How Caleb Hearn Found a Home in Songwriting

The 20-year-old singer from North Carolina has gained massive momentum on TikTok and has just released his new single, "Hey Brother."

Photo Courtesy of Caleb Hearn

How has the last year changed you, both as a creator and as a person?

This past year, I have grown as a musician and creator more than ever before. I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone and that has really helped to shape the person I am today.

What has been the biggest moment of your life so far?

I would say that the biggest moment in my life was definitely the day and months following the release of my song “Always Be 2.0.” I have never experienced a feeling like that before. The way that people related to the song, told their own stories, and supported me was life changing.

What’s one thing you hope never changes?

The one thing that I would love to remain constant, is my ability to engage with my fanbase. It is such an honor to be able to reach people all over the world that I know nothing about, but still connect with them through my music.

Photo Courtesy of Caleb Hearn

What does it mean to be a creator in today’s world?

Today, it is by far the easiest era to become a creator. The opportunities are endless, and you can really be whoever you want to be, and be accepted.

Tell us about the inspiration behind “It’s Always Been You” and the process of creating this beautiful song and music video?

“It’s Always Been You,” actually stemmed from a darker place in my life. My parents divorced when I was a kid, and I had been carrying this grudge for a really long time. It was consuming me emotionally, until this year when I saw both of them find someone new. It was difficult at the beginning, but it was also the first time I had seen them truly happy. This song was a way for me to finally understand where they were coming from. I never realized it until I put it on paper.

You have such a unique and amazing voice. Tell us your background and what led you into the music industry. Who is your musical idol?

I have always been looked at as a writer. Everyone I know growing up would tell me I would be a journalist or an author. It wasn’t until some major events took place in my life that music became a passion for me. When I learned that my writing could be put to music and could impact others, that’s when I knew I wanted to do this as a career. Growing up, I listened to a lot of John Mayer and Ed Sheeran; mostly for their lyrics and their ability to connect with their listeners.

In June you played your first show ever in LA, what was it like being on stage and connecting with the audience? If you felt nervous before the show, how did you overcome this feeling?

My first show was very interesting to say the least. It was one of the best times of my life, but also one of the scariest. Before my set, I truly debated making a run for it back to the Airbnb. When my friends found me pacing behind the stage, they gave me some advice and it was more than enough to get me out there. Once I made the jump, it was amazing. I could hear two or three people in the audience singing my songs, and that was more than enough for me to really know this is meant for me.

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Caleb Hearn is one of MUD's Trailblazers to Follow. Visit our Trailblazer portal to discover more honorees, and make sure to follow Caleb Hearn to stay up to date with his music.