Founded by violinist Lucy Cantley and powerhouse vocalist Camille Rae, Calamity Jane isn’t your average country duo. Their sound — a fusion of classical finesse, country storytelling, and a dash of bluegrass grit — has been described as “New Grass,” but Lucy prefers to think of it simply as honest music with heartstrings attached.
With a new single out, “Playing with Fire,” and a finale show approaching before Lucy steps into motherhood, the conversation was as real and refreshing as the duo’s harmonies.
Merging Classical Roots with Country Storytelling
Michelle: Classical training and country storytelling seem to be in your DNA. How do you merge those influences into something uniquely Calamity Jane?
Lucy: I love that question. Camille and I both come from classical backgrounds. I started on viola at six, and she’s been singing since birth. Even though I wasn’t a trained bluegrass fiddler, I was always drawn to melodies that made me feel something.
Growing up in New Jersey, my parents played everything from Tim McGraw to Faith Hill. So when I transitioned from orchestra pits to fiddles and cover bands, it felt natural to combine what I knew — classical beauty — with what I loved — country storytelling.
I think a lot of classical chord progressions actually echo Irish and Celtic traditions. That’s why our songs often have that open, cinematic sound. It’s just where my ear naturally goes.
From “Devil Went Down to Georgia” to a Thumbs-Up from Charlie Daniels
Michelle: Your debut single, a cover of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” got a nod from Charlie Daniels himself. How did that come about?
Lucy: That was wild. It was actually the first song Camille and I recorded together. I’ve always loved that track because, as a fiddle player, you have to know it. It’s like a rite of passage!
Our PR team reached out to Charlie’s camp, and he listened to it. He said it caught his attention and that it was different but still honored the original. That meant so much. What makes it more special is that it happened just months before he passed. It’s something I’ll always treasure.
“Playing with Fire” – A Song About Love, Honesty, and Real Life
Michelle: Your latest single, “Playing with Fire,” stopped me in my tracks. It’s layered and emotional. Tell me about it.
Lucy: I wanted to write a song that went deeper than the typical breakup track. Playing with Fire asks what happens when you’re happily married but find yourself emotionally drawn to someone else.
It’s about those gray areas of love where heartbreak still exists even in commitment. Both Camille and I are married, and we know relationships have seasons. It’s not about scandal; it’s about honesty.
The song ends ambiguously because life’s like that — it doesn’t always tie up neatly. Everyone brings their own story to it.
Musicians, Not Content Creators
Michelle: You’ve been open about stepping back from social media which something many artists struggle with. How did you make that decision?
Lucy: Oh, this one’s close to my heart. We went all in on social media for a year — TikTok, Instagram, you name it. We had viral videos, thousands of followers… but the ROI wasn’t there. The joy wasn’t there either.
At the end of the day, we’re musicians, not content creators. I even put that in our bio. We want to make it in this business for who we are — not how well we trend.
Now we focus on what we love: writing, recording, performing. We post updates when it matters, but it’s no longer consuming our lives. That balance has made us happier and, honestly, more creative.
Sharing the Stage and Learning the Lessons
Michelle: You’ve opened for artists like Maddie & Tae and Diamond Rio to name a couple. What stands out from those experiences?
Lucy: We’ve learned a lot even from the tough moments. Some encounters were warm; others, not so much. It taught us who not to be.
If we’re ever the headliner, we’ll go out of our way to make others feel seen. We all share the same dream. A little kindness backstage can mean everything.
Hope at the Heart of It All
Michelle: What do you hope fans take away from Calamity Jane’s music?
Lucy: Hope. Even when our songs touch on pain or uncertainty, there’s always a thread of hope. Life can be messy, but I always come back to the idea that things can get better.
That’s what I want people to feel when they listen — that no matter how dark it gets, there’s still light up ahead.
What’s Next for Calamity Jane?
Lucy is preparing for maternity leave, with the duo’s final show of the season set for October 15 at Fox & Locke in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee — one of their favorite venues. After that, they’ll take a well-deserved break before returning to the festival circuit next spring.
“It’ll be bittersweet,” Lucy says. “But we’ll be back and we will be stronger, rested, and ready to play.”
Follow Calamity Jane:
All socials: @calamityjaneofficial
Closing Note:
Lucy’s words echo the heart of Calamity Jane — honest, grounded, and fiercely creative. They remind us that true artistry isn’t about chasing algorithms; it’s about connection, courage, and staying true to what moves you.