NASHVILLE, TN (June 10, 2022) – On rare occasion an artist emerges with a talent that feels both groundbreakingly fresh yet as warm and inviting as a favorite blanket that makes the world feel more comfortable. Callista Clark is a new face with an old soul, an impressive voice with a gift for writing insightful lyrics that both challenge and empower as reflected on her debut full-length album REAL TO ME: THE WAY I FEEL, arriving October 14 via Big Machine Records. Expanding her REAL TO ME collection to 10 tracks, the 18-year-old exudes both strength and vulnerability in pointed lyrics that leave no doubt where she stands. Produced by Nathan Chapman, Callista’s debut album reveals a songwriter of considerable depth and wit and a gifted singer with confidence and an impressive presence unique to someone her age. It all adds up to a powerful launch for an artist whose music is poised to become the soundtrack for the heartbreaks and triumphs of her generation. Fans can pre-order the album here.
“I couldn’t be more excited to share that my FIRST ALBUM EVER is coming out October 14! I have been waiting so long and trying my best to get all the new songs as perfect as I can. The ‘Real to Me’ era is not over yet! Can’t wait for y’all to hear it,” says Callista
Callista gave fans a sneak preview of the album today with the release of a brand new track, “Sad.” Anyone expecting this to be a sad song will be pleasantly surprised. Penned by the rising female vocalist alongside Sarah Buxton and Jimmy Robbins, “Sad” is a song about a young woman who is not at all broken up about her recent breakup. The breezy anthem boasts an infectious melody and sassy, tongue-in-cheek performance as Callista sings “If I’m supposed to cry through the lonely nights ’cause you said goodbye well why ain’t I, why ain’t I sad?” Survival never sounded more buoyant and self-assured. Watch the lyric video here.
“‘Sad’ is one of my favorite songs that I’ve ever written,” adds Callista. “It’s super lighthearted and perfect for summer. I wanted the lyrics of this song to be fun and sarcastic – the exact opposite of how I was feeling while going through a heartbreak. Manifesting not being sad.”
REAL TO ME: THE WAY I FEEL TRACK LIST
1. “It’s ‘Cause I Am” | Callista Clark, Cameron Jaymes, Laura Veltz
2. “Gave It Back Broken” | Callista Clark, Emily Shackelton
3. “Change My Mind” | Callista Clark, Dan Isbell, Jonathan Singleton
4. “Worst Guy Ever” | Callista Clark, Jordan Reynolds, Emily Weisband
5. “Brave Girl” | Callista Clark, Ben Johnson, Emily Landis
6. “Wish You Wouldn’t” | Callista Clark, Emily Falvey, Lalo Guzman
7. “Heartbreak Song” | Callista Clark, Chris DeStefano, Liz Rose, Emily Shackelton
8. “Don’t Need It Anymore” | Callista Clark, Cameron Jaymes, Melissa Peirce
9. “Sad” | Callista Clark, Sarah Buxton, Jimmy Robbins
10. “Real To Me” | Callista Clark, Casey Robert Brown, Laura Veltz
With Real To Me (Big Machine Records) producing her first Top 20 “It’s ‘Cause I Am,” Callista became Country radio’s most successful new artist debut of 2021. She shows no signs of slowing down as her soulful new single “Gave It Back Broken” currently rising at Country radio. Watch the accompanying music video here. Blending inspiration from authentic, timeless classics with the sounds of her Georgia roots, Callista “commands her career from its breakthrough beginnings” (American Songwriter). The momentum has continues as Billboard featured Callista two years in a row on their annual “21 Under 21” list, plus she was the youngest member ever named to CMT’s Next Women of Country in the 2022 class. For more information and upcoming tour dates, visit CallistaClark.com and follow along with Callista’s journey on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.
