Young star: Straalen McCallum plays in Geelong this Friday night.
ERIN PEARSON
TOURING the country is now daily life for 13-year-old superstar Straalen McCallum.
Australia’s youngest ever solo performer to sign a record deal with Sony Music Australia is on his first national tour supporting Irish sweetheart Mary Duff.
McCallum said he would use the tour to play songs off his debut album, A Little Faith.
He described his fast track to stardom as overwhelming.
“Oh my gosh, it’s totally unbelievable!” McCallum said.
“I feel oh so privileged and incredibly lucky.
“It still feels surreal and I’m totally thankful for the opportunity.”
The dream started for the youngster when he performed the national anthem in front of 53,000 rugby fans at the 2010 State of Origin.
Hand-picked and personally offered a record deal by Sony Music chief executive Denis Handlin when he was 12, McCallum has studied under leading Australian vocal coach Venetta Fields, who has worked with The Rolling Stones, Barbara Streisand, Aretha Franklin and John Farnham.
McCallum said he hoped the songs from his album would resonate with people of all ages.
“I chose songs I really connect with.
“I think that if someone really believes something, really connects with something, then others pick up on that and sort of feel it, too.
“I’m honestly just really looking forward to people just enjoying it.
“The songs on the album are truly beautiful songs and in one way or another all convey a message of faith; faith in yourself, faith in your family or faith in whatever you hold dear.”
McCallum will open for vocalist Duff on her 25 Australian tour dates.
Duff, like McCallum, entered the music industry at age 12.
She won an Irish talent contest and now, 23 years later, has claimed numerous music awards and toured the globe.
Straalen McCallum and Mary Duff will perform at Geelong Performing Arts Centre this Friday night.
