Caleb McLaughlin has played Lucas Sinclair on Stranger Things since 2016. Season 4 of the hit Netflix series is returning this month and the actor, who is now 20-years-old, is also entering a new phase of his career. Aside from acting, McLaughlin is also a well-rounded artist who produces, sings, and writes his own music, and his latest song “Soul Travel,” as well as the music video, is dropping on Friday, May 6. The song showcases his evolution from child star into adulthood and marks the next chapter of his life as an artist. McLaughlin produced his latest track and is releasing it independently as the lead single from his upcoming EP. The project will also be self-released, as a way to take full control of his craft and not be behind a massive powerhouse like he has been since he was a child through Netflix.
Stranger Things is making its long-awaited return on Friday, May 27, and the show’s creators Matt and Ross Duffer announced that Season 5 will be the final season of the Netflix series, which debuted in 2016. McLaughlin has played the role since he was a teenager and fans have watched him grow up on the show. He has worked on other films since and is already currently working on new projects, but McLaughlin tells Complex that music has always been his creative outlet and said he feels that it’s his “calling.” We caught up with the actor via email to chat about his new song “Soul Travel,” the inspiration for his music, and what it means to see his Stranger Things chapter coming to an end.
Caleb McLaughlin has played Lucas Sinclair on Stranger Things since 2016. Season 4 of the hit Netflix series is returning this month and the actor, who is now 20-years-old, is also entering a new phase of his career. Aside from acting, McLaughlin is also a well-rounded artist who produces, sings, and writes his own music, and his latest song “Soul Travel,” as well as the music video, is dropping on Friday, May 6. The song showcases his evolution from child star into adulthood and marks the next chapter of his life as an artist. McLaughlin produced his latest track and is releasing it independently as the lead single from his upcoming EP. The project will also be self-released, as a way to take full control of his craft and not be behind a massive powerhouse like he has been since he was a child through Netflix.
Stranger Things is making its long-awaited return on Friday, May 27, and the show’s creators Matt and Ross Duffer announced that Season 5 will be the final season of the Netflix series, which debuted in 2016. McLaughlin has played the role since he was a teenager and fans have watched him grow up on the show. He has worked on other films since and is already currently working on new projects, but McLaughlin tells Complex that music has always been his creative outlet and said he feels that it’s his “calling.” We caught up with the actor via email to chat about his new song “Soul Travel,” the inspiration for his music, and what it means to see his Stranger Things chapter coming to an end.
Congratulations on the new single, Caleb. How does it feel to know people are about to listen to “Soul Travel”?
Caleb McLaughlin: It’s so special to me that the world gets to finally hear “Soul Travel.” It’s a fun song, but also means a lot to me. “Soul Travel” is more than just a song. It’s a love story and a film. I also want people to know that I’m not just an actor who enjoys music, this is a spiritual thing for me. I never wanted to just be an artist and be in the industry, I’ve wanted to be a lot of different things but this is my calling.
You produced this track and are releasing it on your own. Who are some of your musical influences that have not only inspired your sound but also to take full control of your music?
CM: I really put my feet into my music, I have a say in how I want my music to sound and where I want it to go which is great. I also helped produce and write all my music with my producer RASHAD. I can’t say a specific artist inspired or influenced “Soul Travel.”
You released “Neighborhood” in 2021. How is this new song different from that and how have you grown as an artist in the last year?
CM: I’ve grown a lot as an artist and as a creative in the last year just from continuing to always learn and spending more and more time in the studio. “Soul Travel” was actually done first before “Neighborhood.” There’s a story to each song I drop. “Neighborhood” is a different level from where “Soul Travel” is, which is like how my life is right now. My life has so many levels because I feel like I have to mature faster than the average person. “Neighborhood” tells the story of a teenager meeting a girl and bringing her to my neighborhood, and then in “Soul Travel” I am talking about going away, while driving away in the video. It’s meant to show how fast my life is moving.
Do you feel like music is giving you the freedom to express yourself creatively?
CM: 100 percent. People may know me as an actor first where I portray other people and all these different characters, but this time this is Caleb. The music is my own thoughts and allows me to have full creative expression.
Fans have watched you grow up on TV since you were so young and now you’re making the transition into music. Was music always part of the plan and did you always know you’d be pursuing it?
CM: Music has always been an important part of me. It just happened. I’ve sung, danced, and performed on stage most of my life so it was always just a part of me. Music has always been my baby and I take it personally. The more involved I get in my craft, the more I feel like I have become more serious about it over the years.
The world has known you as Lucas from Stranger Things for so long. How are you feeling now that the show is coming to an end?
CM: Everything great always comes to end! So far this has been such an incredible journey and I’m so happy with what we’ve been able to accomplish.
What can you tell us about the new season of Stranger Things and what fans might learn about Lucas’ journey?
CM: Lucas has evolved so much. You’ll see Lucas’ maturity, but you’ll also see that he is a lost teenager just trying to figure it all out. Lucas has always believed in being there for his friends and you’ll see that a lot this season. I love Lucas and seeing him grow and learn new things about himself. This season I had to take it to a different level in my acting and think deeply about how I wanted people to see him this season. He has some vulnerable moments this season that you’ll get to see.
We’ve seen you in films like Concrete Cowboy and you’re going to be in Demon House, what kind of roles will you be pursuing going forward?
CM: I’m on set filming as we speak. I can’t really talk about it right now but it is going to be a dope and classic project—it will definitely be something people will look forward to seeing. I’m working a lot right now and focusing heavily on my music as well. Everything is good.
What would you want your fans to know about you now that you’re entering a new stage of your life and your career?
CM: I am trying to be the best man, person, and man of God I can be – spiritually, mentally, and physically. I am following my dreams and not letting anyone get in the way or worrying about their opinions. I am trying to make not only myself happy, but also the ones I love.
Check out the music video for “Soul Travel” above and watch Season 4 of Stranger Things on Netflix on May 27.