Beartooth frontman Caleb Shomo recently addressed criticism surrounding the band’s new music video. He shared his perspective on artistic integrity and fan reception in an interview with Whiplash with Full Metal Jackie.
The criticism has primarily focused on Shomo’s outfits and dancing in the music video for the band’s new single “Free.” Shomo responded by emphasizing his commitment to authentic artistic expression.
“I don’t make this art solely to be gaining fans and solely [for] monetary success and critical success and all those things,” Shomo said. “Truth be told, especially with ‘Free,’ I’m really doing this for myself. I’m doing this just so I can really be putting out the most honest art that I can be putting out and be the most true depiction of myself through my art that I can give, because that’s the point of Beartooth. And I really don’t wanna shy away from that.”
The frontman also discussed his approach to handling negative feedback and maintaining focus on his artistic vision.
“I, at least currently, am really trying not to focus at all and I’m really actively trying to stay away from hearing any of the critical reception,” he continued. “Obviously, on a broader scale, I see if people are listening to it, I see if people are coming to our shows, so on and so forth. But I think everybody is entitled to their opinion, and there are just inevitably going to be a lot of people that don’t like the way this sounds or maybe don’t like the way I look or the way I’m dancing or what I’m wearing, or whatever that may be.”
Shomo concluded by expressing gratitude for his position as a musician and his determination to make the most of the opportunity.
“And again, that’s up to them,” he said. “And all I’m trying to do is just be as honest as I can and enjoy this very, very amazing gift that I have of being able to be in a band and that be my job, and make the art that I wanna make. I understand how rare it is. I understand how blessed I am to be able to do this, so I just wanna make the most of it.”
Shomo’s comments come at a significant time for the band. They are navigating a new chapter in their career and continuing to evolve their sound and visual presentation.
Substream Magazine reported that “Free” marks Beartooth’s first release since 2023. It represents the beginning of a new era after signing with Fearless Records. The single dropped around February 27, 2026, signaling a fresh start for the Ohio-based metalcore band under their new label partnership.
The track holds special significance for Shomo, who has described it as a preview of their upcoming album. Rock Sound noted that Shomo stated the forthcoming record represents “the most honest depiction of my soul I will most likely ever make.” This statement aligns with his recent comments about prioritizing artistic authenticity over commercial considerations.
“This song shows a glimpse of what is to come from the next Beartooth album, which is the most honest depiction of my soul I will most likely ever make,” Shomo explained about “Free.”
The single was co-written and co-produced by Jordan Fish. This adds another layer of collaboration to the band’s creative process. Highlight Magazine indicated that this partnership represents part of Beartooth’s evolution as they work under their new record label arrangement.
Despite the online criticism surrounding the music video, Beartooth continues to maintain strong fan support. This is evidenced by their current touring success. The band is currently on a North American arena tour supporting Bad Omens, featuring sold-out shows across multiple cities including Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Raleigh, and Nashville. They have upcoming dates in Glendale, Arizona, and Oakland, California.
