Caleb Nichols Live at Bliss Forest Studio
2 videos • 1 views • by Counter Poet and indie rock artist Caleb Nichols’ music is unmistakably, (clockably), but most importantly: confidently queer. His discography’s vulnerability has really struck a chord with me. And, more accurately, the me that I’ve fearfully caged away since whatever happened during high school. The commanding exposure in Caleb’s work cannot be mistaken for anything except maybe, regrettably, reckless in today’s political climate. Their arrival to the studio engulfed even a frigid October morning. Immediately boisterous and arguably brazen with conversational subject matter, this version of Caleb was not the one that his rather introspective and “sweet-natured” (Adam Sobsey, Pop Matters) ballads painted for me. However, upon further reflection, this Caleb that playfully combated my attempts at direction and expressly demanded the use of a fog machine was the only version of Caleb that could have possibly had the gumption to write these songs. After we wrapped, I was able to kick back, eat some Trader Joe’s potato salad, and just chat with Caleb. Their demeanor cooled down once the stage lights shut off and the job was done. Sitting crisscross applesauce alongside William, looking up at Caleb as he slumped onto an askew piano bench, it was all suddenly reminiscent of elementary school. Sweaty and through mayonnaise-scented breath, I spoke with him until any sort of enigmatic queer icon quality melted away. We shared stories about our varied experiences in higher education and overseas travel as a more nuanced picture of Caleb began to form. Any remaining worries about writing a description that effectively captured his vibe were solely due to learning that he is an English Professor.