Callum Beattie: Get to know the singer behind 'Salamander Street'
He's on tour later this year
Scottish singer/songwriter Callum Beattie was born in Edinburgh, turning 34-years-old on 17th October 2023. He's known for his songs 'Salamander Street', inspired by a famous in Edinburgh, as well as 'Heart Stops Beating' and 'Don't Walk Alone'.
The singer has toured a number of times, supporting Razorlight and The Kooks, and is set to do a headline tour this winter in Scotland, with eight dates across the country.
To celebrate his biggest gigs yet, we've gathered together some things you NEED to know about Callum Beattie, including his biggest songs!
Callum Beattie - 'Heart Stops Beating'
'Heart Stops Beating' is the first song from Callum's second album 'Vandals'. He gave fans a preview of his song at TRNMST in 2022 before its release.
Callum Beattie - 'Don't Walk Alone'
'Don't Walk Alone' was the follow-up to Callum's single 'Lovers'. It is a powerful and uplifting anthem filled with positivity about the future, as well as how future generations can make changes.
The song is featured on Callum's album ‘People Like Us’ Scottish Deluxe Edition and is a song about unity in these difficult times.
Callum Beattie - 'Without You'
Callum released 'Without You' in June 2019 and shared a photo of some of the lyrics saying, 'Hand written lyrics to #WithoutYou! Who wants this exact copy of my handwritten lyric from my lyric book??!'. (sic)
Speaking to clashmusic.com about the filming the music video for 'Without You', Callum said, "It's something I’ll never forget. I wanted to get the right balance between emotion and humour and I think the director nailed that aspect. It’s a song about ending a relationship and the feeling good about things one day and then feeling terrible the next day."
Continuing, "I think the idea of a relationship therapy session has captured that by keeping it fun and lighthearted without losing the soul of the song."
Callum Beattie - 'We Are Stars'
Callum's gorgeous song 'We Are Stars' came out in 2020, and the music video is set in Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands.
Callum Beattie - 'Warrior'
In March 2021, Callum dedicated the unreleased demo of his song 'Warrior' to teenage Aidan Hogg, who had been diagnosed with blood cancer.
He wrote on Instagram: 'I’ve lost a lot of people, both young and old to Cancer, and when I saw young Aidan’s story, it moved me to take action. I’ve started a crowdfunder (Dave and I have already put £1000 in the pot to get it up and running) and I’ve also decided to dedicate this brand new, unreleased demo to his recovery.
'Rather than releasing a new single and getting you to buy it, I’m asking you to donate to the campaign instead. The money will be used to adapt Aidan’s home and also to raise awareness.
' hope you like it, I think it’s the perfect song for an inspirational young man - his strength leaves me in total awe - Aidan, you are a very special boy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. ❤️❤️❤️'.
Callum Beattie - 'Salamander Street'
Written over a decade ago, and taken from Callum's debut album 'People Like Us', ‘Salamander Street’ is about the road in Leith, Edinburgh of the same name. The song always proved popular with fans at Callum's gigs, and was released, along with the the music video which features Callum sitting on his guitar case playing his guitar in various places along Salamander Street as the story of the music video plays out interspersed with clips of Callum.
What is 'Salamander Street' about?
Speaking to us, about his single ‘Salamander Street’ Callum said: "I wake up every day to 200 messages and it’s thanks to you guys, I know you think I have to say that, but genuinely I really appreciate your support."
When asked about the reasons for writing a song about an area that’s known for a certain type of ‘nightlife’, Callum explained: “It’s a song about growing up in Edinburgh, and you know, I went to school with someone who I later saw in Salamander Street, and I just thought, it’s a story that’s real, and I wanted to write about it.”
The singer went on to describe how he wrote the song in a cupboard in his mum’s kitchen when he was just 18-years-old!
Who is Callum Beattie's dad?
Callum's dad has played a big part in encouraging the singer to pursue his career in music. Callum was brought up by him as a single parent, and he has spoken about his dad a number of times in interviews.
Speaking to F Word Magazine, Callum said, "My dad brought me up as a single parent. We were poor to the point that we had to use a hairdryer to heat up our beds in winter; that sort of thing. But in all fairness growing up in that situation made me the person I am today and it’s given me an insight into a lot of things some other people haven’t experienced."
He went on to say, "My dad brought me up on the likes of Springsteen and Bowie and I discovered a lot of indie bands when I was at school. But my influences come from many different sources. It’s a huge mix and I appreciate any band that has been able to write great songs."
PRS for Music's website also says, "Despite struggling as a single parent, Callum’s father bought him an acoustic guitar and encouraged him to pursue music on a full-time basis."
Callum wrote his song 'Some Heroes Don't Wear Capes' as a tribute to his dad.
How old is Callum Beattie?
His birthday is 17th October and he was born in 1989, making Callum currently 34-years-old. In 2023 he thanked his fans for all of their birthday messages, saying: 'Thanks for all the birthday messages today folks and for making my life a beautiful place to be. It’s been a long journey but I’m enjoying it more than ever thanks to you all ❤️'.
Is Callum Beattie on tour?
Will be on a tour in Scotland later this year. Find out more about when and where he's performing.
Does Callum Beattie have a girlfriend?
It's not clear if Callum is currently in a relationship, but he did write his 2019 track 'Nothing Hurts Like You' about his 10-year relationship with his now ex-girlfriend from his hometown.
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You can hear songs by Callum Beattie on Forth 1.
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