Interview: Fresh Country Talent Callie Twisselman Talks ‘Closure’ EP, Pop and Country Inspirations and Secret Talent

We had the pleasure of chatting to rising country pop talent Callie Twisselman about her recently released EP Closure. Callie shared all about her inspirations in the world of country and pop music, as well as her favourite musical memories.

You can read our interview with Callie below. Stream Closure above.

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I would love to know about the first music you discovered in your youth and what effect it had on you?

Growing up I loved country but I also loved pop! Country music was a big part of my family as my mother was a local country singer. Shania Twain was a family favorite and I remember watching her music video for “Man I Feel Like a Woman” and being so mesmerized! Growing up during the 90’s pop, of course I was a huge fan of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. I had Britney posters all over my wall in my bedroom. I think the love for the two genres really shaped my sound today. I have that country essence in my voice and write my songs from the heart which is what country music is all about, but I also have some pop/country melodies to my songs which really blends the two nicely. 

Was music always a goal for you? At what age did you start to actively pursue songwriting and making music?

Music was always my goal. I was singing at 2 years old! There’s a tape somewhere of me mimicking my mom and sister singing Trisha Yearwood’s “She’s In Love with the Boy”.  But it was when I was 10 that I really started to notice this was what I wanted to do. And I started singing the National Anthem at every event I could. Songwriting really came in to play around 15 years old. I started writing songs just by melodies in my head and then soon realized if I could learn an instrument it would progress my songwriting. So I picked up my mom’s old guitar and started taking guitar lessons. 

What does it feel like to put your music out there for the world to hear?

Putting out music for the world is very vulnerable! But there’s something about it that just feels right. I feel like a lot of us are similar in a lot of ways and go through a lot of the same emotions in life and sharing my stories with others really just makes me feel more connected and closer to the fans. 

Tell me about your debut EP, Closure. Are there any particular stories and inspirations behind the lyrics of the tracks?

My debut EP Closure was a few years in the making, so I can’t tell you how exciting it was to finally share it and have it out in the world! One song in particular “Cowboy” was inspired by the Cowboy way of life and it was such a dream to write a song that portrayed my upbringing of growing up around Cowboys and I was so excited to be able to pay tribute to them! 

What can fans expect from you next? Is there any new music on the horizon? 

Fans can definitely expect some new music! That is what I’m currently working on and can’t wait to share!! They can also expect some more tour dates soon!! 

What have you learned from being on a national tour? Do you have any fun stories to share?  

I learned so much on my first National tour! There is a lot of time spent on the road getting from place to place and it can be exhausting at times but then once your on that stage and singing to a whole new group of people each night its completely worth it! I also learned that dieting on the road can be tough lol I was trying to do a low carb diet, so my sister was laughing when I brought my own keto bread into a restaurant. But hey gotta do what ya gotta do! Haha 

Who are you listening to at the moment?

At the moment I’m listening to Morgan Wallen, Gabby Barrett and Ed Sheeran. 

What would people be surprised to find out about you? Do you have any surprising secret talents or skills?

They might be surprised that I am an amazing baker! My grandma taught me to bake at a young age and I’ve always loved it! If I wasn’t singing I would’ve probably opened my own bakery. 

Looking back, is there a musical memory that you’re most proud of?

A musical memory that I’m most proud of, for starters would be when I was 10 and had the guts to get up on stage for the first time in front of thousands to sing the National Anthem! I give that little girl props!! But recently getting to open for Dolly Parton for SXSW was amazing! 

Who are your all time favourite country inspirations?

My all time favorite country inspirations would be Shania Twain, Dolly Parton, Miranda Lambert and George Strait. 

I’d love to hear about some of your other cultural highlights of recent times: the films, books, television series or albums that you can’t get enough of.

Recently I’ve been obsessed with the television series “The last Kingdom”. I mean Utrid!!! Haha you’ve gotta watch it. As far as albums, I love Ed Sheeran’s current album “Equals” and then I’ve just started listening to Maren Morris’ “Humble Quest”.