In the fast-paced world of the music industry, emerging artists often face a unique set of challenges. For college students who are aspiring musicians, balancing their artistic pursuits along with the demands of academics can be quite the juggling act.
Caleb Wilkerson, a third-year transfer student majoring in business administration at Florida A&M — with a minor in music industry — has been making waves in the music scene with his captivating soundtracks. The 21-year-old artist is taking his style and shifting the scenes of Tallahassee.
He began his music career at the age of 14.
Wilkerson’s inspiration was drawn right in his home. Surrounded by loved ones who had a deep connection with music, he too fell in love with it.
Growing up he was always embraced by gospel tunes, thanks to his mother being an avid gospel listener. Wilkerson gives credit to his mom for planting those musical seeds which became a huge inspiration for him.
“I would say that my introduction to music, definitely started with my family. My mom is an avid gospel listener. So I really grew up on a lot of gospel music and R&B as well. She loves R&B,” Wilkerson Said.
One of the key aspects of Wilkerson’s success lies in his ability to see music differently than others. He not only has the passion for the creative process of music, but he also admires the business side of it. This is what led to him pursuing his degree choices.
“I’m passionate about the music business. This is because I have definitely for most of my life been a creative person outside of music,” Wilkerson said. “Growing up I used to write novels and draw cartoons as well. Eventually I turned to graphic design, I started early high school, and then I got some opportunities to do some graphic design internships.”
While on the journey of his academic pursuits, he has found a way to find support within Florida A&M University. He has had the opportunity to be recognized by the Recording Academy along with Amazon Music. He was on the list of the 2023 “Your Future Is Now” scholarship recipients.
He has a growing passion to pave the way for his peers as well as future leaders of the music industry.
He currently has two jobs. Serving as Mr. TSA, where he works as a peer mentor, work study in the music department, and perfecting his music craft have been a lot. Wilkerson seems to balance it quite well though. He makes sure to organize and keeps up with his tasks by prioritizing them.
“I try to figure it out how to make time for it all. I’ve been trying to get a lot better. Obviously, you know I use my calendar apps and my whiteboard. I try to stay on top of that every day,” Wilkerson said.
Wilkerson has left an everlasting impression on his mom, Ebony Lucas, who also shared what she felt about her son’s character.
“He’s very hard-working, very passionate, has great work ethic, is very smart and creative. I know he can achieve anything he puts his mind to,” Lucas said.
Wilkerson’s cousin, Essence Pickett, expressed her admiration for him and his work ethic.
“I’ve known Caleb since we were in diapers. As an individual he’s most definitely a leader and a self-starter. He’s goal-oriented and very passionate about his craft,” Pickett said. “He raps about realistic situations that a lot of people go through and it’s nice that as a listener I can relate to his music. He inspires me to get to a bag and his music is going to inspire everybody soon.”
Wilkerson encourages everyone to check out his latest project, “Hearing Colors: Deluxe,” which was released early summer. You can find it on Apple Music.