NEW YORK, NY. (Top40 Charts/ Universal Republic Records) - Thanks to the low-key stylings of California newcomer, Colbie Caillat, the music industry is toasting to a little 'Bubbly,' this week. The aptly named first single from the star's breakthrough debut album, COCO (Universal Republic), has made her the artist development story of the year, propelling the album to freshly minted RIAA certified gold status - another milestone that can be traced to her word-of-mouth launch only a few months ago on the social networking site myspace.
The dusky vocals and friendly rhythms of the hit now reigns No 1 atop multiple radio and digital charts � making 'Bubbly' one of the fastest growing radio singles of the year - locking down the top spot at Triple A radio for a month running as it becomes a mainstay of iTunes and other digital and wireless charts. Fans who want to experience the charismatic star's intimate songcraft will get a chance to see her when she tours the U.S. beginning in October.
Two weeks ago, her acclaimed album regained its place in the upper reaches of the Billboard Top Albums chart. The 22 year old musician has been leapfrogging on the global entertainment-heat meter into rarefied territory these days, rubbing elbows with established superstar brands such as Justin Timberlake and yes � even Kanye West. Wrote one online critic, capturing her storybook rise perfectly: 'She's a breath of fresh air � no hype, no overproduced sound � just a girl with a guitar who feels blessed to be doing what she loves.' Rolling Stone magazine seconded the notion, citing her months ago in a feature about unsigned online discoveries, and noting more recently: 'It's easy to see the every gal appeal of this 22 year old myspace sensation.'
Avery Lipman, Executive Vice President of Universal Republic Records, signed the star with a commitment to nurturing the path she had already begun. 'Her amazing breakthrough is equal to the purity of her songwriting,' states Mr. Lipman.
Colbie's competition on the various music charts might be coming to the same conclusion. Her record-breaking ascension to the top of the iTunes domain � she rocketed to the No 1 spot of the coveted iTunes Album chart within hours of the album's mid-July release date � gave notice she was emerging as 2007's most unconventional success story. Self-launched on the now giant myspace, (which currently boasts 115,000 unique visitors a month), it was Caillat's low key, inviting ambiance that translated to audiences worldwide, and almost overnight became the new prototype for undiscovered talent looking to gain online traction. Her songs have been played over 22 million times on the site.
Most critics agree, however, that the smoky accent she brings to her songs can never be duplicated. Set to perform on the Today Show October 12, Colbie has been chosen as a 'You Outta Know' artist by VH1 where her video, shot on location in Caillat's home turf of Malibu, is in XL rotation. Colbie is currently readying for a fall tour of the U.S. to begin in early October. The following are confirmed dates for the much anticipated tour:
10/9 - Chicago, IL - Park West
10/10 - Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall
10/11 - Munhall (Pittsburgh area) Carnegie Library of Homestead
10/12 - New York, NY - Today Show (NBC-TV)
10/12 - New York, NY - Grand Ballroom at the Manhattan
10/15 - Cleveland, OH - House of Blues
10/16 - Detroit, MI - St. Andrews Hall
10/19 - Tucson, AZ - Rialto Theater
10/21 - Monterey, CA - Festival
10/23 - Chico, CA - Senator Theater
10/24 - Reno, CA, - Stoneys
10/25 - Petaluma, CA - The Mystic Theater
10/28 - Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up
10/29 - Ventura, CA - Ventura Theater
11/1 - Boston, MA - The Roxy
11/2 - Northampton, MA - Pearl Street
11/3 - South Burlington, VT - Higher Ground Ballroom
11/5 - Washington DC - 9:30 Club
11/6 - Baltimore, MD - Sonar
11/7 - Philadelphia, PA - The Fillmore at TLA
11/9 - Raleigh/Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle
11/13 - Minneaplis, MN - First Avenue
