Callie Twisselman is kicking off the new year with her brand new EP "Party Lights". Being a songwriter, Callie has written most of all the songs she's recorded. She says whether it is from a first or second person perogative, she enjoys taking the emotions of people and making them into art. “Sometimes, I write from things that are going on in my life. But, I also write about friends and family around me. Anything that is real.” She admits that her writing style has progressed some over the years, having written her first composition before she even had her California driver’s license. She notes that she still has most of those songs in a box at home. “There is a bunch of songs that I had typed out from when I was younger. It’s interesting to go back and see the differences in how I wrote.” The story of Callie Twisselman is one that is heavily dotted with music, as well as family. “I grew up on my dad’s grain and cattle ranch. I lived next to my grandparents, aunts, and uncles. There wasn’t really anyone else around but us for about twenty miles or so. You had to drive a little bit to go to school,” she recalls with a laugh. Growing up surrounded by her family, it’s no wonder they influenced her first musical choices. “I remember that both my parents listened to a lot of country music, along with a little southern rock, and my mom also sang in a country band. So, I think I got it from listening to what they listened to along with my own tastes, which included mostly country but also some of that wonderful 90's pop.” What was that Country specifically? “My dad loved Shania Twain, and my mom would cover Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, George Strait, Barbara Mandrell ect...” Listening to that music captivated young Callie, and left her wanting more. “I just always loved to sing, and so i started by singing the National Anthem everywhere, and I thought ‘This is something I want to do.” She admits that “The Star Spangled Banner” is not the easiest song to attempt, but she said the more she did it, the more at ease with it she got. “I was ten when I first sang it at one of the local fairs, and I remember being nervous. But I had so much fun doing it." She also developed a love for playing the guitar, which she picked up when still a teenager. That love of music would eventually lead Callie to Music City. “My first time in Nashville – I remember I was visiting my cousins who lived here. I was eighteen. It’s such a big city where everyone wants to do the same thing – which can be very intimidating. When I came back to record my first CD, that was an unforgettable experience.” She also was amazed at the uncanny knack of the musicians to turn an idea into sonic gold. “I learned a lot from everyone in the studio, they really helped make my songs come to life.” She said that’s one way that Nashville sets itself apart. “The musicians are so talented, and they come up with so many creative ideas. They are quick to know exactly what you’re thinking and where you want it to go.” Those lessons learned also spilled over into developing her songwriting craft, as well. “I became friends with so many people here, and have learned so much about songwriting. From making the lyrics read more like stories, and having the hit song potential.” And now, those dreams that she first thought about while listening to music with her parents are seemingly in the process of coming true, especially with the success of her first two singles which made quite the impact on the Music Row Country Breakout Chart. With big plans for her newest single, Callie an her team will be on the road promoting and possibly setting a few radio tours this year. "Meeting those that are playing such a crucial role in my career is very important to me" “This past year It’s been amazing, being on the road, and seeing all the different places, and meeting everyone at radio. There’s a lot of driving involved, but that’s part of it. It’s all been a very fun experience.” With her drive, determination, energy, and warm personality, she’s ready to take her career to the next level – which is? “I’d like to play the Grand Ole Opry someday, and be on the road playing my music for people. My dream has always been to do this for a living. I get a huge level of excitement when I go on stage, and I like to make other people happy and see them having a good time!” For Callie Twisselman, it’s safe to say that the “Good Times” are only just beginning!