Calyco is a fresh new pop/RnB girl group based in the UK.
The group’s original name is made from the letters of members: Angel, Chloe, Izzy, Julie and Tyger.
With 5 lead singers and 5 strong personalities, Calyco writes and performs their own songs. They provide quality RnB/pop music and diversity and are positive role models for a younger and older audience.
After performing some live cover versions of classic RnB songs “My heart belongs to You” by Jodeci and “What about your friend” by TLC, on 27th August, they released their latest single, “LMK”.
INTERVIEW WITH CALYCO
“LMK” stands for Let Me Know and is a song about asking why somebody would ever want to break your heart? Calyco provides smooth and slick pop vocals over an RnB/drill beat, making this song very contemporary. Its catchy chorus will have anyone asking, “let me know why you broke my heart.”
1. ‘LMK’ is out now. Can you tell us more about the song and what it means to you?
Julie says
It’s a song that everyone can relate to. Everyone has felt brokenhearted at some point in their lives and wanted to know why they were made feel like that; they wanted answers. It’s a very important song to us, not only because it’s our first original song but because we’re making a musical difference that we hope will be noticed. There are not many UK RnB/drill songs by female artists. It’s edgy and fun.
2. What would your advice be to others out there who want to know why someone broke their heart?
Izzy says...
My advice is to KNOW YOUR WORTH. Sometimes no answer is an answer in itself! Closure is always important in a relationship, but as one door closes, another opens. If your relationship breaks down or your heart breaks, use the time to create a new relationship with yourself and discover new levels of self-love. Sometimes it’s good to find answers to move on, but sometimes these questions are left unanswered so you can move on and go on to better things and higher expectations in your next relationship
3. You are an all-female band. How would you describe your group?
Tyger says…
I would describe my group as creative, courageous, diverse, strong, soulful and determined. Their range of personality and talent brings about the most creative ideas. We are all from different walks of life, but our love for music has bonded us closer than ever, and I feel so lucky to call the girls my best friends. I am proud to be part of such a diverse music group. In this social media age, young females are under immense pressure to look and behave a certain way. Calyco wants to inspire females of all skin colours and body sizes to grab hold of that confidence inside of you and do what you do best, which is being you.
4. Can you talk through all the different personalities that form Calyco: Angel, Chloe, Izzy, Julie and Tyger?
Chloe says…
We might be here for a while! Angel is 5 foot 8 of pure talent!! She is a pop-culture sponge (ask her anything) and is the first person to pick you up when you’re down. Izzy is the life of the party. You can guarantee if Izzy is in the room, you are going to cry with laughter. Julie is the kindest person you will ever meet. Fun fact, Julie spent her first few months in the band giving me one on one dance lessons, and I wouldn’t be here today without her!! Finally, Tyger. Tyger is a powerhouse. She’s funny, determined, sassy and filled to the brim with musical talent. She co-writes and co-produces most of the Calyco songs!!
5. How would you describe your music to someone?
Angel says...
RnB will always be the foundation! Whether we dabble in drill, pop, funk, or whatever! RnB is what brought us together and is what makes us all happy. So if you love RnB, you’ll love Calyco!
6. Can you tell us about your music background and who inspired you?
All girls answer
Angel – My dad was a conductor and choirmaster for the Salvation Army in DRC. Music was, and still is, ever-present in our home. I grew up on gospel and soul music, which eventually led to my love for Pop and RnB, but living in such a diverse community has allowed me to find interest in all types of genres: from K-pop to Country! My musical inspiration is my dad! To this day, his talent amazes me!
Chloe – I started singing when I was 7. I sang in a school show, and my grandma instantly told me I had to start singing lessons. The moment for me when I realised I wanted to perform in front of thousands was after watching ‘Katy Perry’s – Part Of Me’. It blew me away, and I’ve wanted to perform ever since. I still turn it on now if I’m ever feeling demotivated.
Izzy – I have always grown up around music my whole life. My dad is a jazz musician who plays the drums in the west end, on TV, and with established artists! My mum is a super talented singer, and I’ve always grown up watching them and listening to them. They are my biggest inspirations as they have smashed the music industry, and I really hope we can do the same. I grew up listening to Beyoncé a lot and Mariah Carey, the big powerhouse singers. Music is in my genes, and I couldn’t imagine doing any other career.
Julie – I’ve always had a wide background since my mum used to play all kinds of genres, from Latin music like salsa or cumbia to Bon Jovi or Eros Ramazzotti, among others. But I’d say some of
the people who have inspired me the most are Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, CNCO and Tini
Tyger – My music taste is heavily influenced by my dad. Growing up, I listened to a lot of RnB and reggae. Michael Jackson, ub40, Justin Timberland and Sean Paul were always playing around the house. When I was a kid, I absolutely loved boybands. JLS were my favourite. I’ve also been influenced by Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Destiny’s Child, Stormzy, J Hus, Ariana Grande, H.E.R., Jhené Aiko, Dave, and Mahalia. I have so much respect for these artists. They are all true musicians with incredible ideas. I love to appreciate their work.
7. What are your favourite things about the city?
Chloe says…
I’ve only been in London for 3 years and love everything about this city. There’s nothing you can’t see, no food you can’t eat, no culture you can’t learn about and no dream is too big! Everyone has a different and unique story to tell. I love that the first question you ask when you meet someone is, ‘so, where are you from?’. I have learnt so much about people and myself since moving here. It’s home now.
8. Now lockdown is over, what have you most enjoyed about being out again?
Tyger says…
I have mostly enjoyed being able to hug my friends and family! This summer, I went to visit a music festival for the first time since lockdown, and I felt overwhelmed by hearing the sound of live music again! It was an emotional experience, live music was greatly missed during lockdown, and I am so happy that we are able to watch performances and perform again!
9. What is your top tip for living your best life?
Julie says…
Just try to enjoy and live in the moment, but without forgetting what you want to do and what you’re going to do to achieve it. Set your goals and work hard to get them.
10. What are your plans and ambitions for the future?
Angel says…
Work on more music! Get it out there for everyone to hear. People from all over the world! We can’t wait until tours are up and running again so we can really connect with everyone through our music! We’re very excited about our future and cannot wait for what’s in store.
