Having recently teamed up with GRAMMY-nominated producer, Dave Brainard [Brandy Clark, Jamey Johnson, Jerrod Niemann], Callie McCullough will showcase a whole new side of her artistry on Friday, September 8, with the sassy, fun, and whimsical “What If I Don’t.” Penned by Callie and Scotty Kipfer, “What If I Don’t” marks her first release since 2021.
A modern singer/songwriter inspired by timeless classics and old-school country music; Callie McCullough has chased her own unique muse for years making contemporary roots music that nods to the legends who came before her. It’s a sound anchored in honest storytelling and McCullough’s angelic voice, whose Alison Krauss-worthy tone and Dolly Parton-sized beauty stand in contrast to her dry humor and larger-than-life personality.
“What If I Don’t” playfully challenges the expectations of marriage, having babies, making money, and the notion of getting older — asking all the “what if’s” with a wink and a nod. An official music video personifying that light-hearted humor will follow the single release on Tuesday, September 19.
As Callie explains, “You hit a certain age and it feels like there’s pressure coming from every direction that it’s time to settle down. It’s all stories of the biological clock, running out of time, and being afraid of getting older… I for one think getting older is going to be a blast and I can’t wait to continue doing whatever the hell I want for the rest of my life.”
Banjo, dobro and harmonica give us grassy textures woven together by handclaps, drums, loose grooves, and three-part harmonies on “What If I Don’t.” All led by McCullough’s vivacious personality and angelic voice, this infectious and downright refreshing sound is a taste of what we can expect in her forthcoming collection of new music.
With high praise from several music publications, Callie has made an impact in the music scene with her vulnerable vocals, breathtaking lyrics, and fusion of traditional country, Celtic, bluegrass, and folk influences. She creates a musical tapestry that effortlessly captures classic and rootsy nostalgia, coupled with her own contemporary twists, sharp songwriting, and the expressive singing of an artist who has truly found her voice.
McCullough’s debut album, After Midnight (2020), featuring first-class picking from members of the GRAMMY-winning bluegrass band Union Station and western-swing super-group The Time Jumpers— quickly put her on the map, garnering a Canadian Country Music Association Nomination for Alternative Country Album of the Year, and three CMAO Nominations: Roots Artist of the Year, Rising Star and Songwriters of the Year.
For further information, please visit the following links
Callie McCullough; Credit: Ryan Nolan
About Author
