Callum Maudsley: Genre-crossing hit maker

In 2024, millions tuned in to America’s Got Talent to witness an emotional, stripped-down performance by country duo The Reklaws. The song, People Don’t Talk About, was raw, heartfelt and unforgettable. The judges were visibly moved. Simon Cowell called it ‘unbelievably powerful’ and ‘stunning’. Howie Mandel added, “Your singing and your writing is impeccable.”

Behind that moment was Callum Maudsley, a Los Angeles-based producer, songwriter, musical director, and guitarist. He co-wrote the track alongside Stu and Jenna Walker not long before their mother passed away after years fighting mental illness. It wasn’t just a song, it was a chance for the brother and sister to heal. To do that they turned to Maudsley to help them articulate their grief through lyrics and music, something they knew he had the unique ability to achieve.

America’s Got Talent wasn’t just a performance, it was a moment of catharsis for the Reklaws. But it also introduced the world to the quiet power of Maudsley’s songwriting.

Discover the unheard potential

From a bedroom in Toronto to the stages of late-night television and multi-Platinum songs, Maudsley’s journey has been anything but ordinary. At just 27, he has already shown what it means to be a modern genre-crossing producer. His credits span country chart-toppers, indie cult favorites and glossy pop anthems. Every project reflects his versatility, emotional depth, and sonic innovation.

From beaches to billboard

Maudsley grew up near the beaches of Toronto, and by the age of seven, he had already picked up the guitar. Inspired by John Mayer, he immersed himself in music, even creating a YouTube channel called The Lightshere where he uploaded acoustic renditions of Mayer’s songs. At 14, his dedication paid off when Warner Music Canada invited him to join the band of emerging pop artist Scott Helman. He toured the world while still in high school, nearly missing graduation because of his demanding tour schedule.

That early break opened the door to more high-profile collaborations. By the time he turned 21, Maudsley had also performed with Johnny Orlando, Kira Isabella and The Reklaws, opening for global acts such as Vance Joy, Shawn Mendes and Florida Georgia Line. But it wasn’t just his guitar skills that brought him attention, it was his knack for bringing musical visions to life.

Crafting country hits from a bedroom

One of the defining moments of Maudsley’s early career came during the pandemic. Locked down in Toronto, he was living with Stu Walker of The Reklaws. Joined by Jenna Walker, the trio channeled their cabin fever into creativity. One afternoon, Maudsley laid down a riff in his bedroom that became the backbone of What The Truck, a feel-good anthem that would become the highest-selling Canadian country song of 2021 and the fastest to reach Platinum status in the streaming era. The song’s success was almost accidental. After their label initially passed on it, they posted a snippet on TikTok asking fans to help finish the final verse. The post went viral, forcing the label to reconsider. Despite minimal marketing, the track exploded.

This wasn’t just a pandemic success story; it was proof that Maudsley’s instincts as a producer and songwriter could break through even in the most unlikely circumstances.

Blending three worlds: pop, indie and country

Maudsley has shown remarkable dexterity across genres. In country music, he’s a proven hitmaker. His collaboration with Dean Brody resulted in Right Round Here, a chart-topping single that became the title track of Brody’s album and was nominated for Country Album of the Year at the Juno’s. With The Reklaws, he co-wrote Honky Tonkin’ About which earned a CCMA Award for Musical Collaboration of the Year and hit # 1 on Canadian radio. Since then Maudsley’s been in demand in Nashville where he’s written more top ten hits for the Reklaws and collaborated with songwriters like Daniel Ross, Griffen Palmer and Rivers Rutherford.

In pop, Maudsley has worked with platinum-selling artists like Ava Max and Alec Benjamin serving as musical director and guitarist. He’s worked on Scott Helman’s Gold and Platinum certified songs PDA, Ripple Effect, and Kinda Complicated.

But his sound isn’t confined to any one world of music. Wild Rivers, an indie/folk band with over 850 million global streams, brought him on board as musical director for their current world tour. Watching them on stage reveals Maudsley’s ability to shape emotionally rich and instrumentally layered live experiences.

Ignite your creativity

“I don’t ever feel confined by a genre or a sound. If the music connects with me then I feel inspired and want to be a part of it.”

Maudsley doesn’t just write songs. He tells stories. As a musical director, he helps artists design emotionally resonant live shows. As a producer, he listens deeply, shaping songs that balance personal vulnerability with commercial appeal. Artists describe him as a collaborator who brings out the best in everyone. Whether it’s organizing complex show arrangements, leading a rehearsal room, or gearing up backstage with an artist before a big performance, Callum has the rare ability to make creativity feel safe, focused, and inspired.

Defying expectations, one song at a time

Create your trace

Now based full-time in Los Angeles, Maudsley continues to work with artists on both sides of the border. He’s currently executive producer on The Reklaws’ upcoming full length album.

As a producer, he’s shaped the sound of Canadian country and pop music. As a musical director, he’s elevated platinum-selling artists and indie performances to international stages. As a songwriter, he’s brought deeply personal stories, like People Don’t Talk About, to millions of people.

As Maudsley continues to work in both Los Angeles and Nashville, he hopes to build a community of collaborators who make meaningful music that lasts. “My dream is to work on a project now that people will still be listening to 50 years down the road.”