Caleb Shomo, the dynamic lead singer of Beartooth and former member of Attack Attack, shares his fascinating journey through the music scene. He candidly discusses mental health struggles and the impact of public scrutiny on his self-image. The conversation dives into his early days performing at local venues, the breakthrough at Warped Tour 2009, and the personal battles behind his songwriting. Caleb reflects on authenticity, growth, and the evolution of Beartooth, offering a raw and inspiring look at life as an artist.
Caleb Shomo shares the intense physical and mental challenges of touring, emphasizing the importance of managing health on the road.
He candidly discusses his mental health struggles, including performance anxiety and the pressure of public perception impacting his artistry.
Caleb reflects on his journey from Attack Attack! to Beartooth, revealing how early fame influenced his personal growth and artistic evolution.
Deep dives
Introduction to Lead Singer Syndrome
The podcast introduces the concept of exploring the lives and experiences of lead singers from various bands, emphasizing the intimate backstage conversations brought into the public sphere. The host, Shane, who is also the lead singer of the band Silverstein, expresses his excitement about sharing in-depth discussions about the unique challenges and experiences faced by lead singers in the studio and during tours. He mentions appreciation for his collaborations with others in the industry who helped launch this podcast, indicating a supportive creative community. This introduction sets the stage for understanding the journey and resilience required to be a lead singer in the music world.
Caleb Shomo's Journey
The conversation shifts focus to Caleb Shomo of Beartooth, who shares his experiences on the Warped Tour and discusses the relentless demands of touring. He recounts the physical strain of performing 12 consecutive shows, expressing surprise at his own vocal endurance during this taxing schedule. The dialog delves into how scheduling on the Warped Tour often ignores personal limits, making it crucial for performers to adapt and manage their health on the road. This candid discussion reveals the behind-the-scenes reality of life as a touring musician and the camaraderie shared among lead singers.
Navigating Mental Health and Performance Anxiety
Caleb delves into the mental health challenges faced by musicians, sharing how his struggles with voice issues and self-image impact his performance. He highlights the irrational pressures that arise from fearing public perception, stating that any lack of vocal strength leads him to feel he's letting his fans down. The conversation touches on the role of diet, hydration, and vocal care in preserving vocal health, with Caleb noting specific lifestyle changes that have helped him. This dialogue unpacks the deeply personal nature of performance anxiety and the emotional toll it can take on artists.
From Local Band to Major Success
Caleb recounts his early days with Attack Attack!, describing the unique dynamics of being a young musician thrust into the spotlight. He shares stories from his youth, emphasizing how he navigated fame while dealing with self-doubt and public scrutiny. Despite achieving local success with catchy tracks, the band faced harsh criticism from the media, adding stress to Caleb's journey. This journey from a local band to national recognition sheds light on the complex relationship between personal growth, public perception, and artistic evolution.
Beartooth's Growth and Future Aspirations
As the conversation progresses, Caleb reflects on the critical reception and personal struggles surrounding Beartooth's albums, particularly discussing the emotional weight of their lyrics. He expresses pride in the authenticity of his work, having poured heartfelt struggles into their music. Engaging audiences through raw storytelling, Caleb reveals plans for their next record, hinting at a shift towards more reflective themes rooted in his upbringing. This anticipation highlights the band’s commitment to evolving as artists while maintaining a meaningful connection to their audience.
Ep. 1 - Caleb Shomo joins the show to talk about his childhood, growing up in the music industry, mental illness, the turbulent history of Attack Attack, and the success of his current band, Beartooth.