Caleb Hawley

Back in November, I was given an opportunity to co-write some songs with a few high school classes here in Harlem. I was a bit intimidated, and hadn’t even co-written with my peers, so I wasn’t sure how it would go. A few months later we have written five songs together, and are in the process of recording them. Here’s a two minute clip of the second song we did, entitled “We Believe in You”. To hear the first song “Everyday Struggle” scroll down a few entries.

We Believe in You (Shortened)

WE BELIEVE IN YOU
Written by the kids of Westside High

In times of doubt and sorrow
You need a shoulder to lean on
Just call our name
We’ll brighten up your day.
(more…)

I am pleased to say that “Other Side of it All” was selected as a Finalist in the Pop Category of the 2009 John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Some of the judges include Natasha Bedingfield, Fergie, and The Bacon Brothers, so maybe one of them can hook me up : )

My thoughts on songwriting competitions? They are ALWAYS subjective… that is, until you win one. Then they become totally fair (sarcasm alert). This is the second competition that has given “Other Side of it All” high praise, which is very gratifying. I wrote the song for our country, and it’s humbly fulfilling to see it connect. Thank you all.

So I’m beginning the process of writing songs for my next CD.
You may say, “Wait, why? Didn’t you just put one out this fall?”
And I would say, “Yes I did, but Frank Zappa averaged two albums a year, so I’m not breaking any rules.”
You see the truth is that I have this idea in my head, and I don’t want to wait two years to see it through. I’d rather take action NOW, just like a motivational speaker once told me to do.

I wrote a song this summer that I very much enjoy. It’s called “We All Got Problems”, and it’s about how our current society is totally over medicated. (more…)

Last night we played a show at a college in Michigan. The show went great, but the initial greeting was a classic case of pure Indie snobbery. I used to be jazz snob, and I’m so glad that I’ve changed my perspective. Music is subjective, and it’s become a pet peeve of mine when people get condescending just because of the kind of music someone creates. Lately for me, this has been the 120-pound college kid with a half grown beard, who’s only opinion is one of which he has read in Paste or Pitchfork. Dude, sorry I’m not Bon Iver… Although I did grow up sixty-miles from him, so that should count for something right?

Here’s what happened last night, if you don’t mind me venting to you. Reed and I (who I’m currently touring with) were sitting at the venue enjoying a cup of tea, waiting for them to finish setting up the stage. (more…)