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Caleb McAlpine's musical journey began long before he took his first breath. "Both my parents were musicians, and it was just constantly around," he says, reflecting on his upbringing. "I felt like I didn't have a choice; it was kind of in my veins." This deep-rooted connection to music laid the foundation for a career that would see Caleb navigate the complexities of finding and embracing his unique voice.
The birth of Common Fires
Performing under the name "Common Fires," Caleb made a deliberate choice to separate his personal and professional lives. "After shows, people would add me on Facebook or find me in professional avenues I wasn't comfortable with," he shares. This led him to adopt a stage name that allowed for a healthier boundary and greater creative freedom.
Embracing his vocal range
Caleb's relationship with his voice has been one of both struggle and acceptance. Despite growing up admiring high tenor voices like Jeff Buckley's, Caleb has come to embrace his baritone range. "It's about understanding the limitation and the blessing of where my vocal range sits and trying to occupy that space where it feels the most comfortable," he explains. This self-acceptance has been pivotal in his development as an artist.
The challenges of the music industry
The music industry is notoriously challenging, and Caleb's experience has been no exception. Describing his relationship with music as "candy pain," he acknowledges the frustrations alongside the rewards. "I've recorded my voice for hundreds of hours and made peace with what it is," he says. This relentless dedication to his craft has helped him hone his skills and embrace his unique sound.
Memorable moments and unexpected success
One of Caleb's most memorable moments came when he first started releasing music under Common Fires. "I was expecting people to respond to the songs or arrangements, but so many were just happy to hear me sing," he recalls. This unexpected reception helped Caleb gain self-acceptance and celebrate his voice's unique qualities. "It was very strange," he admits, "but it gave me permission to have a little more self-acceptance or celebration of those aspects."
Advice for aspiring singers
Caleb's advice to aspiring singers is straightforward yet profound: "Just keep practicing. Spend time on things you're not good at until you are good at them." He emphasizes the importance of persistence and the gradual nature of improvement. For Caleb, this dedication has been the key to overcoming the challenges and finding success in his musical career.
Upcoming album release
Excitement is building for the release of Caleb's upcoming album with his band, Nightshades. Titled "Reducer," the album will be available on May 31st, with a launch show on June 1st at Redbird Brewing. Caleb describes the process of creating the album as intense but rewarding, involving extensive collaboration and live recording sessions.
For those looking to connect with Caleb and stay updated on his music, he recommends following him on Instagram at @commonfires.
Caleb McAlpine's journey in music is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-acceptance, and passion. As he continues to create and perform, he inspires others to embrace their unique voices and follow their artistic dreams. His story is a reminder that the path to success is often filled with unexpected turns, but with dedication and self-belief, it is possible to find and celebrate one's true voice.
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