Casey Kessel is an independent Country
singer/songwriter with immense talent. She has written songs for the likes of
Country stars Julie Roberts and Danielle Peck. Her music can be defined as
Contemporary Country. She identifies musicians Bobbie Gentry and Kelly Willis as
her main influences.
THE HUQ : Please tell me a little about yourself. What is your musical background?
Casey: I have been writing and singing since I was about 10. My dad had a
friend who played guitar in a country band and they would let me get up and sing
with 'em, that kindof snow balled into a sincere passion for music.
THE HUQ: What gives you inspiration for your songs (eg real life experiences) How do
the songs come together?
Casey: Every song is different. I am a really slow writer. It's the rare occasion
that I write a song in 20 minutes, and know that it's right. I like to take my
time with them. I read alot, and listen to people's stories about life. my
personal experiences aren't nearly tragic enough to write all my songs about!!
THE HUQ: Has music been your whole life or did you have another career before this?
Casey: I was a waitress, but I wouldn't count that as a previous career - if I was a
good waitress, maybe!
THE HUQ: Who have been your main musical influences and who are your all time
favourite artists/albums? Who are the female singer-songwriters you most admire?
Casey: I grew up listening to Bobbie Gentry, and I would say that she helped to
shape my style. Kelly Willis, is another artist that I greatly admire. They both
are pure and real. There isn't a lot of that in today's mainstream market.
THE HUQ: What have been the highlight (s) and lowpoints (s) of your career to date?
Casey: You know it hasn't been too bad. I'm a happy working musician, and that in
itself it a highpoint.
THE HUQ What are your views on the current state of the music business?
Casey: It's exciting. It's a whole new world for indie artists. there are a million
avenues to get your music heard. "the man" still makes it difficult for an indie
country artist, but i think that's going to be changing. big record labels can't
rule the world forever. as an indie artist, if you can do a little touring and
sell a few records - you can survive. as a major label arist, you'd be dropped
for being a drain on the budget.
THE HUQ: What are you views on illegal internet downloading?
Casey: It hurts everybody, but it gets your music out there, and can build up a fan
base.
THE HUQ: What have you found to be the benefits of having an online presence?
Casey: I am getting emails from people in japan! I am selling cd's to kids in
montana, it's amazing.
THE HUQ: How are the album sales looking for your album, Ripple in the Water?
Casey: For a self financed project, it's been awesome. when you take the risk to pay
for everything yourself, you just want to make your money back. people have been
incredibly supportive. I haven't quite reached 5,000 units - I'll give you a
special internet rate - what you say?
POP XY: Sounds cool...
THE HUQ: What can we expect from the album as far as production and emotional
content?
Casey: Jim Reilley and robert reynolds helped me produce this record. (Jim is a
grammy nominated folk artist, and Robert was memeber of the 90's band "The
Mavericks") we all agreed that an honest approach would make the record shine. I
love country music, so it's a country record. I wrote or co-wrote every song,
and I am super proud of the reviews and the record!
THE HUQ: What were the recording sessions like?
Casey: We recorded at silvertone studios just a few minutes outside of downtown
nashville. The musicians were amazing, Al perkins (he played with gram parsons)
- dave roe (played with johnny cash) - mike durham (played with dave matthews) -
jen gunderman (played with the jayhawks). we just holed up in this little
studio, drinking coffee and going for it. We didn't do a lot of takes, we tried
to keep it real sounding. we didn't tune any vocals, or try to hide any flaws.
we just made music!
THE HUQ: What is the best part about making this album?
Casey: Knowing that people wanted me to do it. hearing people be excited about the
songs, and the music.
THE HUQ: And what was the worst?
Casey: You are always learning when your in the studio. but i dont' think there was
a worst - maybe letting the guys eat mexican food during lunch!
THE HUQ: What are your plans and aspirations for the future?
Casey: I am staff writer for garth brooks publishing company in nashville, so i hope
to get some cuts on some mainstream country records. I want to keep writing for
myself, and playing shows, and having a good time!
THE HUQ: Have you started recording new material for your next album as yet? When
can we expect to see another release from you?
Casey: I am shooting for late spring. I think I've just about got the songs - but I
dont' want to rush it~ I don't want people to be disappointed.
THE HUQ: When you're not touring or recording, what are you doing?
Casey: I am writing songs and now that my sister just had twin babies, I bet I'll be
helping her out from time to time.
THE HUQ: Is there anything else you would like to say to the fans?
Casey : Thank you. It's tough out there for an indie artist, and having people to
play for, and record for is an amazing feeling. so just, thanks.
For more information on Casey Kessel you can check out:
http://www.myspace.com/nashvillecasey
http://www.caseykessel.com/