Kaleb Rudy Debuts “My Own Volition” – An Intense Look at Romance, Drifting, and Addiction
Making a grand entrance with his debut EP, Kaleb Rudy is finally unveiling “My Own Volition,” a Visual EP showcasing a series of captivating, self-directed videos that weave a compelling narrative of love and struggle between two lovers and drifters grappling with the grips of addiction and more.
The LA-based artist had a nomadic upbringing, moving across several states by age 12, which shaped his emerging bisexual identity against the backdrop of small-town life and his father’s role as a Christian pastor. Kaleb Rudy found creative expression through various artistic pursuits, all of which converge in “My Own Volition,” with his self-written and self-directed music and visuals, in which he stars as one of the drifting protagonists.
“My Own Volition,” represents a bold and liberating creative journey for Kaleb Rudy. Driven by a desire to reclaim his artistic agency and authenticity, Kaleb has chosen to eschew the temptation of chasing commercial trends or tailoring his music to fit external expectations. This decision speaks to a profound realization – that the most fulfilling and impactful art often emerges when one fearlessly embraces their true creative impulses, unburdened by the pressures of industry demands or public opinion.
Listen HERE
In crafting this project, Kaleb Rudy has rediscovered the joy and freedom of artistic expression, collaborating with trusted producer Scott Smith to create a body of work that is a direct reflection of his uncompromised vision. By reviving songs he had previously shelved for not being “commercial” enough, Kaleb has reclaimed his creative power, reasserting his right to define the parameters of his own artistic journey.
Watch HERE
“My Own Volition was born out of wanting to follow my instincts without outside influence. I felt I’d lost my way by trying to figure out what people wanted to hear rather than what I wanted to say. I think it’s easy to get caught up in that game. What’s in? What would get me playlisted? Approaching music that way was so unfulfilling.”
– Kaleb Rudy
Perhaps paradoxically (and in the best of ways) these unconventional and borderline experimental sounds and approaches to music-making have caused a deeply positive impact within his core audience and beyond, garnering high praise from publications of previously released singles, proving once more that talent and uncompromising vision are -more often than not- the true winning formula.
The four-song-long EP is an exercise in plasticity and a frantic devotion to remaining genuine to your vision and the experiences that inspired it. The opening song, “Eighteen” features an upbeat and upfront pop-rock homage to both queer love and the youthful vibrancy of being just old enough to finally strike out on your own. This is immediately contrasted by the two following ballads, the charming and folksy “Mess” and the minimalistic, heart-breaking “Tornado (Lie With Me).”
The fourth track, “Selfish,” further showcases Kaleb’s versatility and his refusal to be pigeonholed. The slow-burning, alt-rock song has a gothic Americana sound, with lonesome, gritty guitar work that creates a distinct mood shift within the album. Despite this change in tone, the track seamlessly fits into the overall narrative of the record, thanks in no small part to the way it connects with the evolving storyline in the accompanying videos.
For the final track, “Lot’s Wife”, Kaleb returns to the roots of his religious upbringing. The music video takes place inside a beautiful church, and the song features the graceful and uplifting presence of a majestic organ through most of its duration.
From the EP’s dynamic range to the fluid narrative of its highly cinematic visual companions, this project has a way of blowing expectations out of the water. Kaleb Rudy’s embrace of diverse influences, musical paintbrushes, and film-making sensibilities has successfully delivered the one and only promise anyone can expect of any talented artist: Authenticity.
Photos by Amanda Adam
