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Casely, Miami's new R&B SensationInterview by Sarah EtienneCasley is the latest singing sensation out of South Florida. With his premiere album
"I'll Be" about to hit store shelves, the Miami native has big dreams of becoming one of the hottest names in entertainment. I had the pleasure to speak with the handsome singer and learn a little more about his past, present and plans for a bright future. Casely: I was born in Miami, Florida. My mother is from Trinidad and my father is from Panama. I have a mixture of Hispanic and Island cultures in my family. Islandflave: At what age did you start singing? Casely: I was about five or six, performing at my elementary school's end of the year shows. Islandflave: Do you have any professional vocal training? Casely: Throughout grade school up until college I had opera training and Broadway style singing. In college I have a vocal trainer that focuses on R&B and Pop. Islandflave: When did you start recording professionally? Casely: This is my first album. I started recording this album two years ago. It takes a while to get all the songs together. Some of the songs are new and some were reworked over the years. Islandflave: How would you describe your music? Casely: I would describe it as R&B with Hip-Hop and Pop influences. Islandflave: Where are some of the places that you've performed? Casely: I performed at several clubs in Ft. Lauderdale including Chili Pepper and Baja. I did the Apollo in Harlem, NSYNC's Celebrity Challenge for the Children, the Mango Festival, Goombay Festival, Uncle Al Festival, The Berkley Performance Center in Boston, and I opened for FIU's college event with performances by Jackie O, Trick Daddy, and Dirt Bag. Islandflave: I understand you are attending Berkeley College. Many people go to college to try to land a lucrative job. You have a promising career in music at your grasp. So what made you decide to go to college? Casely: At first, it was a decision based on my mother. She wanted me to try it out for at least a year. But it was definitely a blessing. I went out there and learned a lot. I've been able to expand my career and go to college at the same time because I have a lot of people around me who are trying to get my project off the ground. I think it definitely gave me leverage over other artists who are my age that are out right now. Islandflave: Who are some of your musical influences? Casely: My musical influences are Usher, Sisqo, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway. I like Jamie Cullum, Maroon 5, John Mayer, and Michael Jackson... can't forget him. Islandflave: Who are some people you've worked with in the industry? Casely: I haven't worked with many big time names. Everybody on the album are also up and coming producers like J Vibe and Vitamin. A friend of mine from Berkley did a couple of songs on the album. It's really friend and family based. Islandflave: Who are some people you would like to work with? Casely: I think it would be hot to work with Cool N Dre because they are from Miami and they know what's hot down here, Timbaland, The Neptunes, and Scott Storch. Islandflave: What will be the first single from the album? Casely: The single is "Way She's Movin". We did a video for that and you can peep that on my website, www.caselymusic.com . Islandflave: Was the video filmed down here? Casely: Yeah the video was done on South Beach and Bayside. The following single will be "Belly" and supposed to come out during the summer. Islandflave: What has been the most difficult part of your journey in music? Casely: The most difficult part is the waiting. I think of myself as an impatient person but doing this has made me a very patient person. There are a lot of ups and downs, getting your hopes up and having your dreams crushed, and not knowing what's going to happen tomorrow but you just keep going. Islandflave: What are some of your goals for the near future? Casely: My goals for the near future is to be successful with my recording career. I would like to be the head of my own label, get into fashion, and heavily get into acting, movies and Broadway. I don't want to be another singer turned actor who doesn't really make a name for them self as an actor.
Casely: I love playing video games, going out dancing/clubbing and things like that. Music takes up a lot of my time. Islandflave: Being an aspiring music artist, how do you feel about people who are illegally downloading music? Casely: I don't think it's a good thing. I try to buy as many albums as I can. As a college student it's hard because you don't have a lot of money. But I think illegal downloading has slowed down with the popularity of iTunes. A lot of people are buying music from iTunes, that's a blessing for artists. Islandflave: What do you feel sets you apart from the other artists out today? Casely: I sing, I play the piano, and I act. I think of myself more of a musician. My music is heavily influenced by old school artists like Donny Hathaway and I think my sound and my vision will set me apart from other solo artists. Islandflave: What advice do you have for aspiring singers? Casely: Never give up and keep focused. If it's what you want, put all your time and energy into it. If you are a writer, listen to the hits and research what made those songs hits. You have to have hot songs so keep writing. Don't get side tracked and keep going. For more information about Casely, visit his official website or 1st Records Inc. |
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