In a candid and revealing interview with "The Break Down With Nath & Johnny," BEARTOOTH frontman Caleb Shomo has offered an in-depth look into the creation of the band’s latest album, "Pure Ecstasy," and the profound personal journey that informed its raw and honest lyrical content. Shomo spoke openly about finding a newfound comfort in his own skin, the courageous decision to publicly embrace his identity as a gay man, and the years of internal struggle that preceded this significant moment of self-acceptance. This introspection, he explained, was pivotal in shaping the sonic and thematic landscape of "Pure Ecstasy," marking a departure from previous artistic explorations and a powerful embrace of vulnerability.
The Genesis of "Pure Ecstasy": From Broad Strokes to Unflinching Honesty
The genesis of "Pure Ecstasy" was a period of intense creative exploration for Shomo, characterized by a desire to capture broad emotional states through lyrics. "There was this whole period for about a year of just very, very creative exploration, musically, that I was going through on my own a little bit more," Shomo recalled. "And the biggest, I guess, issue I kept running into is I kept wanting to just write very broad and nonspecific lyrics trying to capture an emotion of some kind, and trying to manifest things in my life." He elaborated on this phase, describing it as an attempt to manifest strength and empowerment, resulting in "blindly empowering" lyrics that, while musically interesting, lacked the deeply personal resonance he now sought. "The truth was I was just afraid," he admitted. "And I knew what I should write the record about."
The turning point in this creative process, Shomo revealed, was the collaboration with co-producer Jordan Fish. Their initial meeting, occurring serendipitously when Fish was in town and had an open afternoon, proved to be a catalyst for the album’s direction. "When [Jordan and I first] worked together, I’d already been out to some friends and family for a few months at that point," Shomo shared. Their conversation, a characteristic open dialogue that precedes their collaborative sessions, naturally delved into Shomo’s recent personal revelations. "And obviously, that comes up, as that had been kind of, like, the main thing going on in my life and the main thing I was dealing with. And he really encouraged me to write about it, and directly write about it. Because in that moment, if we were writing anything else, it wouldn’t have been worth our time."
This pivotal conversation led to the creation of the song "Free," a track that Shomo described as having "changed everything." It marked a decisive shift towards unvarnished truth, a departure from the veiled emotional expressions of his earlier work.
A Producer’s Insight: Defining the BEARTOOTH Sound
Jordan Fish’s role in shaping "Pure Ecstasy" extended beyond mere production; he provided critical artistic direction, helping Shomo to reconcile his personal evolution with the established identity of BEARTOOTH. After an initial session, Fish took time to absorb Shomo’s extensive demo material. In a subsequent conversation, he offered a candid assessment that resonated deeply with Shomo.
"Dude, this is super cool and really, really creative and really out there. But looking from the outside at what BEARTOOTH is, and after working with you and knowing what BEARTOOTH is, this is not a BEARTOOTH record," Fish articulated, as recounted by Shomo. He elaborated on the core essence of a BEARTOOTH album: "What a BEARTOOTH record is to me, to what I assume most people who listen to it or know anything about it, and to you, if I go through the history of the band, is it’s you taking a really hard and honest inward look about the things you’re struggling with and talking about them very candidly and very openly, and you’re just not doing that with any of this stuff."
Fish’s astute observation underscored the importance of authenticity to the band’s identity and its connection with its fanbase. He cautioned Shomo against the long-term implications of releasing a record that deviated from this core principle, even if artistically adventurous. "I can tell you from experience, as much as doing these really creative, out-there things is important for you as a musician and as an artist, you’re going to regret this in the long run if you stamp a BEARTOOTH title on this and call this a BEARTOOTH record," he advised.
This feedback prompted a profound realization for Shomo. He acknowledged the fear that had been hindering his creative expression and agreed with Fish’s assessment. "We talked about how scared I was, and we know the truth, we know what this record needs to be about," Shomo stated. This shared understanding solidified their partnership, leading Shomo to ask Fish to co-produce the album on a 50/50 basis. Their intensive collaboration followed, with Fish traveling to the States for an extended period. This period of focused creativity resulted in the rapid development of several key tracks, including "Beautiful Again," "Eyes Closed," and "Lose You To Find Me," all written within a remarkably short timeframe. The subsequent weeks were spent refining these songs and others through remote collaboration, ensuring the final product authentically reflected Shomo’s lived experiences.
The Courage to Come Out: A Public Declaration of Self
The decision to publicly come out as a gay man on May 23, three months prior to the release of "Pure Ecstasy," was a watershed moment for Caleb Shomo. The announcement, made via an Instagram post, followed a period of internal struggle and a conscious effort to bury his feelings, a process he described as "a decade burying feelings with alcohol."
"Honestly, I was just dealing with so much in my life and my personal life and the weight of that album that I had just kind of turned the fucking blinders on and just ran, and just ran full speed," Shomo explained about the album’s completion. "And then it was done, and I just fucking turned it in after I mixed it and was, like, ‘This is it. I’m not changing anything. I’m not giving myself a chance to get scared of this thing. This is just what it was. This was the moment. It’s meant to be. I just have to let go.’"
The subsequent public reaction was mixed, a reality Shomo anticipated to some degree. However, his primary motivation was to control the narrative and address his truth before it was potentially revealed or distorted by others. "And then all this shit happened, and my life exploded, and it became very public. And I just felt like I wanted to address what was going on before it got addressed for me. And that was that. And here I am today."
Band Dynamics and the Unwavering Focus on Music
The immediate aftermath of Shomo’s public coming out involved navigating the reactions of his bandmates. He revealed that they were among the first people he confided in, indicating a strong foundation of trust and support within BEARTOOTH. "Um, not necessarily [conversations about fallout]. At the time it was just about… ‘Cause obviously they knew – they knew what was going on with me, and they’re some of the first people I told."
Shomo highlighted the band’s collective focus on the music itself, a characteristic that has defined their creative process. He noted the significant role of bassist Oshie Bichar, who has increasingly adopted an "executive producer role" in a manner akin to Rick Rubin, offering guidance and suggestions from a distance. "All that we were focused on was the music," Shomo emphasized. "And they knew what it was about. They’ve been in this band long enough to know me and know how I make these records and why I make these records and what it does for me and my life."
The band’s internal consensus was one of shared pride and excitement for the new material. The question of "fallout" was secondary to their collective assessment of the music’s quality and their enthusiasm for supporting it on tour. "And do we love the music? Do we love this record? And are we gonna be excited to play this thing for the next year, year and a half, however long this record cycle is? And we were, and we were stoked, and had a great time making it, and felt really proud of it." The song "Free" served as a powerful validation of their artistic direction and Shomo’s personal journey.
Navigating Opposition and Embracing Authenticity
The period leading up to and following the release of "Pure Ecstasy" has presented Shomo with significant challenges, including a notable degree of homophobia and opposition from some segments of the fanbase. He recounted the initial revelation of his identity in September 2025, followed by the release of "Free" in late February. At this juncture, Shomo had resolved to present himself authentically, without compromise.
"I had already decided, like, I’m not gonna water myself down at all. I’m going to just do what I wanna do. I’m gonna wear what I wanna wear. I’m gonna sing how I wanna sing. I’m gonna look how I wanna look and just enjoy being an artist that’s allowed to do that, and that has the freedom to do that," Shomo stated. This commitment to self-expression, however, was met with considerable resistance. "And that was met with a lot of opposition and a lot of… I mean, really, just a lot of homophobia, and a lot of people who really were not okay with me presenting that way at all with what I was doing, any of it."
The intensity of this opposition, coupled with the demands of touring, created a difficult environment for Shomo. BEARTOOTH was engaged in their largest tour to date, serving as direct support to BAD OMENS in sold-out arenas. This demanding schedule required Shomo to maintain peak performance despite experiencing significant emotional distress. "A lot of the day I’d be spent in a really, really bad place and just trying to find enough energy and enough will to get myself warmed up and get on that stage and do my fucking job."
This vocal opposition has continued as more songs from "Pure Ecstasy" have been released, with Shomo acknowledging that his coming out did not alleviate the pressure. He expressed a pragmatic approach to the ongoing challenges, focusing on immediate priorities. "And, yeah, the truth is I have no idea how it’s gonna go. I’m trying, as of right now, to just keep my focus very narrow. I’m trying to keep my focus on training for tour, on knowing that whether people show up or not to these shows, I’m going to give them the best show that I possibly can, and I’m working on a new record. And I have a lot that I need to say and a lot that I need to process and work through, and that’s the only way I can do it. So I’m just trying to think baby steps."
A Wife’s Support: Navigating Love and Transition
Following Caleb Shomo’s public announcement, his wife of 14 years, Fleur Shomo, released a heartfelt statement on social media, offering her unwavering support and encouraging fans to continue to back her husband. Her words provided a poignant perspective on their shared journey and the evolution of their relationship.
"I will always want to love, protect and support Caleb. I have cared more about his well-being over the years than anything else in the world," Fleur Shomo wrote, expressing a deep and enduring commitment to Caleb’s happiness. She reflected on the challenges of witnessing his internal struggles: "To see the confusion and pain he went through and the highs and lows and wanting to help but now knowing how. You never want anything more for your person than for them to just be ok."
Fleur Shomo acknowledged the profound nature of their nearly 14-year marriage, describing it as "wonderful and full of so much fun, adventure & love." She emphasized the unique and intimate understanding they shared, stating, "Nobody will know anything about our marriage like we do. And no one can ever truly know what depths of love exist between two people unless they are those people." While acknowledging the end of their marital chapter, she expressed a deep sense of loss and continued affection: "I already miss it & my husband more than anything. Our story was a good one. And now it is done." Her statement underscored a mature and loving acceptance of Caleb’s personal evolution, prioritizing his well-being and authenticity above all else.
"Pure Ecstasy" and the Road Ahead
"Pure Ecstasy," released on August 28 via Fearless Records, represents a significant artistic and personal milestone for Caleb Shomo and BEARTOOTH. The album’s unflinching honesty and exploration of themes surrounding identity, vulnerability, and self-acceptance have resonated with many, even as it has sparked varied reactions.
The band is set to embark on the extensive "Pure Ecstasy World Tour" to support the album, commencing September 17 in Europe. The North American leg of the tour begins on November 11 in Boston, with notable stops including New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom on November 12 and The Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on December 18. Special guests DON BROCO, MAGNOLIA PARK, and WINDWAKER are slated to support the U.S. dates, promising a robust live experience for fans. The tour serves as a platform for BEARTOOTH to connect with their audience, share their new material, and continue their musical journey amidst Shomo’s ongoing process of self-discovery and public engagement. The album’s title, "Pure Ecstasy," appears to be a deliberate reflection of Shomo’s current state of mind – a hard-won embrace of authentic living and artistic expression.
