Calby
With his new single “Deeper Love”, Copenhagen-based artist Calby continues to refine his soulful universe, both musically and emotionally. Known for his roots-inspired sound and deeply expressive voice, Calby delivers a cinematic and intimate track that marks a new chapter in his artistic journey. Deeper Love not only showcases a richer, more mature production, but also sets the tone for his forthcoming third album, confirming his place as one of Denmark’s most compelling contemporary soul and R&B artists.
“Deeper Love” is out now worldwide.
Photo credit: Petra Kleis
Hi Calby, how are you? What's your story?
I'm very well, thank you. Always exciting and admittedly a bit nerve-racking to be releasing new music. But I guess that's how you know it matters. I’m in the middle of finishing my third studio album and this new song is the second single release from that record.
When did you start making music?
I was born into a family of musicians, so for me music was always just kinda there. As a kid I assumed that the other kids' parents did music as well. I started playing guitar at the age of 9. Hated it at first. Then I began singing. That came naturally. Picked up the guitar again at the age of 12, when I discovered The Beatles. Haven’t really looked back since.
When did you know music was more than just a hobby? What gave you the confidence to be an artist?
Well first of all, I don’t believe you need confidence to be an artist. You need conviction. Confidence is helpful at times, but I have seen some very confident people suck very hard at art.
I think an artist is what you become if there is no other option for your soul. It has to be a deep necessity. Otherwise the job will break you before you get there.
As to the hobby part of the question, I was spoiled (or maybe ruined..) with growing up around musicians. I never saw it as a hobby. I was well aware of the pitfalls and toughness of the music business at an early age. You might say I was too aware in the early stages of my career. But we all have our own path in this. Mine was one of cautionary tales and not a lot of money. But I wouldn’t have it any other way to be honest.
Could you list a few records that influenced the music you are making today?
I’ll try and keep the list short.
First of all, The Beatles. Full stop. If you know you know. If you don’t, go find out.
My parents played a lot of soul and jazz records at home. So my earliest memories of music are Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell and also Bill Evans, Miles Davis. Heavy hitters from long ago. Lots of classic stuff. To me they are the sound of memories and life, so I don’t really consider them records. And the list is long.
Being a 90’s kid, Britpop og techno pop also played a big part of the soundscape of my childhood.
In my early teens I got heavily into British Invasion Era music and 60’s Soul. I guess those references are still prevalent in my own music.
These days I have a really eclectic taste. Purposefully all eating. I’ve never been one to go “Oh, I have to try and tap into this and that trend”. It doesn’t really interest me. And honestly I think there is too much of that going on like - tapping into a sound or a microtrend and everything becomes so streamlined. Who’s gaining from that? Give me Crazy and original any day.
Rosalia’s cool in the pop world. She’s adventurous and very talented to my ears.
The Danish act “Smag på dig selv” has got a fun thing going.
Could you tell me about your new single "Deeper Love"? What's the story behind this song?
It’s a song about finding true love in your life. About love being the backdrop to your life. What does that mean in this day and age? I truly don’t know, but I’m trying to express a very sincere emotion of gratitude to having found love in this life.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process behind this single?
So I wrote the song and did a full demo production. For a while there I (and my label) thought we were just gonna go with that. But on a whim I sent it to my producer friend Rissi in Los Angeles, and he then gave the drums a twist and replaced the guitar. Then it started feeling like something I hadn’t heard or done before - that’s usually a very good sign.
I then recorded the strings in a studio in Copenhagen. Did some final editing and that’s about it. Fun fact all the vocals are from the day 1 demo.
What does music make you feel?
Just about all the feelings I’d say. I get extremely excited when something new peaks my interest. I also get equally bummed out when I hear something I don’t like. It matters to me.
How do you take care of your mental health in this very demanding music industry?
Okay, so I have some thoughts on this.
First of all, dealing with your mental health is part of the job I’m afraid. So is dealing with your physical health once you start touring.
There’s pressure, there is personality, there’s emotion. There’s a lot of uncertainty. A recipe for disaster, if you’re not feeling well.
I’m in no way saying that that is a good thing, I just really think it’s time we removed the stigma of pretending. It can be a brutal industry and I think it’s very important to accept that as a fact. Not that is HAS to be but that it CAN be. You have to find a way to deal with that. Most artists are sensitive creatures, and a lot of them don’t make it to the finish line.
I think we need better wealth distribution. It has become exceedingly difficult to survive as a full time artist outside of the mainstream. This is not healthy for our society or our artist community.
A coping mechanism I use is to consider myself as being my own little industry, that sometimes brushes shoulders with other industries. The music industry being one of those.
What I’m getting at is you kind of have to invent your own version of the game that we all play.
As for the clinical part of Mental health - go to therapy until it bores the crap out of you. And then go back.
I did years of cognitive group therapy to deal with my anxiety. That helped me through the toughest times.
But as people with anxiety will know, it’s an ongoing thing and so is dealing with it. I accept that as well. I’m actually kinda happy that we are finally getting to a place where we can at least talk about it in the open. That gives me great confidence in the future.
In your opinion, what would make the world a BETTER place?
Honestly I think it's time for the old guard to step down and leave the reins to a generation with a more optimistic and contemporary world view.
Lots of industries have a mandatory retirement age. Same should go for politicians. Just a thought.
What biggest lessons have you learned in 2025?
Most people want to see you succeed.
What are your goals for 2026?
I hope my new songs find their audience. That’s it.
Connect with Calby: