In today's climate, it's commonly encouraged not to share one's political leanings for the sake of unity. However, up-and-coming pop sensation CALLIE challenges that notion; she brings people together by weaving subtexts of social commentary and calls for change within her music. Though she just dropped her debut single, "Hey Luigi," analyzing and commenting on these topics through art is nothing new to her. CALLIE's childhood in Hong Kong exposed her to traditional Chinese instruments and dance styles, allowing her to tell powerful stories about mental health, sustainability, and empowerment. She then moved to Los Angeles, CA to pursue an education in narrative studies, dance, and music at the University of Southern California, further shaping her global perspective and strengthening her dynamic artistry.
Current events from November 2024 to January 2025 - such as the capitalistic malpractices of healthcare companies, the Los Angeles wildfires, and the executive orders Donald Trump has passed since his inauguration - can ignite feelings of pessimism and doom. After all, the state of the world right now does eerily mimic the Hunger Games franchise. But the transcendental, uplifting, "Hey Luigi" aims to establish a sense of hope despite these dark headlines. The track mythologizes Luigi Mangione; it iconicizes his persona as a pop culture figure, a Mockingjay-like character who inspires justice. "Hey Luigi" doubles as a sultry anthem loosely based on 2000s dance pop classics - complete with compelling melodic and instrumental choices - and a bold statement that everyone ought to reflect on.
YOU'LL LOVE CALLIE IF YOU LISTEN TO: FKA Twigs, Lady Gaga, Paris Paloma, Kali Uchis, Raye, Tyla, JENNIE, Addison Rae, and the soundtrack of any Hunger Games movie!
What artists did you grow up listening to, and who's on your playlist now? How do all of these names influence your craft?
I grew up listening to Anita Mui, Michael Jackson, and George Michael—icons who shaped the way I saw performance, storytelling, and reinvention. Their music felt larger than life, cinematic even, and I fell in love with the way they made emotions feel so visceral. Now, my playlist is a mix of artists who push creative boundaries: FKA Twigs, Kali Uchis, Addison Rae, Raye, James Blake, Tyla, Orion Sun, and Jennie. Heavy on FKA Twigs—I’ve loved her since her Magdalene era. I’m deeply influenced by all these artists' ethereal soundscapes, genre-blending versatility, and, above all, fearlessness in their artistry. I intend for my sound to feel like an immersive experience—bold, intricate, and deeply personal—so I take inspiration from artists who bring their full, unapologetic selves into their work.
How long have you been writing songs? In what ways has your songwriting evolved in that time?
I’ve been writing songs for 6 years now. I started in folk music—just me, piano, and a journal full of stories. Over time, I found myself gravitating toward pop and R&B—genres that let me bring in my love for movement and dance. Dance has always been a huge part of my life, especially heels, hip-hop, and jazz funk, and now, I don’t just think about how my songs sound—I think about how they move. How they live in the body and make you feel when you close your eyes and let go. That’s been the biggest shift in my songwriting journey.
Why do you feel as though “Hey Luigi” is the right song to release as your debut single?
“Hey Luigi” is a love letter to my childhood self. I was a huge bookworm who stayed up reading series [such as] Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games, Veronica Roth’s Divergent, Marie Lu’s Legend, and Lauren Oliver’s Delirium. I loved stories with strong female lead characters about rebellion, justice, and fighting for a better world. This song embodies that spirit. Some instrumentals in the intro of the song utilize a Chinese Lute to mimic the iconic whistle sound effect from The Hunger Games, which symbolizes rebellion and fighting for a better future. Overall, the synths are variations of that tune. It's based on fiction, but The Hunger Games communicates what it means to advocate for change and fight against monarchy systems. While the rest of my tracks lean more into identity and storytelling, “Hey Luigi” is about something bigger than me. For the dreamers, the fighters, the ones who believe in change.
“Hey Luigi” seems like a direct response to current events and the state of the world right now. What inspired you to write a song like this, and what message do you hope resonates with people after listening to the song?
Absolutely. I was inspired by Lady Gaga’s “Judas,” The Beatles’ “Hey Jude,” and Lana Del Rey’s “Lolita” - all songs that tell a different perspective through a single name. In “Hey Luigi”, Luigi represents that person who will stand by you, ride or die, and fight for a better future. Someone who doesn’t back down when things get tough. I want people to feel empowered when they hear it. We need each other. We need community. We need to stand for humanity. If this song makes even one person feel less alone in that fight, I’ve done my part.
I love the synths in the instrumentals of this song. Did you produce “Hey Luigi” yourself or work with a team? How did you approach the production process and create these types of sounds?
I work with an incredible team! I wrote the song and the lyrics, then my producer, Alex Gage, brought it to life with synths, guitar, and beats - he’s insanely talented. I’ve been friends with him for a year now, and working with him feels effortless. For “Hey Luigi,” I described one of the sounds I wanted as “fiery-wind-air,” and somehow, Alex just got it. My friend Christopher A-Young from back home in Hong Kong masters my tracks, and his touch brings everything together perfectly.
On social media, you've teased choreography to the song, which we're super excited to see more of! How much dance experience did you have before working on the “Hey Luigi” visualizers?
I’ve been dancing my entire life. My mom put me in ballet at 3, then hip-hop at 5, and I never stopped. She was called the “disco queen” back in her youth, so I guess it runs in the family! I’ve had incredible mentors - Japanese street-style from my break dance mentor, girl pop from my high school hip-hop trainer, etc. Heels and jazz funk are my current favorite styles.
What inspired you to come up with this choreography, and in what ways does it represent the song and its message?
Femininity and community. I take heels classes at Playground LA about once a month, and the energy there is unreal. The confidence, the passion, the drive - it’s everything “Hey Luigi” embodies. The choreography is sexy and powerful, but it’s also about protecting, uplifting, and supporting those around you. It’s about unity and rebellion rooted in love.
How does the environment and music scene of Los Angeles inspire you as an artist?
Everyone here is chasing and creating something bigger than themselves, and that energy fuels me! It challenges me to experiment and define my sound - integrating traditional Chinese instrumentation into pop-R&B. It is my purpose and intention to bring Chinese instruments into the pop scene. I really wanted to share these type of instruments because I grew up with them, and they just sound so beautiful and cinematic and scenic to me. I want people to have access to the knowledge of them, to know how to use them in pop, and for it to disseminate into other uses. For people to celebrate and enjoy it.
In what ways has your experience at the University of Southern California helped you grow as an artist?
In so many unexpected and colorful ways. I learned independent accounting skills in my touring class, discovered my core artistic identity in my branding class (especially the humanitarian causes I care about), and studied the “rules” of pop songwriting—so I could break them in a way that works. USC helped shape how I navigate this industry a lot.
What are your goals in music for 2024? Now that “Hey Luigi” is out, do you have anything in store that fans can look forward to?
I’m releasing my next four songs and performing as much as possible. My next single, “Star Breath” (an English-Mandarin pop-R&B track), drops in March, followed by “Honey Fever Dream” in April, and “Violet Angel” in May. Each one explores a different vibe and a different pocket of my emotions and experiences.
Finally, the P&P classic! What’s a lyric from “Hey Luigi” that stands out to you? Walk us through the process of writing it, and how does it speak to you personally?
Lyrics are my favorite part, so I have to pick two!“286 on the rooftop, 23" - I wrote this after watching a video about Luigi Mangione’s statement on the health insurance denial code 286. It made me think about how broken the system is - how many people suffer because they can’t access basic healthcare. So I pictured standing on a rooftop, 23 years young, looking at the world and wanting something better. It captures that feeling of urgency and hope. And the pre-chorus, “Ooh I want a map of love, veins through the city, / Ooh I’m caught between, hang tight, monopoly.” This is the core of “Hey Luigi.” I want change. I want justice. I want everyone to have access to the basic necessities of life. I want our tomorrows insured. And I want to fight for it with love, not division.
In "Hey Luigi," CALLIE sings directly to those who care about humanity’s struggles with health, equity, and poverty, challenging them to approach the future optimistically. It may be tempting to shun those with political views that differ from our own - especially if they essentially voted against our right to exist - but "Hey Luigi" acts as a bridge, inspiring constructive dialogue and discourse. CALLIE's artistry blends the perspectives she's gained from China and the United States, as well as childhood nostalgia and modern innovation; she's kind of voice that the music industry desperately needs more of. We can't wait to hear more of what CALLIE has to offer, but until then, here's a playlist we've curated to capture her vibe!
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