Check out our interview with Singer/Songwriter Caleb Hyles who just released his debut album, In One Breath. Within the twelve tracks of this record you’ll find glimpses of the human experience. You’ll ask questions, face doubt, and find comfort. This album allows fans to connect more deeply with Caleb now than ever before.
Caleb Hyles originally made waves on the internet with his covers of Disney, Broadway, Cartoon, and Top 40 hits on YouTube. Through his hard work and passion to share music with others, Caleb amassed over 1.5 million YouTube subscribers and over 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Listening through each song you’ll grapple with what it means to be truly alive and present. Caleb says “The two biggest themes of the album are “time” and “memory”. It’s crazy to me how both feel so fleeting yet are some of the most integral pieces of our existence…So much of who we are is shaped by what we remember and what we’re doing currently with the time we have left.”
Follow Caleb @calebhyles
Hi Caleb, please tell us a little about you?
Hello everyone! My name is Caleb Hyles and I am a singer/songwriter who has been disguised as a professional YouTube cover artist for the past seven years. Whether you’ve come to know me through my covers or my original music, I am grateful that you’ve chosen to spend your time with me.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Hmmm…let’s go with cautious, joyful, and hopeful.
How did you get started in the business?
By accident, for the most part. I was working sports production for five years prior to the YouTube thing, and before that, I was in fast food and grocery stores. I’ve always had a passion for music and singing, so I performed on my Google Video back in the early 00s and then moved to YouTube, once it became the only option. I had a viral hit in 2014, and I haven’t stopped! Can’t stop!
How has this changed your life?
In every facet imaginable. Obviously, my work life is more constant than 9 to 5, and I have so many friendships now over years and years of collaborating and networking. I’d like to this job has made me wiser and more patient; two things I didn’t have much of before (haha)
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Metal, Musical, and Emotional. Maybe musical and emotional go hand in hand, but even when I’m not being musical my performances tend to be a little more saccharine than most.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I’ve been consistent with this answer throughout my career and I don’t intend to change it now: my parents. Both are musicians and my father is a songwriter (I recently did a cover album of a handful of his songs from the 80s!). In a way, I never really felt like I “chose” music. It’s been a part of me for as long as I can remember. I am eternally grateful because, even without the career, music has and continues to bring me such joy on a daily basis.
Do you play any instruments?
Yes! I play the piano, drums and have been known to play the trombone (haha)
Do you ever get nervous?
Certainly. It is a good thing to get nervous because it means you care. Now, sure, you don’t want to be paralyzed by nervousness, but butterfly’s and jitters are perfectly normal and expected. I think if I ever lost the pre-show anxiousness I might consider why I’m still doing this.
Tell us about your new album “In One Breath”?
With my first original album, I felt like I needed to set the tone for what will become my body of work. With that in mind, I experimented greatly from track to track. I’ve described the album as “restless” and I think that’s become truer over time. I’m deeply influenced by my upbringing, and as I said above, I come from a family of musicians. Naturally, we had music playing at all times and my Dad worked at a radio station so we heard all kinds of music. My cover artist career has reflected my influences as well. I wanted my debut album to reflect in the same way. Of course, I’m talking sonically, but this also carries over thematically.
What’s the story behind the songs of the album?
My parents and teachers often labeled me as “disconnected” or “under-motivated”. This could easily be construed as “lazy” or “distracted”, depending on the day. In reality, I was often just in my head asking tons of hypotheticals about the nature of existence (haha). In my teens, this was just me being edgy, but as I’ve become older and experienced more those ruminations have become more mature, and are looking for answers. Many of these songs are themed around “time” and “memory”; two of, if not, the most important aspects of our lives, yet we have no tangible way to hold onto them. I explore living in a reality like this, and there are also more story-driven tracks that have a beginning-middle-end structure, akin to a musical. Everyone might not agree with my conclusions, but at the very least I hope a constructive conversation is started and maybe people can walk away feeling a little more hopeful about their individual journey than they did before.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The work itself! I’ve always loved singing and music for the sake of doing it. I think it makes me feel connected to my loved ones.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
You never know who is in the room with you and you never know the entirety of someone’s story. Humility is your greatest asset.
How would your best friend describe you?
HAHA! He’d probably say I’m a great guy, but that I also try too hard sometimes.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
Caleb Hyles: Fake it til you make it. But you’re always going to ask if you’ve made it, so you end up just being fake all the time…
What’s next for Caleb Hyles for 2022?
Still LOTS of original material in the works. The covers are still coming! And I’m also doing some voice acting on the side!
What is your favorite healthy food?
Anything related to “bowls” is just so so good
And your favorite cheat food?
Eh, I don’t like to call it “cheat food”, more like “planned indulgence” (haha). With that in mind, let’s go with a pizza buffet!
How would you explain your fashion style?
Old Navy with a hint of Nordstrom (provided my wife has been involved in the outfit)
What is your own definition of happiness?
Serving others by living underneath the Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, self-control
Where do you see yourself and your career 5 years from now?
Hopefully, I’m doing a majority of original music! I absolutely love doing covers, and that will never change, but I feel really complete when I’m working on my own material.
Favorite song? Why?
Even If It Kills Me by Motion City Soundtrack. A song for every stage of life. It only gets better with time lol.
What do you think of Social Media?
A wonderful piece of tech that I think has maybe, possibly, potentially, gotten out of hand (haha). I do not think it’s made relationships simpler, if that makes sense. Communication, sure! But not relationships.
Where can we follow you?
Any and all social media! Just search up Caleb Hyles and You’ll find me 🙂
Favorites: Jesus, My Wife, My Family, My Friends
Book: The Wild Things by Dave Eggers
Quote: “But someday you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.”
Movie: The Babadook
Tv Series: House M.D.
Favorite Food: Any kind of pasta
Travel Destination: Japan. Always.
Sports Team: Auburn Tigers, Utah Jazz
