Feature Music

Callum: A Rising Star in the Music Industry Delivers New Ep the Present Past

NY Weekly Staff

March 20, 2025
12:20 pm

A Unique Sound Shaped by Synesthesia

Callum, an 18-year-old singer-songwriter from Berlin, MD, is quickly making a name for herself in the music industry. Her distinctive voice, combined with her ability to blend genres seamlessly, has captivated audiences nationwide. Born with synesthesia, Callum experiences music in a way that transcends traditional auditory perception. For her, creating music is a sensory experience where sounds translate into colors and textures, guiding her in crafting songs that feel as vivid as they sound.

In 2025, Callum released her highly anticipated sophomore EP, The Present Past, a project that showcases her evolution as an artist and has already garnered significant attention.

A Natural Talent with Early Beginnings

Callum’s musical journey began at an incredibly young age. Singing since infancy, she developed a level of vocal control that set her apart early on. Her transition from performing for family and friends to playing in professional settings was smooth, with her first public performances at local farmers’ markets and restaurants at 13. As word of her talent spread, so did the demand for her performances, leading to more significant opportunities.

From Local Gigs to Festival Stages

Callum: A Rising Star in the Music Industry delivers new EP The Present Past — Photo Courtesy: Outer Control / Callum

As Callum continued to refine her artistry, she began integrating original compositions into her live performances. Audience members often searched for these songs online, assuming they were established tracks. This validation motivated her to start recording music. As her reputation grew, festival invitations soon followed, allowing her to share her music with even broader audiences. Her ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level became evident, solidifying her place as an emerging artist with a promising future.

Career Milestones and Breakout Success

A pivotal moment in Callum’s career came when she partnered with Outer Control, a management team that helped her leverage professional videography to showcase her talent. The exposure from these videos attracted thousands of views, shares, and comments, further propelling her career. Influenced by legendary artists such as Etta James, Amy Winehouse, FINNEAS O’Connell, and Phoebe Bridgers, Callum’s music embodies both timeless soulfulness and modern innovation.

Her first recorded song, If I Could, resonated deeply with listeners, gaining thousands of organic streams. This was followed by the release of Testing My Patience and Captivated, the latter amassing over 100,000 streams. These successes paved the way for more extensive performance opportunities, including opening for major acts such as Coldplay and Foreigner and securing spots at high-profile festivals like The Ladybug Festival.

Touring and Headlining Achievements

Each milestone in Callum’s journey led to new heights. She embarked on her first tour, opening for The Wildwoods before eventually headlining her shows. In 2024, she reached another major accomplishment by headlining her first national tour to promote her debut EP, You Know Who. This tour took her across multiple states, including Maryland, Delaware, New York, and Pennsylvania, where she played at renowned venues such as The Bitter End, SXSW, and The Gamble Rogers Folk Festival.

Her hard work and dedication were recognized with multiple accolades, including awards from the Josie Music Awards, The Homey Awards, and Elephant Talk Indie. These honors highlighted her exceptional songwriting and originality, reinforcing her growing influence in the music industry.

A Strong Start to 2025

As Callum continues to build on her momentum in 2025, The Present Past EP has solidified her place as one of the industry’s most promising young talents. This new project has already made waves, showcasing her growth and versatility as an artist. Additionally, she received the opportunity to audition for American Idol Season 23 in front of esteemed judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood. This milestone marks another significant step forward in her career, positioning her for even more opportunities ahead.

Looking Ahead

With an unwavering passion for music and an ever-growing fan base, Callum’s future is bright. Her ability to craft songs that resonate deeply and her dynamic live performances set her apart as a force to watch in the music world. As she continues to evolve and push boundaries, audiences can expect even more compelling music from this rising star.