“Drag Queen,” Carter Faith & Creating Kaleidoscope Country | Abbie Callahan
Abbie Callahan joined Heart of the Gulch host Tony Mendoza during CMA Fest 2026 to talk about “Drag Queen,” touring with Carter Faith, her upcoming single “Optimistic,” and the genre-bending sound she calls “kaleidoscope country.”
Blending Americana, folk, bluegrass and modern country songwriting, Abbie isn't particularly interested in fitting neatly into one corner of Nashville. From her music to her fashion and stage presence, she's building a world that feels unmistakably her own.
Abbie Callahan talks about “Drag Queen,” “Optimistic” and creating the genre-bending sound she describes as kaleidoscope country.
What Is “Kaleidoscope Country”?
“Kaleidoscope country” is Abbie's way of describing a sound shaped by a wide range of influences.
Her music can move through Americana, folk and bluegrass while still living within the larger country music world.
During her Heart of the Gulch interview, Abbie talks about finding the confidence to embrace those different pieces rather than trying to force herself into one established Nashville lane.
That same philosophy extends beyond the songs.
Her fashion, performances and visual identity have all become part of the larger picture of who Abbie Callahan is as an artist.
Hitting the Road With Carter Faith
Abbie recently had the opportunity to support Carter Faith on the Cherry Valley Tour, including a performance at Nashville's iconic EXIT/IN.
Touring provides something a streaming number can't: an opportunity to introduce yourself to a room full of people who may have never heard your music before.
For Abbie, those shows have become another step in turning growing industry buzz into an audience of her own.
And she's making sure people remember the outfits, too.
Heart of the Gulch host Tony Mendoza sits down with Abbie Callahan during CMA Fest 2026 to talk songwriting, artistic identity and building her career in Nashville.
The Story Behind “Drag Queen”
One of the most interesting parts of the conversation centers around “Drag Queen” and where Abbie finds creative inspiration.
The song opens a larger discussion about songwriting, outlaw country, LGBTQ representation and what happens when artists challenge some of the traditional expectations surrounding Nashville and country music.
For Abbie, authenticity means allowing the songs to reflect the world as she actually experiences it.
That sometimes means exploring stories and perspectives that don't fit the traditional country music mold.
“Optimistic” and a New Era
Abbie is already looking toward what's next.
Her upcoming single “Optimistic” offers another glimpse into the musical era she's building ahead of a new EP.
During the interview, she explains the meaning behind the song and how the new material fits into the larger evolution of her sound.
Following the viral momentum surrounding “Simon Says,” Abbie is now focused on making sure the next releases continue showing listeners just how wide her musical world can become.
From Iowa City to Belmont University
Long before Nashville, Abbie's story started in Iowa.
She eventually made the move to Music City and studied songwriting at Belmont University, putting herself directly inside the Nashville songwriting community.
That journey required more than learning how to write songs.
It meant figuring out who she wanted to be once she had the opportunity to make them.
Abbie reflects on what she would tell her younger self, staying true to herself and learning not to let outside expectations determine what her career should look like.
Abbie Callahan reflects on touring with Carter Faith, performing at EXIT/IN and creating a musical identity that blends country, Americana, folk and bluegrass.
Building Independently
Like many emerging artists, Abbie is also navigating the realities of building a career independently.
That means excitement and momentum can exist right alongside self-doubt.
She talks candidly about confidence, uncertainty and continuing forward even when there isn't a guaranteed roadmap for what comes next.
But that uncertainty may also be part of what makes this stage of her career so exciting.
There aren't many rules yet.
From “Drag Queen” and “Optimistic” to Carter Faith, Simon Says and her upcoming EP, Abbie Callahan is creating her own version of country music—and “kaleidoscope country” might be the perfect name for it.
Watch Abbie Callahan on Heart of the Gulch
Watch the full Abbie Callahan interview from CMA Fest 2026 as she joins Tony Mendoza to discuss “Drag Queen,” “Optimistic,” Carter Faith, kaleidoscope country, songwriting, fashion, representation and building an independent career in Nashville.
Interview Chapters
0:00 — Abbie Callahan Interview at CMA Fest 2026
0:31 — Touring With Carter Faith & Career Growth
1:20 — Abbie Callahan's Fashion, Style & Artistic Identity
2:19 — Songwriting, Performing & Being Authentically Herself
4:00 — New Song “Optimistic” Explained
4:44 — The Meaning Behind Abbie Callahan's New Music Era
5:47 — Writing “Drag Queen” & Finding Creative Inspiration
6:35 — Outlaw Country, LGBTQ Representation & Breaking Nashville Norms
7:46 — What Abbie Callahan Would Tell Her Younger Self
8:40 — Growing Up in Iowa & Staying True to Yourself
9:10 — Self-Doubt, Confidence & Life as an Independent Artist
9:59 — New EP, New Music & Future Plans
10:22 — Final Thoughts
Tony Mendoza is the Nashville-based host and creator of Heart of the Gulch, featuring conversations with country artists, songwriters and personalities from Nashville and beyond.
Tony Mendoza and Abbie Callahan together following her Heart of the Gulch interview during CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville.
