We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Caleb Williams. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Caleb below.
Hi Caleb, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
So I’ve been writing music for as long as I have been playing guitar. These two things kind of went hand in hand for me. For the longest time my dream was to be in a touring metal band, but that dream abruptly ended during college. During that time I began writing mostly acoustic music and was very influenced by artists like Damien Rice, Nick Drake, The Lumineers, Gregory Alan Isakov, etc. When I rededicated my life to Christ my song writing journey became very complicated. I began to have false humility pertaining to songwriting, saying things to myself like, “I can’t write anything that doesn’t deliberately glorify God and can be sung in the church.” At this time I leaned heavily into contemporary worship music. All of this led me here today. As a songwriter I really believe I’ve grown and matured in some aspects, but most of all the influences I’ve derived over the years have merged. I like to think that the music I’m writing today is a mesh of singer/songwriter, Folk/Americana, and Contemporary.
Due to my passion for writing, even though it’s not paying ANY bills yet, I can’t help but pursue it. I was in a songwriting competition a few years back and sat at a panel that truly made pursuing this professionally more approachable. The guy giving the panel told us that if we’d put forth the time and effort, we have a shot no matter what and no matter how long it takes. I left there full and ready to go. I’ve been putting my heart and soul into it since. I’ve officially made a separate bank account for music purposes, sell merch, am releasing an EP almost fully crowd funded, and have one tour under my belt. This is a very exciting season. Though I’ve been writing for almost 20 years, I’m still learning new things every day. I’m thankful for my Wife and Child’s support as well and the wonderful friends the Lord has blessed me with over the years. I know there is much to learn and I’m so excited even at the beginning of this wonderful journey.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
So as a songwriter, I play and perform music that upholds the preeminence of God. The music will sway from Contemporary worship to more Folk/Americana expressions of where I’m from, The Ozarks. Other than the songwriting side of things, I also travel to churches and store fronts all over the region doing worship nights. I believe more than even a songwriter that performs songs, I’ve been raised up to lead worship all over Missouri and Arkansas to bring worship to wherever people will have me! Technically I started doing the worship stuff before I started taking songwriting more seriously. I love doing both so much. For more information about my ministry and the story you can visit my website at: calebwilliamsmusic.com
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest ones that I’ve had to unlearn is you can write music for people and from a place of intimacy with the Lord. These two things don’t have to be separated. God can still be glorified even through powerful songs that resonate with real life experiences. As a matter of fact, I believe now more than ever, that they are one of the most powerful conduits of evangelism for us songwriters. If you can write an honest song about where you’re at in the season you’re in then you’re doing something right. It doesn’t just have to be, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!” You can also write personal substance about your kids playing and how beautiful God’s creation is. All of these things point to him. I don’t know, I know I needed to hear this in my radical season.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
So I’ve not necessarily had to pivot, but you HAVE TO pay bills. We live in a world where unfortunately you have to make money to survive, so if you are going to pursue music you have to work as well at the beginning. I’m woking three jobs. My 9-5 as a barista, a part time job as a worship leader, and songwriting. If you approach it with the mindset that songwriting demands a few hours a week (like a part time job) you will create more and see lasting fruit. These are the things that I had to rewire my life and thinking in at the beginning. Move from music is a hobby to a career. It starts with this.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.calebwilliamsmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alebcay.illiamsway?igsh=MTNzOHltZWNxbHFtaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1E92RP1kGr/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.patreon.com/CalebWilliams364?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator
Image Credits
Jonah Outhouse