Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Loretta Callens. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Loretta, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Though I had worked in music as backup vocals, rhythm guitarist, producer, promoter, MC and stage manager in the eighties and nineties, it wasn’t until 2007 that I decided to step out as a solo singer/songwriter. I started attending song circles, festivals and music camps with a friend. Playing and singing with others around the campfire into the night was very inspiring. As a result I began to write more. My decision to pursue a career as an independent artist was made at “Pickin’ In The Pines”, a weekend festival. It was after watching the evening show that I decided, I can do that! So I did. It has been a wonderful experience since.

Loretta, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My parents were music lovers with beautiful voices who cultivated my love of music by making sure I had plenty of exposure to it.
My journey began at the early age of 6, singing at church, in school choir and at special events. Over time I learned to play guitar, mandolin and piano. I have recently added a dulcimer and ukulele to my collection of instruments. It is always exciting to pick up a new instrument and learn to play it.

We camped out often when I was a youth and my uncle Dexter would bring out his guitar and sing to us in the evening beside the campfire. Our favorite tune was a 1949 Wayne Raney song “I Love My Little YoYo”. It is on my set list and still a favorite with kids and seniors.

When in their sixties, my mother learned to play mandolin, and my father bass. We began to play together along with uncle Dexter and became “Pine Hill Bluegrass”. We performed at public and private events for a number of years. We also produced 19 festivals at Pine Hill Music Park near Tyler, Tx.

The journey has led me to working with many wonderful and talented music artists from the D/FW and East Texas areas. I am very thankful to all who have lent their talents to my musical endeavors.

In 2008 my first album, “Strayz” was released. Since then I have released three others, “Say A Little Prayer For Texas”, “Life Is Good”, and “Wordless”. I plan to release a fourth album in 2022.
You can find links to all my available music at https://lorettacallens.com/

I was honored in 2018 with a “Female Artist of the Year” award in folk/americana at the Josie Music Awards held in Pigeon Forge, TN. It was nice to be acknowledged for my craft.

Presently I’m performing solo and in a women’s group, “Gowns & Guitars”, with members, Lisa Byrn, Tami Hix, and Dena Means. We have a lot of fun playing dress up and encourage our audience to do the same though not required.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission is to bring joy into the lives of others. To promote and encourage other independent artists in their artistic endeavors. Oh! And to have fun!!

In your view, what can society do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

It is my opinion that society would benefit from supporting independent artists of all genres’. We’ve become so distracted by what the mainstream commercial media pushes that we miss some wonderful talent across our nation.
Here are some ideas on how to help local artists of all kinds be successful at their craft.
Support local businesses that have live music and/or art showings, host a local musician to play a house concert or private party, share their music with others via the internet, purchase or gift their downloads and CDs, have live music at Paint and Sip parties, etc.
Music and visual arts are cohesive, and when combined compliment each other.
Hearing a song for the first time is like seeing a painting for the first time. ~ Enjoy ~

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lorettacallens.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorettacallens/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorettacallens
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loretta-callens-6302153a
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe_j8kb4GQb_-zXsz2N496w
• Other: https://lorettacallens.bandcamp.com/

Image Credits:
Toabia’s World, Thos G Callens, Michelle Garrison, Tom Peal