Calla Louise Mapel, born in 1987, is a rising indie musician known for her introspective lyrics and raw vocal delivery. As the daughter of acclaimed actress and singer-songwriter Mare Winningham, Calla has grown up immersed in a world of creativity and artistic expression. Her journey as a musician under the stage name “SAD SONGS” reflects both her family’s legacy and her unique voice in the indie folk genre.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Calla Louise Mapel |
| Born | 1987 |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
| Stage Name | SAD SONGS |
| Genre | Indie, Folk |
| Parents | Mare Winningham, William Mapel |
| Notable Work | EP: “Pining” (2024) |
| Instruments | Vocals, Electric Guitar |
| Base | Portland, Oregon |
| Current Residence | Castle Rock, Washington |
| Siblings | 4 (Riley, Patrick, Jack, Happy Atticus) |
Who is Calla Louise Mapel?
Calla Louise Mapel was born in 1987, the fourth child of Mare Winningham and her husband, William Mapel. Growing up alongside her siblings—Riley Mapel (1981–2005), Patrick “Paddy” Mapel (b. 1983), Jack Mapel (b. 1985), and Happy Atticus Mapel (b. 1988)—Calla was part of a large, close-knit family. Tragically, her oldest brother Riley passed away in 2005 at the age of 24. Despite this loss, the Mapel-Winningham family remains a strong and supportive unit.
Artistic Influence
With a mother who is an Emmy and Academy Award-nominated actress and a successful musician in her own right, Calla grew up in a household steeped in the performing arts. Her father, William Mapel, worked as a technical crew member in the television industry, further contributing to the family’s creative atmosphere. From a young age, Calla was exposed to music, acting, and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into bringing artistic visions to life.
Music Career
Calla performs under the alias “SAD SONGS” in Portland, Oregon, where she has become a prominent figure in the city’s indie music scene. Her stage name reflects the introspective and emotionally charged nature of her music, which often explores themes of love, loss, and personal growth. Through her alias, Calla creates a distinct identity that allows her to express herself freely as an artist.
Discography
In 2024, Calla released her debut EP, Pining, a collection of four tracks that showcase her songwriting prowess and evocative vocals. The EP features collaborations with fellow Portland musicians Haley Keegen and Jesse Waldman, who contribute their talents to create a rich, layered sound. Standout tracks include Current, a haunting meditation on the passage of time, and Man Oh Man, a raw and honest exploration of romantic longing.
| Track | Length | Key Collaborators |
|---|---|---|
| Current | 4:12 | Jesse Waldman (keyboards) |
| Man Oh Man | 3:47 | Haley Keegen (songwriting) |
| Like Hell | 5:01 | – |
| Rimbaud | 4:29 | Jesse Waldman (keyboards) |
Before Pining, Calla released a solo acoustic track titled Gallop on Bandcamp, offering a glimpse into her more stripped-down, intimate side. She has also performed extensively in Portland’s indie music venues, building a dedicated local following.
Musical Style
Calla’s music is characterized by its introspective lyrics, which often explore the complexities of relationships, personal growth, and the human experience. Her raw, emotive vocal delivery adds depth and authenticity to her storytelling, drawing listeners into her world. Instrumentally, Calla’s sound combines elements of indie folk and lyrical storytelling, with electric guitar, keyboards, and minimal percussion creating a dreamy, atmospheric backdrop for her words.
Public Appearances and Collaborations
While Calla has largely pursued her music career independently, she has made occasional public appearances alongside her famous mother. In 2007, Calla attended the Off-Broadway premiere of Mare Winningham’s musical 10 Million Miles with her siblings, showcasing the family’s support for one another’s artistic endeavors. These rare joint appearances highlight the strong bond between Calla and her mother, both as family members and as fellow musicians.
Portland Music Scene
Calla is an active and well-respected member of Portland’s vibrant indie music community. She frequently collaborates with local artists, including keyboardist Jesse Waldman and songwriter Haley Keegen, who contributed to her debut EP Pining. Through these collaborations and her live performances at various Portland venues, Calla has established herself as a vital voice in the city’s music scene, known for her unique blend of indie folk and lyrical storytelling.
Residence
As of 2024, Calla Louise Mapel resides in the small town of Castle Rock, Washington, located about an hour north of Portland, Oregon. Prior to moving to Castle Rock, Calla lived in Portland, where she established herself as a musician and became an integral part of the city’s indie music community. Her relocation to the more rural setting of Castle Rock may reflect a desire for a quieter, more focused environment in which to continue her musical journey.
Education and Background
While details about Calla’s formal education and background are limited, her music reflects a self-taught, intuitive approach to songwriting and performance. Her journey as a musician seems to have been shaped primarily by her upbringing in a creative family, her exposure to the performing arts from a young age, and her own artistic instincts and experiences. As Calla continues to develop her craft and share her music with the world, her background and education may come into clearer focus.
Press and Interviews
As an emerging artist in the indie music scene, Calla Louise Mapel has received limited mainstream media coverage. However, she has garnered attention on niche platforms such as Bandcamp and indie music blogs, where her unique sound and introspective lyrics have resonated with listeners. Calla has also been mentioned in profiles and interviews with her mother, Mare Winningham, as part of the family’s creative legacy.
Fan Engagement
Calla maintains an active presence on social media platforms like Instagram, where she connects with fans and shares updates about her music and upcoming performances. She also engages with her audience through platforms like SoundCloud and Bandcamp, where listeners can stream and purchase her music directly. As Calla’s career continues to grow, her fan base is likely to expand, both in Portland and beyond.
Conclusion
Calla Louise Mapel, known by her stage name SAD SONGS, is a talented indie folk musician whose introspective lyrics and emotive vocals have earned her a dedicated following in Portland, Oregon, and beyond. As the daughter of actress and musician Mare Winningham, Calla grew up immersed in a world of creativity and artistic expression, which has undoubtedly influenced her musical journey.
Through her collaborations with local artists, live performances, and the release of her debut EP Pining, Calla has established herself as a vital voice in Portland’s indie music scene. As she continues to grow and evolve as an artist, Calla Louise Mapel’s music serves as a testament to the power of family legacy, personal storytelling, and the enduring appeal of indie folk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Calla Louise Mapel related to Mare Winningham?
Yes, Calla Louise Mapel is the daughter of actress and musician Mare Winningham. She is Mare’s only daughter and the fourth of her five children.
What genre is SAD SONGS?
SAD SONGS, Calla Louise Mapel’s musical project, falls under the indie folk genre, characterized by introspective lyrics and a storytelling approach. Her music often incorporates elements of electric guitar, keyboards, and raw vocal delivery.
Where can I listen to Calla Mapel’s music?
Calla’s music is available on various platforms, including Bandcamp, SoundCloud, and streaming services. Her debut EP, Pining, was released in 2024 and features four tracks showcasing her songwriting and vocal talents.
Did Calla Mapel act like her mother?
No, unlike her mother, Mare Winningham, who is known for her acting career, Calla Louise Mapel has focused solely on music. She has not pursued acting and instead has dedicated herself to developing her craft as a singer-songwriter and performer in the indie folk genre.
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