Cali Tucker’s Summertime Anthem, “Country Couture”
Nashville, TN native. Daughter of renowned recording artist LaCosta Tucker and niece of the famed Tanya Tucker. “I loved going on tour with my mom and aunt and fondly remember sleeping in the bottom bunk of their Prevost tour bus. That diesel engine would always put me right to sleep. I would also anticipate the end of every show when they would invite me and my cousins out on stage to wave at the crowd.” What did your family like to do when you had free time on the road?
I wish I could recall more of my time on the road with my family, but I was in the single digits, and my memories are hazy. I do remember it being so much fun — I loved playing with my cousins on the bus and goofing around during sound check. While the details are fuzzy, I can still recall the overall feeling of happiness and how joyful that time was.
“My journey into my career was inspired by my family heritage, it was not created by it.” Which other artists have inspired you?
Shania Twain was a game changer for me. I was shook to my core! No other female artist in any genre had ever made the kind of waves she did. I remember thinking, “Damn, she isn’t following any rules or boundaries of what country music is supposed to be; she’s making it her own with a distinctive sound, writing style, production, and vision.” It was like the clouds parted, revealing the path for my own career. I realized that I didn’t have to follow the rules, and she gave me permission to think that way. If she could do it, so could I.
Signed to a contract, singing and acting, at Dollywood’s Theaters in Pigeon Forge, TN. Can you describe what it felt like the first time going on stage at the family theme park which opened in 1961?
I had just turned 19 when I got the opportunity to perform at Dollywood, which was one of the most exciting moments of my life up to that point. It was my first job, my first time moving away from home, and my first experience as a full-time performer. I was one of the original cast members for a show called “Country Crossroads,” where we performed a 30-minute show five times a day. It was somewhat grueling because the theater was outdoors, and we had to wear long sleeves, long skirts with hose, and cowboy boots, making it very hot! Later that year, I also performed in their Christmas show, “Christmas in the Smokies,” which was a fun and beautiful experience in a gorgeous theater. Although my time at Dollywood was short, I took that experience back to Nashville, using what I learned to keep pushing forward in my career.
2014, Season 6, The Voice, Team Blake Shelton. What career opportunities came from being on the show?
When I was on The Voice, I lived in Nashville and worked full-time as a bar manager at Broadway Brewhouse. I was trying to write songs but wasn’t performing much, except for a few writer rounds. I felt stuck in a rut with my career, and being on The Voice changed my life. After the show, I knew I needed to make a major change and capitalize on the opportunity and exposure I had received. Staying in Nashville wasn’t going to further my career because I needed to improve. So, I moved to Las Vegas almost immediately after the show, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. In Las Vegas, I was able to make a living as a full-time singer, hone my craft as a live performer and songwriter, and become the best, most honest version of myself.
Dreaming of seeing your name in lights since you were a little girl. “I had shoes to fill that weren’t my size, so I had to keep shopping.” ‘Miss NashVegas,’ your self-designed solo headlining act in Las Vegas. Performing all genres, country, pop, jazz, rap, and standards. “Anytime I’m performing someone else’s song I always put my own spin on it without taking away the integrity of the original version. I love performing cover songs just as much as my originals. It helps me learn inflections, breath control, and phrasing that I might not do in my own songs. It’s not necessarily challenging as it is a learning curve.” A current song you would like to cover and why?
I’m constantly seeking new challenges and ways to shock the audience even more than I already do. Learning one of my all-time favorite rap songs, “Notorious Thugs,” would be at the top of my list! These rappers are poets, and while the subject matter may not align with my own values, I have tremendous respect for their abilities. I believe it would be a show-stopping performance if I were able to take the time to learn it.
Now releasing “Country Couture.” The new single, a summertime anthem, combines your country roots and love for pop music and fashion. What else is on your summer song playlist?
I perform six nights a week in Las Vegas and am always adding new songs to my repertoire. My regular playlist includes both new and old songs I want to learn for my shows. However, on my days off, I love listening to jazz — ranging from New Orleans jazz to mellow New York piano jazz, and swing jazz from the 1920s.
Your unique fashion sense, a luxury persona, is one your mom passed on to you. The Country Couture clothing line is among the many upcoming projects for this year. Taking your brand and music across the country and globe. Where are your top five dream performance destinations?
I used to travel quite a bit with my family when I was younger, but I haven’t done much traveling as an adult. I’m not picky about the destination; I just want to perform, whether it’s at a dive bar in Nashville or a grand palace in Dubai. I haven’t seen much of the world, so getting the chance to travel anywhere would be a dream come true.
“At the end of the day, I want to be in a position of success that can turn around and help others succeed in their passion for music.” What are your musical goals for the future?
My short-term goals involve being signed with a major record label, preferably Capitol Records, since they signed my mom, LaCosta, back in the 1970s, and I’d love to follow in her footsteps. I envision myself touring non-stop nationally and internationally while continuing to write and release one-of-a-kind country music. Looking ahead, my long-term goals include launching my clothing line and hair care products, becoming the first country singer to represent the Christian Dior brand, and collaborating with various brands that align with my lifestyle and values. I aspire to uplift and support everyone with seemingly unattainable dreams, opening doors of opportunity for those struggling to expose their music or art, much like I have. Additionally, I’m passionate about supporting the elderly community and raising awareness and funds to find a cure for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.