The frontman of Beartooth, Caleb Shomo, remains unfazed by the mixed reactions to the band’s new single “Free.”

“To be completely honest, that’s totally up to them and that’s their choice,” Shomo stated during last week’s episode of 95.5 KLOS’ Whiplash With Full Metal Jackie (via Blabbermouth). “I don’t create this art solely for gaining fans or for monetary and critical success.”

He added: “Truth be told, especially with ‘Free,’ I’m really doing this for myself. I’m focused on putting out the most honest art that I can and being the most true depiction of myself through my art, because that’s the essence of Beartooth. I truly don’t want to shy away from that.”

READ MORE: What’s the Big Deal With Beartooth’s New Song + Video?

Why Was Beartooth’s ‘Free’ So Polarizing?

“Free,” released earlier this month, sees Beartooth continuing to explore a radio-friendly rock sound characterized by poppy vocal melodies, clean guitars, and anthemic choruses. The accompanying music video has polarized viewers, showcasing Shomo in various flashy outfits, including a glittery crop top and a fur coat reminiscent of Yungblud’s style.

Some fans and fellow musicians criticized Shomo for his outfits and dancing in “Free,” including Attila frontman Chris Fronzak, who commented on X (formerly Twitter), “Looks like Caleb Shomo dropped the ‘S.'” He later deleted the post and apologized—though not before Shomo removed his personal Instagram account for unspecified reasons.

Conversely, other musicians praised Shomo for his bold self-expression. Disturbed frontman David Draiman likened Shomo to Freddie Mercury and David Bowie, noting that “some of the greatest frontmen of all time have never held anything back, fully embracing their own flamboyance and expressing themselves powerfully.”

Caleb Shomo Is ‘Trying Not to Focus’ on ‘Free’ Critical Reception

Shomo shared with Full Metal Jackie that he is trying to steer clear of the critical discourse surrounding “Free” and instead focus on the privilege of making music.

“Currently, I’m really trying not to focus at all on the critical reception,” he said. “On a broader scale, I see if people are listening to it or attending our shows. But everyone is entitled to their opinion, and inevitably there will be many who don’t like how this sounds or how I look or dance or what I’m wearing.”

“And again, that’s up to them,” he continued. “All I’m trying to do is be as honest as I can and enjoy this incredible gift of being in a band as my job while creating the art I want to make. I recognize how rare this opportunity is and how blessed I am. I want to make the most of it. If I get caught up in how people react or focus on those who don’t resonate with it, I might lose sight of those who do resonate with it—and more importantly, I’ll lose sight of myself. I just want to be happy doing what I’m doing, so that’s my focus right now.”

Watch Beartooth’s ‘Free’ Video

What’s Next for Beartooth?

Beartooth is nearing the end of a North American arena tour supporting Bad Omens. Shomo confirmed that the band has completed a new album, their first since 2023’s The Surface, and their first on Fearless Records after over a decade with Red Bull Records.

“We’re currently figuring out how we want to roll it out and manage all the logistics involved,” said the singer. “I am incredibly proud of this album; it’s simply the best Beartooth album I’ve created. It includes heavy elements, catchy choruses, pop influences, and plenty of screaming—everything I love about writing Beartooth songs has found a great avenue here.”

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