{"id":21317,"date":"2025-09-05T18:27:12","date_gmt":"2025-09-06T01:27:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/?p=21317"},"modified":"2025-09-05T18:30:36","modified_gmt":"2025-09-06T01:30:36","slug":"video-feature-web-exclusive-interview-cali-tucker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/2025\/09\/video-feature-web-exclusive-interview-cali-tucker\/","title":{"rendered":"Video Feature &#038; Web-Exclusive Interview CALI TUCKER"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Video Feature &amp; Web-Exclusive Interview<\/h4>\n<h1>Musician: CALI TUCKER<\/h1>\n<h2>Video Feature: \u201cLAST NAME\u201d<\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ksZcO-dCIRA?si=26JguZ_maVRmp0eh\" width=\"660\" height=\"440\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h4>CALI TUCKER TAPS INTO COMPLEX FAMILY DYNAMICS WITH HER NEW SINGLE \u201cLAST NAME\u201d<\/h4>\n<h5>by Merlin David &amp; Meredith Summers<\/h5>\n<p>Cali Tucker\u2019s latest single \u201cLast Name\u201d recently surpassed a half million streams, piling onto the millions of streams she\u2019s already accrued across a rainbow of platforms. The breakout Voice finalist is not just related to legends LaCosta and Tanya Tucker, she\u2019s becoming a star in her own right, on her own two feet. Currently headlining in Vegas and masterminding a tour in the very near future, the former Miss Teen All-American has big plans to treat her fans to tracks and performances they won\u2019t soon forget.<\/p>\n<p>But \u201cLast Name\u201d isn\u2019t about her clan, it\u2019s about stepping outside your story to explore how bloodlines can play out very differently in different families. And about how it\u2019s possible to overcome rejection when you know where (and who) to turn for real support. The song reminds us that sharing the same \u201cLast Name\u201d as a family member does not mean that you stand for the same values, and branching out on your own can be as much a statement in authenticity as it is in independence.<\/p>\n<p>The Cinderella-inspired video premiered September 4th, and it\u2019s more than just dazzling gowns and fairy godmothers. It calls back to the titular character\u2019s struggle as she longed for acceptance from her step-family, receiving nothing but contempt and scorn in return. In the video, as in the fairytale, the character doesn\u2019t get revenge by matching hate with hate, but instead draws from a deep well of strength and finds ways to flip the situation without stooping to the same level.<\/p>\n<p>Cali Tucker has had a snowball year, gaining momentum with everything from her live performances to her award-winning videos to her fresh songs, outfits, and twists on the traditional. She\u2019s been busy performing at famous venues (including the Aria and Grand Ole Opry) and gracing the screen at NASCAR\u2019s Pennzoil. She keeps the momentum going with her newest pop-forward song about resilience and a video about finding the real magic within.<\/p>\n<p>We talked with Cali Tucker about what continues to inspire her to keep making music, how her past influences where she is now as she moves forward, and how she continues to learn something new with every performance and every new song she writes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tell us one main thing you learned about yourself after co-writing and recording \u201cLast Name.\u201d<\/strong><br \/>\nI learned that sometimes the most powerful songs come from stepping outside of my own story and writing from someone else\u2019s perspective. Recording \u201cLast Name\u201d was such a special and emotional experience because it gave me the chance to tell a story that\u2019s heartbreaking, but also deeply inspiring. To me, it\u2019s about finding that fierceness inside yourself to rise above negativity\u2014whether it\u2019s from other people or from your own self-doubts\u2014and chase your dreams no matter the odds.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve been very blessed to have the support of my family, but I know not everyone has that foundation. That realization really fueled me to give voice to a story bigger than my own. Co-writing this song with my dear friends Derek Robertson, Tricia Batani, and my producer PK made the whole process even more meaningful\u2014it\u2019s an experience I\u2019ll always treasure.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What inspired you to write this song? Do you remember where you were when the idea of this song came to you?<\/strong><br \/>\nThe idea for \u201cLast Name\u201d started in a small co-write with my longtime friend Derek Robertson, who\u2019s based in St. Louis now. Derek and I grew up together in Nashville, and we\u2019ve known each other for almost 20 years. We\u2019ve been through so many highs and lows, but one of the hardest moments was when he came out and was rejected and disowned by his family. Watching someone I love go through that kind of pain was heartbreaking, but at the same time, it\u2019s been such a joy to watch him rise above it and create a beautiful life of his own.<\/p>\n<p>I was a bridesmaid in his wedding to his wonderful husband, Matt, and I\u2019ve seen him become one of the happiest, most successful people I know. Writing \u201cLast Name\u201d out of his story\u2014and the stories of so many others who\u2019ve had to build their own futures without family support\u2014was both cathartic and liberating for me. My hope is that the song inspires people to believe that their present circumstances don\u2019t have to define their future, and that they truly have the strength to rise above and create the life they dream of.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tell us something fun\/unique that happened in the recording studio\u2014maybe a unique moment that influenced the direction of the song and way it turned out?<\/strong><br \/>\nOne of the most interesting moments in the studio happened when we realized the song didn\u2019t have an outro\u2014and honestly, I hadn\u2019t even planned for one. But as we were recording, the line \u201cAren\u2019t you proud to share my last name?\u201d came to me so quickly and so naturally. It was immediately clear that this was the perfect way to close the song.<\/p>\n<p>I ended up repeating it, almost like a question hanging in the air, and it tied the entire story together in a way that felt emotional and real. There\u2019s no neat resolution\u2014it\u2019s just a question\u2014but that\u2019s intentional. I hope it makes people think about how they treat the people they call family, and whether they\u2019re putting aside their own feelings to nurture and honor those bonds. For anyone who\u2019s ever loved and been hurt by family, it\u2019s a question worth asking.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tell us how the \u201cCinderella\u201d concept of the video was chosen.<\/strong><br \/>\nThe Cinderella concept came to me a bit later, after the song was written, while we were brainstorming ideas for the music video. I was driving one day when it just hit me\u2014like a ton of bricks\u2014that this timeless story was the perfect way to visualize \u201cLast Name.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Cinderella is a girl who, after losing her father, longs for love, acceptance, and the kind of family bond everyone craves. Despite all the hardships and mistreatment from her stepmother and stepsisters, she remains kind, courageous, and ultimately forgiving. In the end, she doesn\u2019t just \u201cwin\u201d\u2014she triumphs in life by staying true to herself and remaining a good person.<\/p>\n<p>I wanted to take that familiar story and make it relatable to my audience. For me, Cinderella\u2019s journey was the most powerful and inspiring way to show the themes of resilience, courage, and self-belief that are at the heart of \u201cLast Name.\u2019<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-21319\" src=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Cali-Tucker-01.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"660\" height=\"989\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Cali-Tucker-01.jpg 660w, https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Cali-Tucker-01-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>How did becoming a finalist on NBC\u2019s The Voice influence or change the direction of your music or your idea of what you wanted for your music?<\/strong><br \/>\nBeing a finalist on NBC\u2019s The Voice didn\u2019t necessarily change the direction of my music, but it gave me an incredible platform to take the next step in my career. Honestly, the show was nerve-wracking at the time. I hadn\u2019t performed regularly in front of large audiences\u2014I\u2019d done a few songwriter rounds and showcases in Nashville, but I was mainly bartending and waitressing full-time. Walking onto that stage, I was nervous and probably didn\u2019t give my absolute best performance.<\/p>\n<p>Years later, after moving to Las Vegas, I\u2019ve become a seasoned professional performer with confidence and no fear. One of the most important things I gained from The Voice was meeting my battle partner, Ryan Whyte Maloney. We became close friends, and after the show, he encouraged me to move to Las Vegas to pursue music full-time. He even helped introduce me to people in the industry, which was a pivotal turning point for my career.<\/p>\n<p>Since moving, I\u2019ve been performing six to seven nights a week, honing my live show and experimenting with so many different genres. That experience helped me really define my sound when I connected with my producer, PK, and co-writer, Tricia Batani, and together we created songs like \u201cDandelion,\u201d \u201cCountry Couture,\u201d \u201cUrban Cowboy,\u201d and most recently, \u201cLast Name.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, if it weren\u2019t for The Voice, I wouldn\u2019t have met Ryan, moved to Las Vegas, or connected with my current team. The show was so much bigger than just performing\u2014it helped me create a path for myself and level up my career. I\u2019m incredibly grateful for that experience.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How did your family influence you and your interest in music?<\/strong><br \/>\nI absolutely wouldn\u2019t be pursuing music if it weren\u2019t for my Mom [LaCosta Tucker] and my aunt [Tanya Tucker]\u2014they\u2019ve been incredible influences on my journey from the very beginning. I was just three years old when I first got on stage, and from that moment, I was completely hooked. Their support and encouragement have been unwavering, but my path has always been completely grassroots\u2014no special treatment\u2014which I think has been crucial in shaping who I am as an artist, songwriter, performer, and as a person.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve learned that you can\u2019t achieve success without making mistakes along the way, and I wouldn\u2019t change my path for anything. I hope to carry on with the Tucker name with pride, integrity, and honor, creating a legacy that\u2019s meaningful and endearing. I want people not only to love my music, but also to see me as a genuine, kind, thoughtful person who appreciates everyone and never takes any success for granted.<\/p>\n<p>I have so much gratitude for my Mom, my aunt, and all the people around me who believe in me. Their support keeps me striving, working hard, and chasing greatness every single day.<\/p>\n<p>Tell us 5 albums you listened to the most that influenced you to become a musician. (In the days of vinyl\u2014you would have worn out the groove listening to these albums!)<br \/>\nGrowing up, there were five albums that had the biggest influence on me as a musician. The first was Shania Twain\u2014she completely changed the game with her cheeky, fun, and flirty vibe, both in her image and her songwriting. Second was Garth Brooks; I was obsessed with his high-energy performances, powerful songs, and the emotional depth of his ballads. Third Eye Blind was the first rock band I ever fell in love with. Their melodic storytelling and use of minor chords opened me up to a different world of music beyond country. Fourth was Celine Dion\u2014her voice is absolutely unbelievable, and like so many little girls, I dreamed of singing like her one day. And fifth were all the oldies records I grew up listening to with my Mom\u2014songs that were fun, colorful, happy, and timeless.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Which 5 songwriters continue to influence you?<\/strong><br \/>\nI\u2019ve always been inspired by a range of talents: John Hartford, who wrote \u201cGentle on My Mind\u201d\u2014one of the best songs ever written; Dolly Parton, whose storytelling is unmatched; and Mogul, who I admire for her ability to build a musical empire. I\u2019m also inspired daily by my co-writer Tricia Batani, who is incredibly versatile and skilled at capturing emotion and bringing it to life in a song, whether for herself or other artists.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-21318\" src=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Cali-Tucker-Last-Name-Cover-Art.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"660\" height=\"660\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Cali-Tucker-Last-Name-Cover-Art.png 660w, https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Cali-Tucker-Last-Name-Cover-Art-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Cali-Tucker-Last-Name-Cover-Art-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Is there a songwriting tip you\u2019d like to offer?<\/strong><br \/>\nDon\u2019t get stuck trying to make everything perfect or force rhymes. Sometimes a song needs time to breathe, or even years before it truly lands. I like to take my time, work on multiple songs at once, and let inspiration come naturally. Don\u2019t pressure yourself to write a hit\u2014write something that matters to you, and the rest will follow.<\/p>\n<p>Tell us about a moment in your musical journey so far\u2014that you are really proud of\u2014and that continues to inspire you to keep making music.<br \/>\nOne of the moments I\u2019m most proud of\u2014and that truly changed the way I approached my music\u2014happened shortly after I moved to Las Vegas. I was invited to perform as a busker at the Link Promenade, part of a new program they were starting. I had never sung solo before, and the setup was that I was supposed to sing to tracks for tips on the street.<\/p>\n<p>I went to Guitar Center, bought all the equipment I thought I\u2019d need\u2014my first speaker, microphone, cords, adapters, everything\u2014and arrived ready. But as I started setting up, I realized the tracks weren\u2019t playing. Only my vocals were coming through. At first, I panicked. But then I thought, \u201cI\u2019m here, I\u2019m getting paid, and I\u2019m not walking away.\u201d So, I took a deep breath, opened my guitar case for tips (even though I don\u2019t play guitar), and decided to sing completely acapella for the next three hours.<\/p>\n<p>I sang every song I knew, from start to finish, without any tracks, and the response was incredible. People were engaged, I made tips, and it was a moment of pure triumph over fear and discomfort. That experience taught me that if I can step into a situation that\u2019s completely uncomfortable and shine, I can handle anything. It pushed me to embrace challenges, trust my talent, and perform without fear of judgment. From that day on, I\u2019ve tried to live my musical journey boldly, knowing I have the power to make my voice heard\u2014even in unconventional ways.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What\u2019s next for you?<\/strong><br \/>\nThere\u2019s always something on the horizon for me, but I\u2019m really looking forward to taking the Cali Tucker show on tour permanently, hopefully by next year. Right now, I\u2019m still based in Las Vegas, continuing to write new songs that will hopefully become part of an EP\u2014or even a full album. Touring has always been so important to me. I love traveling, seeing the world, and doing what I love while on the road. Living out of a suitcase, staying in hotels, flying on planes and tour buses\u2014it\u2019s a dream come true and brings back so many nostalgic memories from riding on the bottom bunk of a tour bus as a kid with my Mom and aunt. I crave that life again and can\u2019t wait to get back out there.<\/p>\n<p>Artists are always evolving, and I\u2019m excited to see what new songs are going to come to life. I already have some nearly ready to go, and I can\u2019t wait to share them.<\/p>\n<p>How can new fans stay updated?<br \/>\nThe best place is my website, calitucker.com. You\u2019ll find all the latest news, tour dates, merch, and quick access to my social media. You can also follow me on<br \/>\nInstagram: @CaliTuckerMusic<br \/>\nFacebook: @CaliTuckerOfficial, and<br \/>\nTikTok: @CaliTucker.<\/p>\n<p>I love connecting with fans, so don\u2019t hesitate to send a message\u2014I\u2019d love to say \u201cHi!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Video Feature &amp; Web-Exclusive Interview Musician: CALI TUCKER Video Feature: \u201cLAST NAME\u201d CALI TUCKER TAPS INTO COMPLEX FAMILY DYNAMICS WITH HER NEW SINGLE \u201cLAST NAME\u201d by Merlin David &amp; Meredith Summers Cali Tucker\u2019s latest single \u201cLast Name\u201d recently surpassed a half million streams, piling onto the millions of streams she\u2019s already accrued across a rainbow [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":21321,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[7725],"tags":[15129,15127,15128,15130,15131,15132,7337,15133,15134,15135,15136,2744,4953,9456,6577,8249,8436,15137,15138,15139,7566,15141,3010,15140,7978,15142,15143,14296,15144,15145,15146,4012,11414,4860,15147,15148,15149],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21317"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21317"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21317\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21323,"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21317\/revisions\/21323"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21321"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21317"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21317"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21317"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}