When Callista Clark broke onto the country music scene with her hot charting single “It’s ‘Cause I Am,” she not only stamped down her mark as a new artist on the rise, but she skillfully only revealed the tip of the iceberg of her naturally gifted talent that would later surface through the release of her incredible debut album REAL TO ME: THE WAY I FEEL. Flawlessly blending several sonic styles into different genre influences, Callista’s fused her own unique sound, spotlighting the distinctive attributes that have made her one of country music’s most endearing artists. We had the incredible opportunity to check in with her ahead of this year’s CMA Fest to talk all about her appearances during the event, her debut album, songwriting, and so much more!

(Interview by: Jeffrey Kurtis) 

1) The 50^th CMA Fest is coming up in just a few weeks and you’re a part of it. What are you looking forward to most about being on the lineup for this milestone event?

CMA fest is the coolest event of the year.  It’s an incredible sight to see so many talented artists in one place—I’m excited to be a part of it all. A portion of the proceeds are donated to the CMA Foundation to give kids access to music education which I’m proud to support because music changed my life and will do the same for so many others. Can’t wait to see y’all there!

2) You play the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage on Sunday at 11:00 AM. Why do fans absolutely need to add your performance to their calendars and what can they expect from it?

I’m so excited to play the Dr Pepper Amp Stage! Within the last year, I released my debut album so my set is going to be full of songs from that—my band does an awesome job on these songs live so I’m looking forward to sharing them with the crowd! I also LOVE fashion, and my outfit is gonna be so fun! One of my favorite parts of CMA Fest is seeing what other artists are wearing. Here’s one hint… I’ll be very sparkly.

3) Besides the performance itself, are you taking part in any other events throughout the weekend inside Fan Fair X? Autograph signings, etc?

I will be at Fan-Fair X at the Roper booth for a meet and greet on Thursday, June 8th at 11:30 AM. It’s such a fun time meeting Country music fans. Come on by! I can’t wait to see you!

4) You are part of a songwriter round at The Listening Room the night before, June 10 at 6PM. For the fans that plan to catch you on both these stages during CMA Fest weekend, how will this round be most different than what they’ll get from you on Sunday?

The songwriter round at The Listening Room will be special in a different way than my full band set. If you love behind the scenes storytelling, you will love this songwriter round because it’ll be just me on my acoustic guitar playing songs that I’ve written...and spilling a little tea. Emily Shackelton, who is one of my favorite songwriters and people ever will be performing too. She is so talented and the sweetest soul. It’s going to be a great show.

5) Let’s talk about your album…we were lucky enough to be in the crowd for your incredible release party for REAL TO ME: THE WAY I FEEL. For those who haven’t heard the album top to bottom yet, and only know the singles, what can they expect from the overall vibe when they hit play?

My debut album Real to Me: The Way I Feel is all about growing up and learning how to be confident in yourself and your own skin. I wrote this as a way to process heartbreak, love and life as a teenager. The music is a combination of genres I grew up listening to so if I had to say, it’s a Country album with hints of Soul and Pop. It truly is the most “Real To Me” it could possibly be.

6) You worked with producer Nathan Chapman on the album. What aspects did he bring to the studio and the production that really helped shape the feel of the songs in ways that might not have been there if he wasn’t behind the board?

Nathan Chapman is one of the most talented people in the world. We started working on this album during Covid, so we weren’t together in studio at first. He would get different musicians to send in their parts for the songs from their house and edit them together in such a special way. Putting the tracks together this way allowed us to be able to slow down and have great attention to detail. Each guitar part or piano fill was placed where it is for a reason. Nathan truly helped to make this album what it is now.

7) You impressively had a hand in co-writing every single song on the album. How important is it to you that you write your own songs to give them the raw, realness of who you are? But also, if an outside song comes to you, what are you looking for in it that would make you consider cutting it?

I started writing songs when I was 11, and I’ve been writing in Nashville since I was 14. Writing my own songs is the most important part of being an artist for me. I’m the only one that has my exact perspective so writing not only allows me to share my feelings, experiences, beliefs, etc. but make it my own. My first album was written from things I went through from age 14-18 and it was such an incredibly formative experience that I cherish. That being said, if an outside song comes to me, I would definitely consider it if it was something that speaks to me and who I am.

8) You released a deluxe version of the album earlier this year that included very unique versions of “Gave It Back Broken,” “It’s ‘Cause I Am,” and “Real To Me.” What did each of those versions of the songs give to fans that you feel revealed a whole other layer into who you are as a songwriter and performer?

Releasing a deluxe album helped me be able to show my listeners a more raw and authentic version of myself. For example, I put out a vocals only version of my song “Real To Me.” This song is the story of my life over the last few years, and I wanted to make it as real as possible.

9) So now that the album has been out and making its impact for a little over half a year now, is there new music in the works yet? If so, when can your fans expect to hear some of it?

As a songwriter, there is almost always new music in the works. I have been writing nonstop and there is no end in sight.

10) We always end with this one, but what one piece of advice can you offer to someone who is just starting out and trying to break into the music industry?

Be yourself! It sounds cliche, but it’s true. Lean into what makes you unique, that is what will make you stand out and don’t be afraid to show people who you are—they want to know. Be as you as you can be.

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