Abbie Callahan is just doing what Simon Says
By Alan Shipston for Country Music News International Magazine
Rising Americana artist Abbie Callahan has released her latest single, Simon Says, a blend of country and quirky pop that has generated more than seven million digital impressions. The track has found success on Spotify’s Hot Country Presents and Best Country Fresh Finds of 2025 and earned Callahan positive media coverage. The song tells the story of a young woman who is questioning the validity of the relationship that she may be trapped in, only to turn it into an empowering way out. The intro has an unpredictable feel until it settles into the first verse as Abbie sings,
Simon says come over
Bend over, touch your toes
Of course I’m gonna do it
Just doing what I’m told
Simon says he loves me
Swear that’s what I heard
When he’d get kinda jealous
I didn’t need the words
Co-written by Callahan, Aron Rosing, and Emma Klein, this tune blends Callahan’s signature emotional honesty with witty storytelling. With unusual instrumentation, Simon Says explores new territory that finds Oscar Charles playing drums, electric guitar and vibraphone, while Miles Burger is on double bass. Todd Lombardo handles acoustic guitar, banjo and mandolin. As the marching snare drum rolls into the chorus Abbie sweetly demands an answer to the nagging issue,
Kissing me like I’m the one
Telling me it’s all in my head
It don’t matter what Simon doеs
Guess it only matters what Simon says
“I wrote Simon Says from a very personal place; my iPhone notes app as a matter of fact, so watching it resonate the way it has is so surreal,” Callahan says. “When fans tell me the song mirrors their own story, it reminds me how connected we all really are.”
An Iowa City native, Callahan has spent the past several years performing nearly 300 shows a year since she was nineteen. Now based in Nashville, she sharpened her craft playing late night Broadway gigs while studying songwriting at Belmont University. With roots in Americana, folk, and classic country, her sweeping vocals and grounded authenticity have quickly marked her as one of the most exciting new voices in modern country and Americana music. Callahan’s self-described “kaleidoscope country” sound blends bluegrass roots, story driven lyricism, and pop inspired melody, creating music that feels both timeless and forward thinking. Her inspirations range from timeless icons like Patsy Cline to modern trailblazers such as Sierra Ferrell, Kacey Musgraves, and Sabrina Carpenter, melding classic soul with a fresh, forward leaning artistry.
The year 2025 has further solidified Callahan’s rise with standout performances at CMA Fest, Bonnaroo, and AMERICANAFEST, along with recognition in PEOPLE Magazine as one of their Emerging Artists. She has also been named an Artist to Watch by Holler Country, Nashville Briefing and CountryLine TV. With new music and more tour dates ahead, Callahan continues to make her mark as an artist defined by heart, honesty, and fearless storytelling.