Callie Twisselman – Cowboy

By starrymag | March 17, 2022

By: Kelly Kearney

 

 

 

Q) A seventh-generation cattle rancher from California with millions of streams on Spotify. You bring authenticity to this country girl meets club beats genre. What made you want to dip out of the family business and shoot for country music stardom?

 

A) I decided when I was ten years old that I just really loved to sing. My mother was a singer in a local country band, so that’s kinda where the bug for it came from. I’ll always love being home and helping out with the family business, but music is my passion.

 

Q) When I think of country music, I don’t often think of California. Where did your love of the genre come from?

 

A) Yes, a lot of people think of California and the city but there’s a lot of country sides to it as well. I grew up on the Central coast of California in the country lifestyle, riding horses, competing in rodeos etc. So, I think just growing up in that setting and being a farmer’s daughter really shaped who I am as an artist and made me love Country music.

 

Q) Congrats on landing a showcase at SXSW, but most importantly, opening for country music legend and modern-day Saint, Dolly Parton! Not a bad way to break into the country music scene, Callie. How did this incredible opportunity come to you?

 

A) Thank you! Yes, it’s definitely an amazing opportunity and getting to open for one of my idols on top of that is just mind blowing! SXSW was something that my management brought to the table. We weren’t sure if it was going to happen at first but I’m so glad it is!

 

Q) As we mentioned, you’re living the dream; opening for Dolly at SXSW, and putting your own spin on the classic country genre. Any chance there could be a Dolly and Callie duet in the future?

 

A) A Dolly and Callie duet would be a dream come true! I would just love that! Maybe one day in the near future but for now I’ll just keep trying to speak it into existence.

 

Q) Is there anything you’ve learned about the business, or life in general, from meeting and working alongside Dolly Parton?

 

A) Yes, there are so many things I’ve learned from her! Dolly is an incredible businesswoman and has paved the way for so many up-and-coming female artists like myself. She has definitely taught me to stand up for what I believe in as an artist and if you put in the hard work and dedication, things will likely fall into place.

 

Q) Who are you most excited to meet at the festival?

 

A) You know, I’m just so excited to be a part of the festival and meet the other artists. This is my first year ever attending as well as showcasing so it’s pretty amazing. And, of course, I always look forward to getting to see Dolly perform so that’s what I’m really looking forward to!

 

Q) SXSW is one of the most talked-about music and film festivals of the year. What does this level of exposure mean to you and your career?

 

A) It’s pretty awesome to be showcasing SXSW, I won’t lie! Not only that but opening for my idol Dolly Parton. It doesn’t get much better!

 

Q) Let’s talk about your recent single climbing its way through the Spotify streams- what’s the story behind “Cowboy?”

 

A) “Cowboy” is a song that was inspired by the cowboy way of life. And growing up in that lifestyle myself, I really learned what it meant to be one and so I wanted to write a song to pay tribute to them.

 

Q) Millions of streams means that your music has reached millions of ears! How does it feel knowing your work has touched that many lives?

 

A) It’s so cool! I never thought I was gonna have a million streams! It’s just really neat to know that my music is enjoyed by so many.

 

Q) What motivates you to sit down and write?

 

A) I write mainly about my life experiences or someone else’s around me like a friend or family member. It’s really the only way to get a great song, by writing what is real and honest. Although I’m not opposed to writing some fictional stories for fun!

 

Q) Any projects planned for after SXSW that the fans can keep their ears tuned into?

 

A) I’ll be working on new music and getting some more live shows together, which you can keep up to date on through my website com.

 

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of you and your work?

 

A) I would just like to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my songs and life with you and listening and streaming and going to the shows. It all means the world to me, and I couldn’t do it without you.

 

 

 

 

 

Watch The Video For “Cowboy”