Beartooth frontman Caleb Shomo has opened up about the reaction surrounding the band’s latest single “Free,” addressing both the criticism the track received and the personal changes that accompanied its release.
The song arrived in late February and quickly became one of the more polarizing releases in the band’s catalog, sparking debate among fans over its stylistic direction and Shomo’s noticeably revamped image. The backlash ultimately led to Shomo stepping away from Instagram shortly after the single dropped.
Speaking in a recent interview with Full Metal Jackie, Shomo explained that he has intentionally distanced himself from online criticism while focusing on personal fulfillment and artistic honesty.
“For me, I, at least currently, am really trying not to focus at all and I’m really actively trying to stay away from hearing any of the critical reception. Obviously, on a broader scale, I see if people are listening to it, I see if people are coming to our shows, so on and so forth.”
While acknowledging that strong reactions are inevitable, Shomo emphasized that differing opinions come with the territory of creative expression.
“But I think everybody is entitled to their opinion, and there are just inevitably going to be a lot of people that don’t like the way this sounds or maybe don’t like the way I look or the way I’m dancing or what I’m wearing, or whatever that may be. And again, that’s up to them.”
Rather than chasing approval, Shomo says his current mindset revolves around gratitude for being able to create music professionally and staying true to his own artistic instincts.
“And all I’m trying to do is just be as honest as I can and enjoy this very, very amazing gift that I have of being able to be in a band and that be my job, and make the art that I wanna make. I understand how rare it is. I understand how blessed I am to be able to do this, so I just wanna make the most of it.”
He added that focusing too heavily on negative reactions risks overshadowing the listeners who do connect with the music — including himself.
**“And I know if I kind of get wrapped up in how people are reacting or get wrapped up in the people who don’t resonate with it, then maybe I’ll lose sight of all the people who do resonate with it.
And more importantly, I’ll lose sight of the only person who truly resonates with it, and that is me. And I just wanna be happy doing what I’m doing. So, that’s all I’m trying to focus on at the moment.”**
New Beartooth Album Already Finished
Beyond the discussion surrounding “Free,” Shomo also confirmed that Beartooth’s next studio effort is already complete. The upcoming release will mark the band’s first full-length project with their new label home, Fearless Records.
According to Shomo, the album rollout is currently being planned behind the scenes as the band works through release logistics.
“I don’t know how much I’m supposed to be talking about this, but I do have a new record done. We’re currently in the stages of figuring out how we wanna roll it out to the people and all of the crazy logistics that come along with it.”
He praised the label for giving him creative freedom throughout the process, noting that the collaboration required mutual trust as both sides adjusted to working together for the first time.
“[Fearless] have provided me with such an amazing space to make this album with just unwavering support. They’ve really had to trust my process because it’s the first time we’ve ever done anything together.”
Musically, Shomo says the upcoming record blends every defining element fans associate with the band — from heavy moments to melodic hooks and pop sensibilities.
“Yeah, musically, it’s been really, really good. And I am so proud of this album. To me, it’s just simply the best Beartooth album I could make. There’s a lot of heavy stuff, there’s a lot of the choruses, there’s a lot of the pop, there’s a lot of the screaming there. There’s all the things that I love when it comes to writing Beartooth songs, and they provided a great avenue for that.”
While no release date has been announced yet, Shomo’s comments suggest the next chapter of Beartooth is already fully formed — and poised to continue pushing the band’s evolving sound forward.
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I don’t understand that backlash. It’s a catchy song and seeing him perform it live made me like it even more.
Jennifer Russell I love the song. And he looks better in a crop top than I do. 😂
🤢🤮