Nashville continues to play host to some of music’s best and brightest. Here are the performers we’re watching in 2022—and you should, too.
Callista Clark
At just 18 years old, Callista Clark is a singer/songwriter with a lot to say. The Georgia native has a gift for penning powerful and poignant songs, including her debut single, the declaration of confidence “It’s ’Cause I Am.” The song has caught fire with listeners around the world, garnering over 18 million global streams. But that success isn’t a surprise to anyone who’s followed Clark’s career. In fact, she was discovered by Scooter Braun and Scott Borchetta after Clark’s self-made online videos went viral and amassed over 130 million views. The self-taught musician has mastered the ukulele, acoustic guitar, piano, bass, electric guitar, keytar, six-string banjo, and mandolin. With her recently released debut collection Real To Me, Clark has proven herself to be a true star on the rise.
Hometown: Zebulon, GA
Years in Nashville: The first time I came to Nashville I was 11, and I had just started learning to play guitar. I fell in love with Nashville immediately because it felt like everyone there loved the same things that I did and understood me. I’ve been writing with some of the best Nashville songwriters since I was 14 and I have loved every second of it!
Early Inspirations: I’ve always really admired women in the music industry who do it all: women who sing, play instruments, and write songs. Some of my favorite artists growing up were Jennifer Nettles, The Judds, The Chicks, Jamie Grace, and Eva Cassidy.
Breakout Moment: I started posting covers of songs on my social media when I was 11—just songs that were stuck in my head that day. When I was 13, my Grandad said I should play “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival for my next cover. It’s a song that I’ve always loved because my brother used to sing it when we would perform together. I recorded the video on a dark deck of a beach house. The only lighting I had in the video was my phone lighting up my face because I was reading the chords on my phone. The video now has around 29 million views on my Facebook. It changed my life.
Most exciting thing to happen in your career (so far): The highlight of my career so far has to be playing the Grand Ole Opry. The first time I came to Nashville, my family and I went to the Opry, and I dreamed of the day I would be able to sing on that stage. I had my debut on July 30, 2021, and I’ve played there five times now. It is the most magical place I have ever played, and I will be there any time they invite me back!
What song of yours best sums up who you are or your career/life thus far? I think my song “It’s ’Cause I Am” best sums up who I am. I’ve always been really shy and reserved, so writing “It’s ’Cause I Am” was my way of being bold, daring, courageous, and strong. Being that unapologetic and confident in my daily life is a goal of mine every day.