Kaleb Sanders is making waves in country music with an unconventional journey that sets him apart from many of his peers. His latest single, “Tell That To a Heart,” is a soulful power ballad poised to elevate his presence in Nashville, backed by nearly 400,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. This impressive streaming growth reflects a promising future for the Florida native as he navigates the intricate world of country music.
In February, the Florida native who now calls Nashville home, was signed by Red Street Records. His latest hit, “Right Guy,” is closing in on a half-million streams on Spotify. He recently told Country Muscle Podcast how the idea to become a country singer with little to no music experience. His unorthodox path to his musical career involved a significant decision: leaving college to return home to work on his family farm while honing his guitar skills online. “I thought to myself, why am I in school for business management?” he reflects. “I’m gonna go work on a farm, learn some basic traits. After work, I’ll just YouTube how to play guitar every day for however many years it takes. And that’s what I did.”
Sanders’ determination to succeed parallels his history as a young athlete. He pushed through challenges as a scrawny teenager who was often picked last on the basketball court, transforming himself into a confident player through hard work. “I just worked every day,” he emphasizes. “I didn’t stop shooting. When I wasn’t in class, I would always have a basketball in my hand.”
Now, Sanders applies that same relentless work ethic to his music career. Alongside “Tell That To a Heart,” tracks like “Marlboro Man” and “If They Sold It at a Bar” have garnered over a million streams each. As he continues to develop his musical talents and grow his fan base, Sanders combines artistry with physical fitness—a mindset that’s integral to his success. “I was the scrawny kid at the end of the bench,” he adds. “I’ve been pretty consistent in the gym ever since high school.” With a clear vision and unwavering dedication, Kaleb Sanders is on the path to making his mark in country music.
6 Reasons Kaleb Sanders’ Athletic Background Shaped His Music Career
- Inspiration from Icons
Kaleb Sanders idolized JJ Redick, drawing inspiration from his playing style as he aimed to emulate his shooting skills on the court. “I was really good at slipping away and getting in the corner for a three,” he recalls, highlighting his ability to take shots from difficult angles, which mirrors the risk-taking necessary in the music industry. - Overcoming Early Setbacks
Despite challenges in making the starting lineup, Sanders used initial discouragement as motivation to improve his game. “Coach was like, ‘Hey, we’re really on the fence about this, but we’ll let you join the team,’” he shares, illustrating how perseverance in the face of adversity prepares him for the competitive nature of the music scene. - Family Support and Encouragement
Sanders credits his father for fostering his athletic growth through constructive feedback and encouragement. “He always found the positive in something [that seemed] dismal,” he says, showcasing how this positive reinforcement contributed to his resilience and dedication, qualities crucial for his music career.
- Dedication Through Practice
The countless hours spent practicing basketball under the lights with his father instilled a strong work ethic in Sanders. “No matter how his day was after work, he’d come out there, put the lights on about sunset,” he remembers, reinforcing the notion that hard work and commitment are essential in both sports and music. - Achieving Physical Goals
His determination to achieve personal milestones, such as dunking a basketball, served as a metaphor for his aspirations in music. “By the first game that season, I was able to dunk, finally,” he celebrates, illustrating that hard work and perseverance in athletics translate into his efforts to succeed as an artist. - Mental Discipline from Hunting
Sanders finds that bow hunting sharpens his mental discipline, requiring intense focus and patience. “It’s so much focus, it’s like, hours will go by and I’ll be like, hunt’s over,” he explains, drawing parallels between the mental endurance required in hunting and the challenges faced in pursuing a music career. This unique approach helps him handle the pressures of the industry.