My love is singing, composing, playing my instruments and performing in the hope of enriching the lives of others.
I was blessed with music loving parents with beautiful voices. They cultivated my love of music by making sure I had plenty of exposure to it.
My journey through music began at the early age of six. Singing at church, in school choir and at special events. Over time I learned to play guitar, piano, mandolin, and started composing.
My latest recording project, an instrumental EP, "Comin' Home", was released August 28th, 2024.
It brings me joy to announce the recent release of "Moonlight Pub" video. We had a lot of fun making it. I hope you enjoy.
My present focus is on producing video to accompany my recordings. I also have a couple of songs in the writing notebook I hope to release in 2026.
Currently I am performing in a duet, "Lo & The Captn", with Captn' Mike Thomas. We also perform as "Captn' and the Crew", a five piece band for private events.
Aside from performing and songwriting I’ve produced/co-produced several events, and served as emcee/stage manager for many events.
- 1989 thru 1998, co-produced nineteen outdoor festivals at Pine Hill Music park near Tyler, Tx.
- Co-founded and co-produced the 2009 and 2010 Texas Independent Music Expo, with Lisa Byrn, held at Son's of Hermann Hall in Dallas, TX.
TIME was an educational event with workshops geared toward helping independent music artists sharpen their skills, produce, promote and connect with industry related vendors, producers and educators.
Awards:
2018 Josie Music Award "Female Artist of the Year” in Folk/Americana.
Nominations:
2025 Josie Music Award ("Female Artist of the Year" - Multi Genre) ("Music Video of the Year" - performance focused) ("Album of the Year" - Instrumental) ("Song of the Year" - instrumental) ("EP of the Year" - instrumental)
2024 Josie Music Award ("Female Artist of the Year" Multi Genre) and (Album of the Year - Instrumental "Wings Unopened").
2023 Josie Music Award ("Female Artist of the Year" - Multi Genre) and ("Song of the Year" - Instrumental).
2022 Josie Music Award ("Artist of the "Year" (Folk/Americana)
2021 for 3 Josie Music Awards
2020 for 2 Josie Music Awards
2019 for 3 Josie Music Awards
2018 for Josie Music Award
2016 East Texas Performing Arts Texas Sounds International Country Music Award.
Discography
Albums:
- "Comin' Home" (bluegrass/country instrumental EP) 2024
- "Wings Unopened" (easy listening/pop instrumental album) 2023
- “Wordless” (classical style instrumental album) 2019
- “Life Is Good” (folksy) 2011
- “Say A Little Prayer For Texas” (country folk) 2009
- “Strayz” 2008 (limited edition, out of production)
Singles:
- "Green Willow Bend" ~ 2022
- "Babe In The Woods" duet with Kyle Anderson ~ 2021
- "Life Is Good" (Instrumental) ~ Featuring Gordon McLeod, Brad Blackwood & David Hawkins ~ 2022
- "Heartache Ahead" (Instrumental) ~ Featuring Gordon McLeod
- "Wings Unopened" (Instrumental) ~ With Milo Deering & Gordon McLeod ~ 2022
- "In The End" (Instrumental) ~ Featuring Gordon McLeod & Milo Deering ~ 2023
- "Clop Along Casually" (Instrumental) ~ With T-Roy Miller and Gordon McLeod ~ 2023
- "Comin' Home" (Instrumental) ~ With Gordon McLeod ~ 2023
Video releases:
https://youtu.be/eZXUIBD1As8?si=3S3VwwN_Cj9oe91l
https://youtu.be/T55mJVL5ojs?si=plnUhtoqWo4JbYgq
https://youtu.be/l_JKl_bq5ws?si=VecvRkbQ2gwhzY5g
https://youtu.be/qHRFJkXhAT0?si=kuq9vkH8o25wDynq
https://youtu.be/mNJDau-Eeu0?si=LXNfoEr968F-cF-E
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe_j8kb4GQb_-zXsz2N496w
All music is available for download purchase and/or free streaming at https://lorettacallens.bandcamp.com
All music is available for free streaming at https://soundcloud.com/loretta-callens
Press:
https://www.facebook.com/Kilgoregeekend/posts/862710314833916
https://voyagedallas.com/interview/rising-stars-meet-loretta-callens/
https://boldjourney.com/news/meet-loretta-callens/
https://shoutoutdfw.com/meet-loretta-callens-songtress-and-melodist/
https://www.davidschnauferpluck.com/post/fod-cade-and-jim
