Think back to 2007. Your favorite Silly Bandz are stacked on your wrist, The Hills is your must-see TV, and “Bubbly” is a top track on the Pop 100. To celebrate those throwback days, we're introducing Low-Key Nostalgia, a series to transport you back to when blow-up furniture was cool and all your school supplies were by Lisa Frank (or Paul Frank, if you liked monkeys instead of rainbow zebras).

Today’s subject: Colbie Caillat, the musician whose MySpace profile provided the soundtrack to your middle school summer—and landed her a record deal, making her one of the first artists ever to get “discovered” on social media. (See also: Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, and Doja Cat.) Since then, Colbie’s joined the country-pop group Gone West, with a new album, Canyons, set to release in June. We spoke with her about touring in her 20s, bad haircuts, and what comes next.

What do you think of when you think of 2010?
I think of being on tour. I was 24 at the time, which sounds so crazy… I’d only been in the music industry for a few years and was still learning who I was as an artist and a performer. I was figuring out how to enjoy performing and touring. I think of being in Europe, and in love with Justin (we had just started dating), and my songs, which were in a great place.

“Bubbly” came out in 2007. What are some of the biggest changes you’ve noticed in your own music since then?
I really love stripped acoustic music, it is still my favorite. But I think we’re always evolving… I love hip hop and EDM, and I would love to collaborate on all styles of music. I think it’s so important for people to explore new sounds to see what does or doesn’t work.

When was the first time you realized you were famous?
Sometimes I feel like you never feel that. For me, [I realized I was successful] when I was working with artists like Jason Mraz or Taylor Swift. I also got to perform at the White House under the Obama administration, and I think performing there was one of those moments where I was like, “I did it.”

What’s an outfit you look back and regret?
Oh, so many, unfortunately. [Laughs] I dyed my hair brown and cut [my] bangs and was wearing heavier makeup when I slowly started realizing, “Oh, this doesn’t feel like me.” But that’s the thing—you’re young and exploring new styles. I’ve learned over time what makes me feel comfortable and confident… It’s been a long process.

What’s one of your favorite memories from your 20s?
I think getting to tour with Sheryl Crow was incredible. I grew up listening to her music and loving her writing and performing style. She had a fabulous show. She plays every instrument, her voice is completely flawless, and she treats her entire team so kindly. I feel like I learned so much from her and it was a dream come true. That experience still shapes me.

For so long, you were a solo artist. How is being in a band now?
It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I was always fascinated by bands and how they got to tour together. Being able to go through the ups and downs as a group always seemed like such a great experience. We are so proud of the work the four of us created together.