Kaleb Rudy
Indie singer-songwriter Kaleb Rudy launched his debut visual EP, ‘My Own Volition‘, earlier this month. The project marks a significant milestone in Kaleb’s career: his first major video release combines with his signature storytelling to create a potent and unique experience.
Produced by the highly regarded Scott Smith, ‘My Own Volition’ tells the love story between two drifters, portrayed through a series of visually stunning videos. Kaleb Rudy’s music serves as a vehicle to convey emotions and innermost thoughts, giving listeners/watchers a glimpse into the complexities of connection.
Kaleb Rudy’s journey as an artist has been shaped by his diverse background and experiences. Growing up in small, rural towns and with a Christian pastor for a father, Kaleb faced many challenges as he embraced his emerging bisexual identity. However, he found solace and expression through various forms of art such as songwriting, acting, and filmmaking. These different artistic outlets came together to create ‘My Own Volition’ – an authentic representation of his passions. The songs featured on this EP are all self-written by Kaleb himself, as well as the visualizers accompanying them. In addition to that, Kaleb also takes on the role of one of the lead characters in these visualizers – portraying a star-crossed drifter.
‘Eighteen‘, the first of four tracks, is a perfect introduction to Kaleb Rudy’s take on indie pop, with its playful rhymes and equally playful visuals to match the tone of the song. Next is ‘Mess‘, a bittersweet ballad in which Kaleb and his partner express love for each other even in the toughest times. ‘Tornado (Lie With Me)‘ continues to deliver touching and heart-wrenching melodies, continuing the overarching narrative of love, addiction, and overcoming. We all experience darkness in our lives, the so-called ups and downs, but something about those downs takes us to the abyss itself. Kaleb expresses this perfectly in ‘Selfish‘.
Finally, there is the recently-released ‘Lot’s Wife’, a cinematic piece where Kaleb reaches for the heavens accompanied by a church organ and chamber choir, reminiscing his Christian roots. The audience is immersed in a bizarre world, filled with powerful visuals to enhance the overall atmosphere.
“My Own Volition was born out of wanting to follow my instincts without outside influence. I felt I’d lost my way by trying to figure out what people wanted to hear rather than what I wanted to say. I think it’s easy to get caught up in that game. What’s in? What would get me playlisted? Approaching music that way was so unfulfilling.”
Kaleb Rudy
Through his music, Kaleb Rudy skillfully captures the raw emotions and intricacies of life. With heartfelt lyrics and haunting melodies, he allows listeners to connect on a deep level and empathize with his struggles. He has created a powerful medium for storytelling, making a profound and cathartic journey for anyone willing to listen to his story.