Callaghan has set a May 1, 2012 release date for her new album, Life In Full Colour, which was tracked in and around Atlanta with Shawn Mullins both producing and playing on the album.A long-time Mullins fan, Callaghan contacted the Grammy nominated singer-songwriter in 2009 through MySpace, and Mullins agreed to a rare collaboration. An initial recording trip to Atlanta yielded three songs, prompting her life-changing decision to move to the USA in 2010 to finish the album.
Callaghan left her London digs and boarded a plane headed for the American South: the experience was the inspiration for the opening track and first single from the album, "Best Year." She now calls Atlanta, and the United States, home.
Says Callaghan of the experience: "When I got on that plane from London to Atlanta, I didn't know what to expect, but the welcome and the reaction to my music has been amazing. I knew that Shawn Mullins was the right producer, and working in the studio with such a meticulous and gifted artist has been a real education for me as a musician and a songwriter. The songs on Life in Full Colour reflect the moments all of us experience in our lives; from the joy of being in love to the mess of falling out of love, from the loneliness of bereavement to the happiness of meeting the right person at the right time. 'Best Year' is about the story that brought me here and a hope and belief that the best is yet to come."
Says Mullins of the collaboration: "Callaghan is a truly amazing artist. It's been a long time since I've heard a voice as strong and as true as hers. It just shines. Working with her in the studio was incredible; I felt an immediate connection to her music. She's a remarkably strong pop melodist – her sense of melody is timeless and there is a classic quality to her songs."
Callaghan has toured extensively throughout the U.S. playing in 30 states alongside Mullins and in her own headline shows. Now that Life In Full Colour is ready for release, further touring is planned in support throughout 2012. (See confirmed tour dates below.)
Callaghan Tour Schedule:
2/16 - Charlotte, NC - Double Door (w/Erick Baker)
2/17 - Knoxville, TN - Bijou Theater (w/Erick Baker)
2/22 - St. Louis, MO - The Old Rock House (w/Shawn Mullins)
2/23 - Evanston, IL - SPACE (w/Shawn Mullins)
2/25 - Three Oaks, MI - Acorn Theatre (w/Shawn Mullins)
3/8 - Indianapolis, IN - Irving Theater
3/9 - Valparaiso, IN - Front Porch
3/10 - Valparaiso, IN - Memorial Opera House (w/Dave Alvin & The Guilty Ones)
3/11 - Chicago, IL - ACE Bar
4/13 - Dahlonega, GA - Crimson Moon Cafe
4/18 - Raleigh, NC - Burning Coal Theater
4/19 - Knoxville, TN - Scruffy City Roots
4/21 - Roanoke, VA - The Blues BBQ Co.
4/22 - Easton, MD - NightCat
4/23 - Philadelphia, PA - World Cafe Live
4/25 - Asbury Park, NJ - The Saint
4/26 - New York, NY - Rockwood Music Hall
4/27 - Scarborough, ME - The Brickhouse
5/25 - Decatur, GA - Eddie's Attic
5/26 - Duluth, GA - Eddie Owens Presents, Red Clay Theatre
6/13 - Nashville, TN - Music City Roots
… more dates to be announced!