Indie songwriter Jeff Caylor wasn’t planning to move around the world when he released his first album two years ago. In fact, he imagined doing what many other singing songwriters do. They tour locally, and then regionally; eventually widening their fan base in enlarging, concentric circles. But Jeff Caylor changed everything when he moved to Hong Kong last July.
“Moving to Hong Kong simply made more sense than staying in Colorado,” says Caylor. “I have always wanted to live abroad and even though my first album sold fairly well and received great reviews, it was a good time for me to shake things up.”
In 2007, Jeff Caylor released Okay. The album was rated the 5th best CD of 2007 by Christianity Today. TheAlbumProject.net named Caylor Best Unsigned Artist of 2007. These are uncommon achievements for an artist with no recording or promotion budget and limited touring experience. In addition to great press, Caylor has managed to sell hundreds of physical CDs and thousands of digital downloads.
Independent musicians are throwing out convention in the increasingly competitive and constantly changing music industry. Radiohead released its most recent album for free, giving fans the ability to name their own price. Nine Inch Nails decided to offer fans the ability to purchase a variety of “editions” of their latest recording effort. To this songwriter from the midwest, moving to Hong Kong was just a chance to try something new.
Caylor admits the move was easier because of the Internet but he didn’t do it for attention. “It’s not a gimmick; I just wanted to move to Hong Kong and I’m releasing a 2nd album,” he explains. “It is a sort of web-centric, lifestyle experiment, but I’m exactly where I want to be,” Caylor says. “I decided that I didn’t want the next phase of my life to be dictated by what some ‘how to’ book or web site says is the best way to sell CD’s. This is my life and I’m showing up for it.”
Jeff Caylor performs frequently in Hong Kong, headlining shows each month around the city and is planning an eight city US tour this Fall that includes his hometown Anderson, Indiana and his former residence Colorado Springs, Colorado.
“I’m pretty sure that I’m breaking most of the rules of how to make it in the music business,” Caylor suggests. “That’s okay with me. I might be a little bit of an idealist but I don’t think success and following your dreams have to be mutually exclusive concepts. The Internet helps me stay connected to friends and fans, which is really important. At the end of the day, though, I’m having an adventure and enjoying myself.”
Jeff Caylor is currently located in Hong Kong releasing his 2nd album in 2 years titled What Birds Dream–an eclectic group of songs ranging from acoustic soul to alternative rock, peppered with Caylor’s signature singer-songwriter honesty. The 12-song project will be available internationally June 2, 2009.
