Image: Beartooth [Official press photo]
About a month ago, Beartooth released their current single "Free," accompanied by a high-spirited music video. While there were plenty of positive reactions, there was also a significant amount of homophobic comments regarding how singer Caleb Shomo presents himself in the new clip. Shortly after, he deactivated his Instagram account – now, in an interview with Full Metal Jackie, he has spoken honestly about his intentions with his music and how he is dealing with the surge of comments.
Discussing the Comments on "Free"
Speaking to Full Metal Jackie, Caleb Shomo said that it’s not just the initial reaction to a music video that matters to him, but the bigger picture:
“For me, I, at least currently, am really trying not to focus at all and I’m really actively trying to stay away from hearing any of the critical reception. Obviously, on a broader scale, I see if people are listening to it, I see if people are coming to our shows, so on and so forth.
But I think everybody is entitled to their opinion, and there are just inevitably going to be a lot of people that don’t like the way this sounds or maybe don’t like the way I look or the way I’m dancing or what I’m wearing, or whatever that may be. And again, that’s up to them."
Furthermore, his focus remains on the goal he pursues with his job as a musician:
"And all I’m trying to do is just be as honest as I can and enjoy this very, very amazing gift that I have of being able to be in a band and that be my job, and make the art that I wanna make. I understand how rare it is. I understand how blessed I am to be able to do this, so I just wanna make the most of it. [...]
And more importantly, I’ll lose sight of the only person who truly resonates with it, and that is me. And I just wanna be happy doing what I’m doing. So, that’s all I’m trying to focus on at the moment.”
Album in the Works: More Music on the Horizon
The interview didn't just cover the single, but also what's coming next. "Free" is set to be part of a sixth full-length album, which is already completed and just waiting for its release:
“I don’t know how much I’m supposed to be talking about this, but I do have a new record done. We’re currently in the stages of figuring out how we wanna roll it out to the people and all of the crazy logistics that come along with it."
"And I am so proud of this album. To me, it’s just simply the best Beartooth album I could make. There’s a lot of heavy stuff, there’s a lot of the choruses, there’s a lot of the pop, there’s a lot of the screaming there. There’s all the things that I love when it comes to writing Beartooth songs, and they provided a great avenue for that.”
We’ll keep you posted regarding a release date!
