Callum is a 17 year old singer songwriter from Berlin, MD that blends her influences of Indie Pop, Folk, Jazz and R&B into something truly special. Recently I was contacted by Callum’s management. They read the article on My Musical Journey at New Jersey Stage. Her manager felt I would be a good fit working with her and her team in 2025.
In the past, I was involved in booking Liz Longley, fresh out of Berklee School of Music. I also worked with SOF, now in Los Angeles; Sarah Lightman, now residing in Nashville; and Christopher Morse, now living in Colorado. Representing young, up and coming artists, is something I cherish. Watching them grow and assisting them along the way has always brought me JOY!
As we chatted I felt an instant connection, as if we had known each other for years. Callum is a 17-year-old recording artist from Berlin, Maryland, making a name for herself. I referred her to Singer- Songwriter Cape May. She submitted and has been chosen to perform in March 2025. I know she is looking forward to it and so am I. Knowing how busy Callum’s year has been, I feel honored she was able to take the time for this interview with me. She truly is a Gifted and Talented artist and I am looking forward to being part of her team.
When did you begin performing your original music?
I started writing at the age of 8 and performing professionally at 13!
How have you been able to accomplish everything at such a young age?
A short answer would be: lots of Hard Work!
I play music full time while I am also a full time High School student and as if that wasn’t enough, I added 3 college courses to my schedule as well. Thankfully my college professors were very understanding and worked with my schedule. Being homeschooled allowed me flexibility as well. On top of all this, I spend time in the studio recording and producing music.
You are homeschooled, how do you think that’s affected your learning experience?
Homeschooling has been good for me, I feel. There’s pros and cons with everything in life but with homeschooling it’s taught me independence when it comes to learning, which has served me well in my career. A lot of my musical ability has been self taught, which I also think has bred creativity. My music and songwriting isn’t always conventional and highly centered on feelings. How it makes me feel and what feelings it conveys. The only cons I can think of is probably the social aspect of things. While I do not have many, “friends”, as someone my age however I do have a good group of people around me that truly care about me.
What instruments do you play? Are there any that you want to learn in the future?
I play guitar, piano and ukelele. I’m getting more into the electric guitar and definitely interested in learning more as well.
What excites you the most about performing and touring?
I get a rush from getting to meet people and see people coming to share the experience of music with me. I love traveling and seeing new places and playing with other artists as well. My music comes from personal experiences so being able to share this with others, means the world to me.
Do you have a wishlist of festivals and events you would like to perform in 2025?
I’m always honored to play any festival and event but of course, like many artists, to play the Big ones on a Big stage is a Dream. Festivals like Coachella, Bonnaroo, the Newport Folk Festival, would all be great.
So far, where has been your favorite experience as far as traveling to perform?
My favorite would be actually a recent one. One of my EP shows at the Listening Booth in Lewes, DE, was great!
We actually have some great recordings at it, as well, that you may hear sooner than later.
What’s your favorite thing you taught yourself outside of music?
Horseback riding!
I used to work at a Stable taking care of horses and cleaning the stalls and such. Like most learning experiences with me, you show me the basic ropes and let me roam and it’s off to the races figuratively and literally, in this case. I had a horse that I had a real connection with, her name was Moca,and she still is my baby.
I read you have Synesthesia. Can you explain what that is and how does it affect you and your music?
Synesthesia is a condition where your senses kinda mesh together and one sense can represent itself in a different way. For me, when I hear and play music I can see colors and also taste things at times, as well. It really just leads me to make music that feels right to me in more ways than one.
Ok last question, What is your next big thing coming up?
I have a brand new EP coming in February called, “The Present Past.” It’s my sophomore EP that’s an in depth follow up to my Debut EP, “You Know Who.”
It’s a lot more personal than any of my other music and I think it will be received well. I did a couple pre-release shows where we previewed the EP and it was met by a great reception. I also have a Summer Tour planned and a couple of Very Big Surprises!
I would be remiss in not sharing all of Callums accolades in 2024, she sure has been busy.
* Callum has accomplished notable performances at Bonnarro, Ladybug Music Festival, Karnival of the Arts, Annapolis Singer-Songwriter Festival, SongBird Festival: A Woman’s Experience, Annapolis, MD, Maryland Folk Festival, Delaware Folk Festival, Ocean City Spring Festival, Ocean City Sunfest, and a USA Singer- Songwriter competition, where she was invited to perform at a showcase at SXSW, in Austin, Texas last March.
* Callum has won the 2024 Delaware Public Media/NPR Hometown Heroes, “ Homey Awards”, for EP of the year for, “ You Know Who.”
* The 2024 18th Annual Elephant Talk Indie Music Awards in New Jersey, picking up 6 awards including EP of the year, for her debut EP,”You Know Who.”
* The 10th Annual Josie Awards in 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee, awarding her in the Pop/ Contemporary/ Female Category.
* Several first-time nominations from ISSA (International Singer- Songwriter Association) in Atlanta, Georgia.
* Callum is now an official SoFar artist performing last summer in Baltimore , and is invited back for 2025.
Check out Callum’s website at www.luvcallum.com and let’s together stay connected with this amazing young talent out of Maryland.
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