Caleb Hearn

Nashville-based, North Carolina-born singer-songwriter Caleb Hearn created his debut album Left on McKinney with a commitment to raw honesty . At 23, he decided to confront his fear of vulnerability in songwriting, believing his openness could help others. This album, an evolution from his breakout single “Always Be 2.0, ” delves into personal struggles, including his battle with panic disorder and the challenges of coming of age. Hearn’s folk-pop style and his collaboration with producers Colin Foote & Alex Borel (Dean Lewis, Matt Hansen) shape the album’s nuanced sound. The album features the hit single “Little Bit Better , ” a duet with NYC-based singer/songwriter ROSIE that explores mutual support during tough times. The track gained significant traction on TikT ok and Spotify , landing esteemed playlists New Music Friday , Pop Rising, New Pop Picks, Fresh & Chill, Folk Pop, Chill Pop, and more. With straightforward and conversational lyrics, Left on McKinney balances hopeful and painful themes, from the tender “Last Breath,” dedicated to his fiancée, to “If It Wasn’t For You,” which provides closure on a past relationship. The opening track “Klonopin” addresses his dependence on anxiety medication, setting a tone of deep vulnerability . The track “Warm Body” meditates on love’s finite nature, while album closer “Get There When I Get There” champions living life on one’s own terms.

Hearn’s journey began in Mount Airy , where writing became an outlet during a turbulent childhood marked by his parents’ divorce and a friend’s death. He started with short stories before transitioning to songwriting at age 12 after receiving a guitar . Despite a period of setting music aside in high school, Hearn rediscovered his passion and committed fully to his craft, leading to a pivotal conversation with his father about authenticity in his music. This epiphany inspired him to write “Always Be 2.0,” a heartfelt tribute to his late friend, which garnered significant streaming success and attracted record label attention, resulting in his signing with Nettwerk Music Group in 2022. Left on McKinney is named after the road where Hearn’s grandparents live, a place symbolizing safety and comfort. The album’s title track captures this sense of serenity and belonging, embodying Hearn’s goal to offer listeners a sense of peace and understanding through his music. Rooted in his wistful brand of folk-pop, Left on McKinney places Hearn at the forefront of young artists who explore their inner lives with both courage and candor