Acclaimed US singer-songwriter SHAWN MULLINS has recently put his support behind UK singer-songwriter, Callaghan, welcoming her to Georgia to produce songs for her debut album.

The transatlantic collaboration came about after Callaghan managed to get in touch with Shawn and send him her biog and some songs.

“I had listened to Shawn’s music for over 10 years and knew he would be perfectly suited to producing my songs. The fact that he so rarely produced for other artists made it even more incredible when I received his reply to say how much he loved my music and wanted to work together.” - Callaghan

As an unsigned artist in the UK, Callaghan knew that a budget big enough to do a full album would be nearly impossible to raise single-handedly. However, with the help of some savings and a few credit cards she was on a plane to the US this July to record the first three songs for the album. Shawn’s commitment and passion for the project quickly spread to the other musicians who, despite all working for next to nothing, were convinced Callaghan had something unique.

Whilst recording in Georgia, Callaghan was offered an opportunity to perform live at Eddie’s Attic – Georgia’s most famous singer-songwriter venue where Shawn, John Mayer and others performed their early gigs. The crowd loved the story of a UK artist travelling to Georgia to record with a local hero. Callaghan got a great response - completely selling out of CDs and taking mail orders.

Callaghan and Shawn are currently contacting labels and other potential backers to raise the funds needed to complete the album. Callaghan is scheduled to tour the US with Shawn in 2010.

Born Georgina Callaghan in 1983 in Lincolnshire, UK, Callaghan’s musical beginnings started at the age of four, being classically trained on the flute.

By her teenage years Callaghan’s love of performing had moved to singing and song-writing. It was Callaghan’s first song ‘In Your Arms Again’, written when she was just 14, that won her a place on a BBC TV show for up-and-coming singer-songwriters, hosted by well-known Irish singer Ronan Keating.

Influences from artists such as Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash and James Taylor are evident, but it is Callaghan's powerful but soothing vocals that take centre stage in her songs.

Skills on piano and guitar and an impressive ability to connect with a live audience have gained her over 45,000 MySpace fans, worldwide music sales, appearances on TV, and airtime on BBC Radio. Callaghan has performed in front of audiences of up to 2,000 at venues including the legendary Shepherd’s Bush Empire and The National Theatre in London as well as completing a successful tour in Nashville in 2007.

In 2008 Callaghan self-released single “Look Around”. Doing all of the PR and radio plugging herself, Callaghan achieved airplay on numerous BBC radio stations, extensive local and national press coverage as well as a performance on Sky TV.

A hardworking and committed singer-songwriter, who has won over audiences in the UK and US, Callaghan is now seeking backing to finish her album with Shawn Mullins.

Reviews

"Callaghan was brilliant to work with in the studio. Her hard work and dedication to the music she writes is obvious. She has a classic voice that the whole world needs to hear."
Shawn Mullins, on working with Callaghan

"Callaghan has a stunningly beautiful voice – when I was judging Pop Idol I would have loved her to have walked through the door – but her talent goes further. With Callaghan’s gift for song-writing and performing I hope she goes far – she deserves to"
Neil Fox, Television and radio presenter

"…Switching effortlessly between guitar and piano…Callaghan immediately made an impression with one of the purest voices I have ever heard…taking us on a journey and making us believe she has lived every word she sang"
Maverick Magazine, Live gig review, Newcastle 2008

"Callaghan has an angelic voice that is both delicate and strong. It seems there is not much standing in the way of success for this artist"
John Allen, Senior Creative Director, Bug Music, Nashville

"Callaghan is really refreshing in today's vast pool of female talent"
Shelby K. Kennedy, Director, Writer-Publisher Relations, BMI, Nashville