Caleb Hawley
New York City, New York, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2013 | SELF
Music
Press
"The New York-based musician has a flair for soulful songwriting and a voice that will blow your hair back" - The Chicagoist
"Caleb Hawley's sharp musicality and clever lyrics are perfectly paired with a healthy dose of pop sensibility. - American Songwriter
"It was a fantastic show, full of danceable riffs and singalong choruses all held together by Hawley’s tremendous charisma." - Music Without Labels
"The blue-eyed soul singer came to his A-Sides session last week and floored this blogger. Watch. Listen. Love." - The Huffington Post
"Hawley delivered one of the most powerfully unifying performances to be seen in Nashville in awhile." - Lockland Springsteen
"Let's stipulate that no one should be compared to Stevie Wonder. But with Caleb Hawley, there it is. Add the songwriting chops of Holland-Dozier-Holland to the mix, season with the ecstatic highs of Ashford and Simpson, stir in the manifold talents of Jackie Wilson, Ray Charles, David Gates and David Gray—and serve immediately." - Manhattan User's Guide
Discography
Side 1 (2014)
Photos
Bio
New York based, Minneapolis-born soul / pop / R&B performer and songwriter Caleb Hawley will independently release his self-produced Love, Drugs, & Decisions on September 15th. Raw lyrics and somber themes are sweetened by pop beats, androgynous vocals and sensuality inspired by the Minneapolis sound of the 80s and dance rock. Hawley writes about prescription drug culture, relating it to his battle with Tourette syndrome, depression, substance abuse and relationship struggles. His lyrics are introspective and observational, peering at the glamorous facades in society, addiction and alcohol, internet stalking and more. The result is a hard-fought battle towards redemption.
“I grew up in a home completely free of alcohol or drugs, and never had that black sheep uncle who might show me a logical reason to not to drink myself under the table on a daily basis or go looking to score some crack on skid row,” Hawley explains. “I thought I could just do these things and never have to pay a price in the end. It tore my life apart, and a lot of this album comes from that and working to put it back together.”
There is an underlying feeling of unity on Love, Drugs, & Decisions that colorfully shines through weighty topics. “We like to pretend we have our shit together,” says Hawley, “but there’s not a person on the planet that doesn’t have inner struggle.”
Hawley’s music is elevated by stellar live performances, backed by a slew of reviews noting his onstage charisma, and support from Minnesota Public Radio’s The Current. He forms authentic connections with an air of openness, soulful singalongs and untethered guitar work. His universal reach on Love, Drugs & Decisions is evident within keen pop writing that is equal parts conflict and triumph.
Awards:
2nd Place Winner, Telluride Troubadour ('10)
Finalist, John Lennon Songwriting Contest ('09)
Finalist, New York Songwriters Circle Contest ('08, '09)
Finalist, Falcon Ridge Emerging Artist ('10)
Gumball Machine Winner, Washington Elementary Talent Show ('96)
What people are saying:
“…both candid and tongue-in-cheek…stompy, gritty soulfulness.”
– Minnesota Public Radio’s The Current
“Caleb does a fantastic job at bringing an original sound that’s incredibly addicting.” – Gems & Secrets
Band Members
Links
