Bailey Callahan – State of Mind

By starrymag | September 30, 2020

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I try to find a way to separate myself and really strive to continue to “discover me” and not be like anyone else. I was in the studio the other day and for the first time, I had the realization that the way I’m creating now is no one else’s. There’s not a song or production that I can reference as “my sound” because my sound comes straight from me and no one else. And that “hits the spot!”  I’ve got a little bit of grit, some sass and but a sound you can proudly take home to momma and them!

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Taylor Swift played a big role as inspiration. As I grew older, I shifted toward the Dixie Chicks, The Band Perry and now artists like Sheryl Crow, Eric Church, Jason Isbell and Miley Cyrus.

My vocal inspirations are Eric Church, The Dixie Chicks and The Band Perry.  I’m obsessed with how the Dixie Chicks and The Band Perry share their voices in song and vocally, I’ve been trying to achieve the “Eric Church grit.”   Sheryl, Jason and Miley have a stand-out style and brand; that’s something I’m hoping to achieve…a signature.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “State of Mind.”

A) Back in December I took a trip to California and fell in love with the state; that trip was very eye opening for me and hence the birth of “State of Mind.” The track is a mix of 80’s rock and country; I’m happy with the outcome. It’s a song about life, love and locations.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I hope people really connect with the lyrics and the uptempo beat of the song. I can picture my east coast fans shouting the lyrics “shotgun rider from the east coast.”  I hope “State of Mind” will make folks wanna get in a car and drive fast–maybe even take a spontaneous road trip!

 

Q) When it comes to those tasty guitar licks, is it all planned out where they go or do you tend to riff in the moment?

A) The main guitar lick that you hear in the beginning of the song and after the chorus was something that I heard in my head during the writing process. The big solo in the middle of the tune was completely unplanned; it’s become one of my favorite parts of the song.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) We’re actually in the process of preparing to film the video.  The storyline is about a girl and guy taking a road trip to California and capturing the adventures as part of the cross-country journey.  It will be my first music video and I’m excited to see the outcome.  from… “Make-up!” “Rolling” “Action!”  “Cut” and “That’s A Wrap!”

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) I’ve been writing a lot lately!  I think this quarantine time has opened my mind even more to who I am and what I have to say. I think, for me, because I learned to play music first the songwriting process starts with the music; I hear that first.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) Right off the bat, I just know what I want the sound to be. I’m very hands on in the studio. I play several instruments, so that comes in handy to demonstrate the sound that I’m shooting for.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

A) Maybbbeeeeeee. I’m always trying to figure out how to out-do myself. There’s always a plan “in the works.” So, stay tuned!

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) Other than the big stages, there are some local bars in my hometown that make me feel humble. There’s nothing like playing a show in your hometown before an audience filled with the people who have supported you from the very beginning. There is also an RV Park in Nashville where I played when I first moved here; it has a special place in my heart. My grandparents would stay there when they visited.  Following my granddad’s passing I feel a connection there.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) I’d like to do a remix of one of my songs and invite a country rapper to join me to perform.  I just think that would be so unexpected and so much fun.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) I’ve been on the HARDY train lately.  He’s so talented as a writer and as an artist; I feel like I can learn a lot from him.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) My favorite part of being an artist is talking and connecting with people. Social media allows me to check on my fans, say “hey,” learn about what they’re up to and just stay “in-tune.”  Over and above my music, the platforms also offer fans a more personal glimpse into my life and goings on.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Everything that I’ve ever wanted has come true this year.  So, I hope to find what I need to do next. I’m so thankful for everyone that has believed in me and has helped give me the courage to shoot for the stars.  Since I was fifteen years old, I dreamt of the things that are coming true this year.  Now, I’m twenty years old and I’m in a whole new phase of life and phase of my career. I’m happy my Callafans are along for the journey. Thank you for being the best fans a gal could have.