Last week, Treble had the pleasure of interviewing award
winning artist, Caleb Ryder. As he sat snuggled up on the “sofa of artists”
drinking a cup of green mint tea, we asked Ryder all about his rise to fame;
from the good times to the rough. Not to mention, we even asked all about his
brand new album, Harmony. Also, thanks to your submitted questions, we
may or may not have asked about his favourite type of sushi, too.
ABOUT CALEB
Background
Caleb is an indie/alternative artist in his mid-twenties.
Born in Oxford, he showed an artistic flare since his first music project back
when he was six. He’s been singing since he was a kid and playing guitar for
the past twelve years.
Musical History
Back in the year 2009, Caleb made his first appearance
within the major side of the world of music. He appeared on MTV (yes, an artist,
on MTV!) when supporting Mumford and Sons, alongside four other supporting
acts. The audience screamed and cheered as he played his first EP, “Walking On
the Wild Side”, and Ryder was bathing in fame by the next morning. Two months
later, Glassnote Records had spotted and signed him up, and before long, he’d
released his very first album with Glassnote, “Conversations With Myself”,
which sold an outstanding 340,000 copies in its first week. From his first
album, he was nominated for “Best Upcoming Artist” by the MTV awards, and won
it with flying colours.
In 2011, Caleb was invited to join The Killers on their year
long, worldwide tour. After great succession in that, Caleb has big album plans
for 2012, however, after his role model, his dad, passed away in April, Ryder developed
some nasty problems which made him fall into the darkness, and postpone his
album release.
Hiding away in the shadows for eleven months, Ryder eventually
returned and doused himself in song writing and guitar playing. This led to the
completion of his newest album, “Harmony”, reflecting the darkness, the struggles,
and his amazing comeback.
That’s right; he’s back, and he’s better than ever. It’s
time for that long awaited interview with ‘Indie King’, Caleb Ryder.
Q. So Caleb, how does it feel to be back in business?
A. Man, it feels great! I’m back from the darkness, and I’m
ready for action! –laughs-
Q. November was the release of your new album, Harmony. What would be your favourite
song on the album?
A. Well, I’m the artist, so I mean I like all the
songs. –laughs- But nah, if I had to
choose a favourite song, it’d probably be “The Inevitable End of Mr Mulgrew”.
It’s a tongue twister, but it’s got a really neat mood to it. The lyrics tell a
story about a grumpy, mean old man who looks back on his life over the years
and realises what he’s done wrong. So he goes around making up for as many
mistakes as he can. It’s really sad but really sweet. Just a warning, some of
you guys might cry.
Q. The rise to fame. How’d you do it?
A. It wasn’t easy, I’ll give you that. I started out busking
on street corners. That went on for like, 2 years before I was even noticed.
This guy gave me his business card, and it turned out that he was actually from
Glassnote Records (Caleb’s current signing) on his way to a meeting, who
happened to like my style. I mean, what are the chances? So, we talked for a
while before he got me signed to them on a smaller deal. I played a few gigs
with their help, before releasing an EP 6 months later. It gained way more
listeners than we thought, so they took me in on a more serious deal. 1 year
later, and here I am.
Q. So, obviously you had that dark patch in your life last
year; looking back, what does it feel like?
A. Well, before the release of Harmony, I was kinda just falling into that dark place, and it was
just getting to the point of no return, so this album really saved me, you
know? I mean, last year was tough. I had my passing of my dad, the mental problems;
it was insane. Looking back though, I always had music there with me, and that
was where it all started. I began working on some rough ideas, which became
drafts, which turned into songs that were eventually performed in the studio.
That was the birth of Harmony, the
best thing that ever happened to me.
Q. Okay, time for the fun stuff. We heard you like sushi,
what’s your favourite kind?
A. Damn guys, I can only pick one? If I had to choose, I
guess it’d be maki rolls. They’re just too good. But then again, California
rolls though! No, I can’t choose! Gah!
Q. What are your top two films, Caleb?
A. Well, I really love all those Japanese animations. My
favourite animation has gotta be The Cat
Returns by Hayou Miyazaki. It’s
the cutest film, like, ever. So watch it. My favourite film physically acted
though? This may surprise some people, but I really love Drive by Nicholas
Winding Refn. It’s just so perfect. I’m usually not one for all that action
stuff, but Drive is an exception. The soundtrack is also wonderful.
Q. Favourite artist/band?
A. I have quite an eclectic ear, so I like most music, but
if I had to choose? Well, then I’d say I’m a huge fan of Florence & the
Machine and Alt-J. They’re both so chilled and cool. Their music always makes
me feel so relaxed. How can anyone feel anger when there’s beauty like that in
the world? I don’t get it. Personal opinion though, I guess.
Q. So, back to Harmony,
give the readers one good reason why they should buy your new album.
A. Well, it’s filled with songs with real meaning and lyrics
that tell a story. If you enjoy chilled and indie music, then it’s at least
worth a listen. I hope you guys all enjoy it.
You can purchase Caleb Ryder’s new album, “Harmony” on sale
in stores now. You can also catch Ryder on his “Album Release Party” on
November 21st at the London Academy, which will be streamed on our
website on the night. Go to www.treblemusic.co.uk
for the stream, album sneak peeks and more now.
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