Mississippi native Auburn McCormick is one of the most captivating independent country artists on the music scene today. Her honest lyrics and clever melodies have created a tremendous following from local audiences.
The standout county singer graduated from Saltillo High School and has always loved to sing. “I’ve been singing since I was in diapers,” she shared. “I loved Phantom of the Opera; my dream as a little girl was to be Christine.”
She fondly recalls her childhood in Mississippi: “When I think of growing up in Mississippi, I think of muddin’ on the four-wheeler, water sliding down the hill, catching fireflies, eating good food, and spending time with good friends. It was all about enjoying the little things in life and having a good time.”
Those who knew McCormick as a young girl are not surprised at her success. She sang in church choirs and school choirs in Northeast Mississippi and chased after her dreams with full force. However, her success has come with its challenges. Auburn was in a car accident years ago and was told that she might not be able to sing again.
“Hearing the words ‘I don’t think you’ll be able to sing anymore, we don’t know if you’re going to be the same, shattered my world, and it really motivated me to say no, I’m going to prove them wrong, I’m going to sing again! I trained really hard and never gave up. I think that experience was the moment I decided that I was given this gift, and it was almost taken away, and I’m not going to let it go; I’m going to use it to bring people joy; I’m going to make music,” Auburn said.
McCormick’s biggest inspiration as a young artist was Carrie Underwood. “Carrie Underwood was the first female country artist I ever listened to. I loved her sound and her lyrics. Now, many artists have cultivated how I sound, there are so many!”
At 15, McCormick taught herself to play guitar and wrote her first song. She went on to study commercial music at Trevecca University in Nashville. One of her more popular releases, “Black and White Movie,” placed in the 2020 International Songwriting Competition.
Trevecca University is also where she met songwriter and best friend Hannah Kalfas.
“I had heard Auburn perform in college and thought she was incredible. We reconnected a few years later and ended up being roommates. Later, we wrote a song together in just a few hours and realized we worked well together; that’s when our friendship flourished. We’re on the same page melodically and lyrically and are very comfortable with each other,” Kalfas shared.
Auburn McCormick is hoping to be another Mississippi musician success story. In reality, she already is. With new music being released soon, a line-up of upcoming gigs, and a recent record deal with Rose & Thorn Records in Nashville, McCormick has much to be proud of.
“I think Mississippi gets looked down on sometimes, but we have some of the best people and talent out there. To all aspiring artists in rural Mississippi, don’t stop what you are doing. I don’t care how often people say no, or you’re not good enough. Art is subjective and opinion-based. Get out there and do what feels best! Your music should bring you joy, which will bring others joy, too.”
McCormick currently splits her time between Nashville, TN, and Austin, TX. However, Mississippi will always be home. She performed in Oxford last weekend on the rooftop of The Graduate Hotel, in addition to hosting a Songwriter Competition at The Lyric Oxford along with Kal, and her label Rose & Thorn Records. The event encouraged student performance and raw talent to perform and provided an opportunity for feedback. This event also fits the label’s brand and Auburn McCormick, as they are passionate about genuinely supporting artists.
“The world is tough right now,” McCormick shared. I think people need to lean into music, listen to music, and support artists because there is so much beauty in art. Maybe it’ll make their day brighter—that’s my hope, anyway.”
