Caleb Shomo - Beartooth (Audio Interview)
Where does one even begin with a musician as talented as Caleb Shomo? The guy has had one of the most interesting and largely relatable lives due to the personal suffering in his every day life, which he has managed to take control of and produce some of the most heavy and hard hitting music based around his struggles. Back in 2007 he started his music domination in the US band Attack Attack! where he first appeared as the band's keyboardist at age 15, before he was promoted as the band's front-man in 2009 following the departure of Nick Barham. Following this the band went on to release two successful albums (including 2012's This Means War) and gain international success and recognition before Caleb abruptly had to leave the band that same year due to his crippling clinical depression.
Not long after this, Beartooth was born where Caleb wrote, recorded and produced the band's first EP Sick, all by himself and consequently kick-started the adventure he's been on since. For an idea which started out merely as a distraction and at times a joke, they've gone from strength to strength in such a short amount of time, adding additional members to the now four piece line up and cementing themselves as "Ones to Watch" in the hardcore/heavy rock genre. While some bands tend to not delve deep into their personal lives and battles, Shomo isn't afraid to express his life though his music and their debut studio album Disgusting is a pure indication of this, with themes quite openly shared throughout including Depression, Substance Abuse, Self-Doubt and the Anti-Child Abuse/Bullying anthem "Beaten in Lips" just a taste of what you can expect when you listen to this album for the first time
He didn't know that by sharing some of his inner demons that he would become an unofficial role model for kids/fans who are going though very similar situations in life (myself included) but that hasn't stopped him from being quite honest about all the messages and outpouring support he's received and how it really makes him feel:
"That's one of my favourite parts about music in general, I don't set out to do that when I write albums. But the fact all that can help other people is one of the most beautiful things about all music."
"I get very uncomfortable with being looked up to, because I feel like I'm somebody who should not be a role model. Don't get me wrong, it is so amazing when people can listen to Beartooth's music and get something out of it, but for me personally I get very anxious around those situations."
And for those wondering if the band's music/album themes will change now Caleb is in a much better head space than when he was writing the first album, he's offered up the following:
" I'm sure when I get older I'm gonna have plenty more shit that I need help with, but I'm glad anybody can get something out of what I'm saying. I'm pretty happy with that."
Last year the band toured Australia for the first time on In Hearts Wake's Skydancer Tour and were undeniably the stand out act from the whole line up and it's no surprise considering in the short amount of time they've been making music together, they've managed to resonate with fans all across the globe and create such a following that has earned them spots on huge festivals all over the world such as the Vans Warped Tour, Reading & Leeds and the Download Festivals, not to mention support slots for Slipknot, Bring Me The Horizon, Sleeping with Sirens and soon they'll be returning to our shores again alongside Pierce the Veil, Silverstein and our very own Storm the Sky. Why didn't they get their own headlining tour you might ask? Well Caleb explains:
"We talked about doing a headline tour, then we talked about doing a tour with Silverstein and then it came up with Pierce the Veil that we could do it together. The fact the opportunity came up it means we get to play to more people, we all get to hang out with each other, it really made perfect sense for us."
PIERCE THE VEIL – AUSTRALIAN TOURWITH SILVERSTEIN, BEARTOOTH & STORM THE SKY
EATONS HILL, BRISBANE
TUESDAY AUGUST 16 – All Ages
BIG TOP AT LUNA PARK, SYDNEY
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 17 – All Ages
THEBARTON THEATRE, ADELAIDE
THURSDAY AUGUST 18 – All Ages
170 RUSSELL, MELBOURNE
SATURDAY AUGUST 20 – All Ages
170 RUSSEL, MELBOURNE
SUNDAY AUGUST 21 – 18+
ASTOR THEATRE, PERTH
TUESDAY AUGUST 23 – All Ages
Their new album is literally an inch away from perfection and while I tried to wait until it's actual release date (on Friday) before sitting down by myself and hearing it all without interruptions, I couldn't bring myself to wait another day and can I just say it was well worth sneaking a listen. Holy shit I can't stress that enough. My in-depth review for the album is here but first feast your ears on the incredible words of one of the greatest upcoming musicians of our generation below.
Browny (@brownypaul)
[audio src="https://wallofsoundau.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/wall-of-sound-caleb-shomo-iv-bed.mp3"][/audio]
Facebook: Beartooth
Twitter: @BEARTOOTHband; @CalebShomo
Website: www.beartoothband.com
"Aggressive" released Friday June 3rd. Pre-Order here
If you or someone you know needs help with their own mental well-being please get in contact with Beyond Blue on Twitter @beyondblue or via the Website www.beyondblue.org.au
