IMAGE|
The release of Caleb’s Room by Caleb Hopkins, a fifth year music major from Fort Smith, has introduced the public to a fusion of art pop and choir elements, creating a mini symphony for listeners to enjoy. With no use of samples or autotune, Hopkins allows the audience to enjoy an authentic take on the journey of the human experience. The use of raw vocals, drums, piano, and strings build on the purpose of the album to emulate a safe space where you are able to exist within yourself.
Caleb cited The Beatles and The Beach Boys as inspirations, each guiding Hopkins into using his voice as a primary instrument. The process of this album consisted of meshing together various moments or sections that had been constructed into ideas over time.
“I preferred working at night, since it allowed me to work with no expectations or deadlines,” Caleb said. The track “To Fly” was originally composed of only the final portion of the piano; then formed more in depth with the addition of layers.
“Every individual part is an expression by me, there’s a lot I can say,” Hopkins said.
“I recorded the bird sounds thinking ‘I can use this somehow’ and then I ended up making something they sounded perfect with,” Hopkins said, explaining how important incorporating his hometown was in the track “Mt. Vernon Farewell.” The inclusion of each technique and original sound aided in the execution of an authentic piece, telling a story of life and grief. The album is split into two emotional plots.
The first part is presented in playful, upbeat tunes in order to help the listener understand the feeling of being in a safe place where you can finally be yourself. Hopkins points out that this album is a demonstration of being neurodivergent.
“I can just finally be myself and in a place where I can just let that out,” Hopkins said.
The other half is presented as a crash. It allows the listener to get in touch with Hopkins’ grief after an extremely high-pressure moment in his life.
“I would say participating in the play, ‘Big Fish’ was a very influential moment in my music. During that time, the play was a very happy moment in my life and exposed me to visceral experiences, but there was also a lot of negative stuff going on,” Hopkins said.
“My sister’s death was a big factor in the making of the album. It was really hard since she was the one that brought all of us together. It encompasses the idea of going through this grief and it not ending, it clearly had a big impact on what I had to say,” Hopkins said about his song “Wilted Flower.”
Grief is a major theme within Caleb’s Room, and helps listeners feel connected to the music due to the raw emotion exuding from Hopkins. Following the release of his album, Hopkins has seen support from his friends and peers from the music department. Being a member of ATU’s music department has assisted Hopkins in his path to releasing music, based on the rigor and standards that they hold themselves to. Hopkins shared that he is planning to produce more heartfelt and thoughtful music in the future.
“Caleb’s Room” is available on all major music streaming services.
