Unsigned Spotlight: Caleb Hyles
Millions of people across the world have heard Caleb Hyles’ riveting covers on YouTube. From Broadway, to Anime, and top 40 hits, Caleb has taken his larger-than-life voice and put his own spin on classic tracks
When did you begin making covers on YouTube?
I started, actually, in 2009 creating covers on YouTube. Now, they were pretty crude production-wise, but that's the official start time.
More professionally? That's around early 2014. And I've been trying to get better since!
What was it like realizing “Let It Go” had gone viral?
Pretty crazy. I'm from a small-ish town in Alabama, so word got around quickly.
We're also tight-knit, so my friends and church-family went nuts on FB sharing it around. It was a humbling experience.
What inspired you to start making covers originally?
I've always connected with music and lyrics, so I've seen myself in the music I've grown up with.
Singing those songs and hearing myself singing them was therapeutic. Sharing it with others was the natural extension because then I'd find like-minded people to befriend.
Which genre of music is your favorite to listen to/cover?
Metal and rock, closely followed by musical theatre. My "first love" in music.
What are your most treasured memories to date since starting your musical journey?
Any time my parents are able to come out to a performance of mine is my new, most treasured memory. They have always been my number one supporters.
You’re about to release your debut album, In One Breath, how did you find the process of creating the album?
Challenging and inspiring. I started the process three years ago, and I think I've always wanted to pursue songwriting but I never made the time. I've come to find that I deeply love the process, and find a lot of "who" I am within it.
It's made me more collaboratively minded as well. There wouldn't be an In One Breath if not for the individuals who poured their time, effort, and creativity into its creation.
What can fans expect from the album, both sonically and lyrically?
The album is a patchwork of genres and styles. In that way, it mirrors my career up to this point; full of variety and restless.
Thematically, I'm working through a handful of philosophical musings and hoping to come up with some believable, foundational answers to life's numerous "why"'s.
I think I tapped into something universal, but there's no telling how others will respond until it's in their hands. Even still, I do hope that constructive conversations come from these lyrics, at the very least.
Do you have plans to perform live in the upcoming year?
Absolutely. Performing live is one of the best parts of my job, so 100% expect to see me on the road.
What lies ahead for you in 2022?
Plenty. Obviously, the release of my first original album, but there are also some surprises along the way involving more originals and some voice acting.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Mainly just "thank you" to everyone who's afforded me the opportunity to explore my creativity. I didn't really long for much growing up or develop "dreams", but because of people's investment into my creativity, I now have the time to find out what those things are. Thank you, endlessly.