The Don't Rock the Inbox Proust-Ish Questionnaire: Caleb Caudle
There's always been a stark honesty to Caleb Caudle's songs, but on his new album Heavy Thrill, the North Carolina native delves even deeper into the corners of the human experience we all recognize but aren't always comfortable talking about. Recorded at the Cash Cabin, songs like "Anxiety" and "Meantime" are vulnerable and pretty gorgeous folk-rock songs that take stock of our shortcomings and focus on healing over lingering in the darkness. It's needed.
We thought Caudle would be perfect to answer our DRTI questionnaire to celebrate the release - and weren't disappointed as he riffs on John Prine, forgiveness and his dreams of being a cobbler. Read on below and check out his new album here.
The Don't Rock the Inbox Proust-Ish Questionnaire: Caleb Caudle
What country album is your idea of perfect happiness?
Roger Miller - Any compilation of his singles.
What’s your greatest fear about your career?
That my life runs out before my work does.
What is the trait you most deplore in other artists?
When they limit themselves.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Concerning myself with other artists.
Which living country artist do you most admire?
Emmylou Harris
What is your greatest extravagance on tour?
Getting a cabin in the middle of the woods on a day off.
What is the most overrated virtue in the country music world?
The authenticity test.
Which of your past aesthetic choices do you dislike most?
I’m pretty good with everything as it all leads to something else.
Which country artist, living or dead, do you most despise?
The small one from Big & Rich.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse in your songwriting?
Most likely something to do with nature as it’s been a constant source of inspiration since I was a child.
When and where were you happiest?
At National Parks with my wife.
Which talent would you most like to have, other than music?
I wish I was a cobbler, Caleb Cobbler.
If you could change one thing about your career so far, what would it be?
I wish all the big moments were more condensed, I think that’s always helpful.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Marriage, Kid on the way, Quitting Drinking and The Opry.
If you were to die and come back as another country artist, living or dead, what would it be?
Lefty
Where would you most like to live if you didn’t have to be tied to one particular place for work (if you are)?
Norway, I love it there.
What is your most treasured musical possession?
My 1954 Gibson ES-125 and a dobro slide that belonged to my friend Alex McKinney who played with me for years before he passed.
Which historical figure in country music would you most like to collaborate with?
I would have enjoyed writing with Guy.
Who are your heroes in real life?
Anyone who is putting in the work to make themselves a better person one day at a time.
What is your greatest regret?
Not forgiving myself for things I would absolutely forgive others for.
What is one perfect country song, to you?
“Hello In There” - John Prine
