The teenage, Aussie, pop star opens up about recording his first full album, Paradise.
"I've been preparing for this album to come out and establishing my own sound and image in the industry. I think people will really understand me when this album comes out Oct. 2. The single is the dance song 'Wish U Were Here,' and there are a lot of mellow beach records on it. That's my thing; I love the beach and surfing. I come from Australia, so that's my lifestyle, and I want to make sure my music fits that."
What's his favorite song on the album?
"It's like having ten or twelve little kids! There's this one record on there—I just finished the final version
What's it like to be in the studio with rappers like T-Pain and Flo Rida?
"I learn so much from them. When I'm in there and watching them spit verses to a song that you wrote, it's a great feeling. After I did the song with T-Pain for my album, he sent back the final version and I freaked out because I personally think the verse you hear on my record is one of the best verses I've heard him do. It's such a cool feeling."
Will he ever try rapping?
"It would be just for fun—I wouldn't put out an album or anything! But maybe on a rainy day, who knows? I do like to rap, but I'm not looking to do it in any other way than just a bit of fun here and there. It's not the kind of style of music that I think I'll grow up making."
His advice for building a fan base online:
"Connect with your fans and make them feel like they know you. Let them in on what you do from day to day. Obviously, it's good to have some kind of mystique as well, but it's important release new content every day. Every single week, I have a webisode that comes out about what it's like behind the scenes on my tour. I put a little swimming race that I had with my security guard—funny stuff!"
How does he deal with people wanting to know about his personal life?
"Yeah, it took a little while to get used to people taking interest in things other than just my music. It comes along with it. I don't want to be public about everything that I do. It's about finding a balance.
What music is he currently listening to?
"Frank Ocean's album, Channel Orange, is on repeat right now. I love every song. Definitely a lot of John Mayer—Continuum is still my favorite album ever, by anyone. I like Jason Mraz's new album, too."
Who does he want collaborate with?
"Jason Mraz, John Mayer, and Jack Johnson are people that I look up to. I wonder how I'm going to make music like they make music. Justin Timberlake is definitely my main inspiration when it comes to entertainment."
Whst's the "Wish U Were Here" video about?
"It's a lifestyle tour video showing my life and wishing that my girl was here with me when I'm performing and I'm super busy. We shot a really cool shot on stage of me dancing, and we let off a bunch of fireworks in Louisiana."
What will he being doing the next few months?
"I'm wrapping up the album, and I'm pretty much focused on the tour right now and giving the best show I can to the fans. I'm going to the Bahamas to do a concert in November, and then going straight over to Europe to do shows in France, Germany, the UK, and Ireland. It will be the first time that I've actually been overseas to Europe."
Way to go Cody!
source: teen vogue
