Nashville-based artist Caleb Lee Hutchinson has grown as a singer and songwriter since his TV debut on Season 16 of American Idol. Now, the Georgia Native pulled inspiration from legendary performers within country music and real-life experiences to develop his sophomore EP, Slot Machine Syndrome.
“All of my favorite songwriters are storytellers, and I think it’s cool that sometimes you can tell a story based entirely on your own experiences,” says Hutchinson in an exclusive Music Mayhem interview. “It can be very autobiographical, and other times you’re just telling a story out of nowhere. I think this EP definitely has a mix of both. I think writing, in general, this year became much more important to me. It’s just kind of an escape from all the circumstances of the year,” he adds.
As eager fans wait patiently for his five-track collection to drop on September 17, they remain glued to the singer’s social media for unexpected announcements. In the middle of the night on June 10, the country music newcomer randomly confessed his appreciation for multi-platinum performer, Miranda Lambert.
Miranda Lambert is probably my favorite artist on the radio in the past decade. She’s one of those that will be looked back on as one of the greatest to ever do it.
— Caleb Lee Hutchinson (@calebleemusic) June 10, 2021
“Miranda Lambert is probably my favorite artist on the radio in the past decade. She’s one of those that will be looked back on as one of the greatest to ever do it,” Hutchinson tweeted.
Music enthusiasts immediately started to agree with the “Who I Am” singer. “Her songwriting sets her apart in the pantheon of country artists who get actual airplay,” says a Twitter user. “I totally agree, @mirandalambert is the best out there! She is so real in who she is and what she stands for. She has always stayed true to herself and never allowed the industry to change her,” shared another social media goer in response to Hutchinson.
I totally agree, @mirandalambert is the best out there! She is so real in who she is and what she stands for. She has always stayed true to self and never allowed the industry to change her. Just another reason she is so special.
— michelle english (@angeleyes9002) June 11, 2021
Hutchinson did not hesitate to speak out about his reasoning behind the powerful statement he shared on social media and believed that Lambert’s talents typically get pushed under the rug at times.
“I think she is one of the most authentic artists on the radio. I definitely have my favorites today, and she has to be on the top of that list – top three for sure. She has such an accomplished career, and I still just feel like she doesn’t get the proper reverence,” shares the country music star to Music Mayhem host Andrew Wendowski. “I really think we’ll look back on her like we look at Dolly now or Loretta Lynn. I think she’s the bomb, and her recent projects have been so cool and so country without trying too hard. She’s a badass, and she always has been.”
Now, he is not the only rising country star that finds Lambert’s unique sound and plays on words impressive – Parker McCollum labeled the powerhouse vocalist the “Dolly Parton of our era.”
Caleb cracked a joke and commented that he thinks McCollum was ‘inspired’ by his tweet. He continued to laugh during the interview and went on to share that his dream duet would be with Lambert. “I mean dream duet partner… I’d have to say, Miranda Lambert. That would be incredible, or Eric Church or Sturgill Simpson.”
Before Caleb Lee Hutchinson begins his bold new chapter with Slot Machine Syndrome, he is currently on the road performing at popular festivals and at intimate venues across America. And coming up in just a few days on August 29, Hutchinson will be headlining his first-ever Nashville concert at Brooklyn Bowl, as part of the Country Now Live series. Click here to purchase tickets.
Miranda Lambert is also restarting her Wildcard Tour, which was cut short in 2020 due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Matt Stell, Elvie Shane, and Jackson Dean will be joining Lambert on stage to welcome back live music.
