Callista Clark
Nashville radio station 103.3 Country/WKDF is once again dialing in another fun-loving free-for-all for Murfreesboro music lovers with an event series quickly becoming infamous for just that—being free. For all.
Headliner of Hop Springs’s Feb. 5 Pickin’ Party, Callista Clark, is an artist with lots of spark—and the industry-buzz-stirring 18-year-old singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist brings a fair share of snark, too. So hark! If you come across her “It’s ’Cause I Am” video—currently in heavy rotation on both of CMT’s cable channels and their Hot 20 Countdown—you’ll be greeted with a scene-setting scenario of a song lead-in which consists of Clark in a car with a guy of whom she casually inquires:
“So . . . you wanna listen to some music or something?” Said guy’s reply is less than welcomed, as he considers the question and returns with: “Actually . . . I don’t really like music.” Clark clearly is not thrilled with this astonishing conclusion, cuing the opening of the song’s first verse.
You wish that I was simple
But I’ll never be that
Thinking that I think too much and I talk too fast
The tune and beat go on to throw punchy lines like might be born in the same year, but boy we ain’t the same age and might be reading the same book, but we ain’t on the same page.
Clark is otherwise setting herself apart by recently opening on Chris Young’s Famous Friends tour. In March, she’s set to head overseas for dates in London and Germany. So, now is the time to catch her locally. Her debut EP Real to Me is available now.
Erin Kinsey, photo by Sara Kauss
Pickin’ Party opener and dynamic vocalist Erin Kinsey creates soulful lyrics and, oh, skillfully plays seven instruments. She’s also a songwriter who co-penned “PINK,” a hopeful stance against breast cancer recorded as a collaboration by Dolly Parton, Rita Wilson, Sara Evans, Jordin Sparks and Monica.
Her co-written, keep-the-wheels-turning plea “Just Drive” has surpassed 12 million Spotify streams, and her brand-new album (releasing one day before the Party) is titled Hate This Hometown. However, that hometown is in Texas and the title track is about moving to Nashville. So relax, and don’t take it personally. (Especially since the song’s twist is you make it hard to hate this hometown—Kinsey is actually less full of hate for any state and much more full of whimsy).
“Her vivacious spirit comes through in all that she touches,” said Creative Artist Agency’s Rod Essig of Kinsey.
The free 103.3 Pickin’ Party featuring Callista Clark and Erin Kinsey is Saturday, Feb. 5, at 5 p.m. at Hop Springs Beer Park, 6790 John Bragg Hwy. For more information visit 1033country.com.
