careers. Both such great men.

Are you a hip-hop music fan? What artists might your fans be surprised to learn you're into?

Absolutely! I love Notorious BIG, Bone Thugs [N Harmony], Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, B.o.B, Akon, OutKast, Nas. I love mostly all hip-hop.

Is 'Favorite Song' actually your favorite song on the album?

It is one of my favorite songs! Cause I love Common and Ryan so much and the production is a perfect mix of our three styles.

'Brighter Than the Sun' is one of my favorites 'cause it's so fun to listen to and to perform live. It's uptempo and happy! Also 'Make It Rain,' 'cause I wrote it all by myself when I was on tour in Germany, it means a lot to me. AND the title track 'All of You,' 'cause it has such a powerful meaning -- which is why I named the record after it. It's about honesty, truth, giving all of your self to the people or person you are with. Not hiding who you are to anyone.

Watch Colbie Caillat's 'Brighter Than the Sun' video.

See Tour Photo Diary

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Filed under: Hot Off the Press, New Music Releases, Q&A, Exclusive