A kick-ass, powerful voice, a handsome avi and a personality that makes him an amazing live music act to see –not to mention a terrific friend! And (drumroll) he's the new writer for the FOCUS Fotobomb article! FOCUS editor, Susan Aloix, caught up Kaleb for this issue so we could all get to know him a bit better!

 

Susan: Kaleb, you are such an emotive and powerful live singer. How would you describe your music?

 

Kaleb: To be quite honest, I can't answer that! Everyone hears my music and shapes it to their own experience. I would not know how to describe my sound, but I can describe how I feel when I sing: total freedom and bliss. It's healing for me and it allows me to fly. When I sing, I feel love take over my hurt, my thoughts, my feelings and flushes out all the negative and fills it with good. Fills it with...love. I feel I can take the world after I sing.

 

Susan: What is unique about singing to an SL audience that you have found positive?

 

Kaleb: When I sing in front of an SL audience, it's easier to submerge myself into the music. I can't see anyone's facial expressions – which is a good thing! I don't know if people dislike it, or if they are talking and not paying attention. I can't see that. I only feel the positive energy of those who are listening and go on the journey with me for that hour. They let me know either in local chat or private messages that they are with me and they appreciate what I'm doing.

 

Susan: Is there one of your songs you particularly love singing?

 

Kaleb: I'm currently in love with Ed Sheeran's Photograph. It makes me reflect on something that needs reminding. People come and go in our lives, as well as relationships. They may not all turn out well. Some of them may end bitter and hurtful, but we need to remind ourselves of the good in each one of them. Because for a moment, no matter how brief, they were beautiful and we enjoyed them. They came into our lives for a purpose, and we did love them once regardless of the outcome. And loving someone is never wrong.

 

Susan: I was lucky enough to see some of your colorful paintings. Are there other forms of artistic expression you enjoy? 

 

Kaleb: I love taking pictures in SL and making videos every now and then with the pictures I take and the songs I record. It's fun! I'm not an expert, but it allows me to create. I also enjoy song writing every now and then, when the muse comes and the timing is right.

 

Susan: You have a lovely unique sound. What influence your music do you think?  

 

Kaleb: Being of Latino/Hispanic decent I think it allows me to be passionate and open when I sing. And when I say open, I mean vulnerable. The Hispanic culture, along with the Spanish language, are very passionate, romantic and descriptive. I think it helps me to feel and express all kinds of emotions at all levels.

 

Susan: The emotion in your music is so vital and nuanced - would you tell me about that? 

 

Kaleb: Singing is very intimate for me, and every song is filtered through my heart, mind and soul. I don't know what it is to sing without emotion. It would be like navigating the oceans without a destination in mind. Pointless. I want my audience to feel something, to experience something when they are with me, or to share a piece of me – something that will let them know that our encounter was meaningful.

 

Susan: Does singing in SL have a position impact on your RL?

 

Kaleb: Yes! Music keeps me sane! It is the only bridge I have to myself, if that make sense. So for me, it is very intimate. It's the one thing that I do that reaches into my psyche and soul for answers. It's healing place of comfort and intimacy. Music is a state of love and acceptance for me – acceptance of myself and everyone with me in that moment.

 

Susan: I love hearing this. It's almost like a church or a spiritual place where love shines in. I recognize what you're talking about in my meditation and in my own art.

 

Kaleb: It has to be. It's the one thing I can give to the world...a piece of me given with love... a place where people are accepted for who they are and they matter. It's what I want for myself. So I try, to the best of my capacity, to give that as well.

 

Susan: And the last question we ask everyone: How has TSFTG affected you and your SL?  

 

Kaleb: WTH is TSFTG?  

 

Susan: The "Too Sexy for This Group" group. LOL!  

 

Kaleb: Honestly, I am just getting to know the group. I'm mostly here because of my close friendship with Angela but, thus far, I like what I have witnessed. I like the support you all give each other. I enjoy the group chat and I have met some kind, interesting and talented people. I look forward to making new friends within the group.