We’re looking forward to introducing you to Caleb “SoulSoundz” McLean. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Caleb “SoulSoundz”, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
My morning typically begins with a 5:30 AM wake up and some devotion time. I’ll open up my Nike Training app for a quick yoga session – usually yin or pre-run stretching, then head out for my 1.5 mile daily walk. Afterwards I’ll either hit the gym for a lift or head back in, shower and grab a quick breakfast. Lastly, I’ll have a quick planning session for the day, set up my to-do list, and then get the day moving. The start time can change if I have a late-night session, but the routine is generally the same.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My journey into music started when I was a teenager, producing and writing songs for my crushes in elementary school, then in high school hosting a weekly rap battle in my dorm room where I would make beats live on my keyboard and the homies would freestyle. Fast forwarding to undergrad at Syracuse University, I played keys at several of the local Syracuse churches and for a few regional college gospel choirs. I was also briefly in a band with a few of my musician friends called “SoulSoundz”, which is where my producer name comes from.
It wasn’t until grad school, that I discovered I wanted to be a producer. One of my Audio Arts professors and future mentor, Dr. Ulf Oesterle, assigned us a book report on an industry figure. At first I had no idea who to choose, then my girlfriend at the time suggested I read Jermaine Dupri’s book, “Young, Rich, and Dangerous: The Making of a Music Mogul”. As I read JD’s story, I realized that I wanted to do exactly what he did – craft hit records, develop talent from the ground up, and make a living from my creativity.
Now, as a two-time Grammy nominated, multi-platinum producer – I’m in a space where I’m focusing on growing my personal brand, providing opportunities for other up and coming producers, and exploring my future as an artist.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Once I decided that music production was the path that I wanted to pursue, I designed my whole grad school experience to align with it. I was a staff producer for the school’s record label, Syracuse University Recordings, while at the same time starting my own label, SoulSoundz Music Group. Ulf Oesterle , a professor there, who ran his own label, was instrumental in this process and met with me often for mentoring and ideation sessions. I also got a job running the Newhouse recording studios on campus and I spent everyday there, making beats and recording other students. As I finished my final semester, my last task before graduation was to secure an industry internship. I was blessed to connect with Shanti Das, an Atlanta hip-hop legend and Syracuse alumna who recommended me to the internship program at Twelve Studios, owned by Dina Marto. This is where I got to see the real music business in action every day – I did everything from food runs and cleaning bathrooms, to being an assistant for the in-house PR team, the A&R team, and the head engineer.
Soon, I made a name for myself as a capable musician and growing producer which led to collaborations with the in-house producers, one of whom I’d later sign to – Javar Rockamore. Once my internship period was over, I stayed on as a staff producer and continued to grow my production chops – working consistently with industry producers like Cheeze Beatz, Javar, PressPlay, and others. After some time, the opportunity came for me to work with Javar on some beats for NBA Youngboy – we got one of them placed (my first major label placement) and decided to work together more closely. I went on to sign with Javar’s company, Varsity Team Productions and we got to work immediately – this partnership led to a run of placements on multiple platinum albums, Billboard #1s, and my first Grammy nomination! My time with Varsity Team opened some amazing doors for my career and helped me to grow immensely in my craft as a producer.
Fast forwarding to present day, I’m blessed to be in a position to step out and grow my brand as not only a producer, but as an artist and executive. I’ve recently partnered with AYO Music Group for publishing administration and with KatClearedit Founder, Kat MacLean-Daley, as my new management. These connections have allowed me to provide major placement opportunities for other producers and artists, to explore my own evolution as an artist, and to expand my brand as a producer and executive.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I don’t believe that suffering is the opposite of success – in my experience, the highs of success are always matched by the valleys of hard work and hustle. For example, after both of my Grammy nominations – amazing highs in their own right, I got right back to work. This industry waits for no one and you are only as good as your latest accomplishment – there’s no room to rest on your laurels, especially not for me at this point in my career.
There are times of ebb and flow in this business. Putting in consistent time and effort is the only way to continue to forge ahead. For example, this year my team and I have sent out hundreds of tracks – only a few of which have found a home. Even though that reality can be tough at times, I choose resilience over an attitude of defeat. As long as there is an opportunity to take another shot, there’s a life-changing possibility at hand. Strategic patience is the name of the game.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Even though I’ve transitioned into a more genre-diverse creative space, I will never leave hip-hop behind – it’s the sound that forged me – from hosting high school rap battles to producing on multiple Billboard #1 hip-hop albums. I carry it with me in every session, whether it’s R&B, dancehall, country, neo-soul, or even gospel. Its essence must be protected at all costs.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I truly feel the most at peace when I’m able to unplug from the world. For me this can be taking a long walk on a trail and sitting on a bench enjoying the views, or a yin yoga session that helps me center myself and reconnect with my breath and body. I love to sit and listen to music for sheer enjoyment – not as a work reference or for research, simply to appreciate the art. Traveling to a new city or country, just to immerse myself in a different environment – leaving meetings, sessions, and business behind. Ultimately, I’m the most at peace when I’m simply able to exist – for no other purpose, experiencing the gift of life solo and with the people I love.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulsoundz_
Image Credits
Shawn Michael Craig
Jasmin La’Shon
Javar Rockamore
