Thursday, July 24, 2008

#5 - Documentary, Lily Sleeps and 2 Live Performances

In this week's Podcast I talk about the documentary Turning Static Into Sound, the process of recording Lily Sleeps including my semi-meltdown and perform both Dog's Mercury and Only a Handgun from that record. I forgot tons of words to Only a Handgun but life happens. Music recommendation this week is Trespassers William. I should point out that in the Podcast I say they are on Nettwerk Records but it turns out that since I last checked up on them they have left the label. That's why I should always remember to do some current research before Podcasting!

Formed in 1997, Trespassers William have released three albums. Anchor (1999) appeared on Sonikwire Records and is now out of print. Different Stars surfaced as a self-release in 2002 and was re-released twice—most recently on Nettwerk Records on October 19, 2004. In early 2004, the band relocated from Southern California to Seattle, WA. Their latest album, Having, was released February 28, 2006. The band's music has received modest press coverage and exposure, most notably in the television shows The O.C. and One Tree Hill.



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Thursday, July 10, 2008

#4 - Questions, Answers and Performance of an Unreleased Song

In this installment of the Casey Stratton Podcast I discuss regrets, relationships, and the early LA years recording Driving to the Moon and The Giver and the Grave Digger. This week's performance is of a song from that time that was not recorded (until 1998 but it remains unreleased) called The Life Went Spinning. Talk even turns to Ramen noodles. Riveting stuff. Music recommendation this week is Kendall Payne's Paper Skin.

After carving a critically acclaimed but under-selling niche for herself on acoustic guitar, Kendall Payne received the gift of a piano from her new husband, and tapped into rich new expressions of creativity. With more of a stripped down vibe than earlier projects, Paper Skin retains the intense passion and reflective power we’ve always appreciated in Payne. Skin thoughtfully examines issues of trust, relationships, and pain, always with a deep honesty overlooking none of life’s complexities. - Kevan Breitinger




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Wednesday, July 02, 2008

#3 - Wounded Premiere, Independence Day and Moving to Los Angeles

In this edition I answer a few more questions, particularly about touring, premiere (FINALLY) the song Wounded that was cut from Standing at the Edge, discuss moving to LA and perform a cover of Ani DiFranco's Independence Day. Music recommendation for this episode if Greg Laswell's How the Day Sounds EP.


Greg Laswell is already a critic's darling, and with the right marketing his second album will give him a proper shove into the mainstream. Through Toledo is an impressive collection of densely lyrical, deeply melodic indie pop that refuses to settle into predictability. Laswell -- on guitar, piano, drums, and production -- is clearly more than just another singer-songwriter.
- Jonathan Zwickel - rhapsody.com



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Wednesday, June 25, 2008

#2 - Questions, Answers and Spilling the Beans

In this edition of the Casey Stratton Podcast I answer 4 of your questions, perform Pretty Horses from the Limited Edition DIVIDE CD and talk a little about the new album coming in the fall.

Music recommendation this week is the Original Motion Picture Score for Atonement.

The marching click of typewriter keystrokes finds itself right at home amidst ominous piano pieces and symphonic heartbreak in this alternately tragic and lush score. Ironically, Dario Marianelli's compositions shine brightest in the darkest spaces of war; there, sweeping violins evoke the eerie isolation of post-battle carnage and survival. Meanwhile, piano solos by Jean-Yves Thibaudet reek of romantic havoc. The theme throughout is longing, a concept which, in the end, makes Atonement wrenching aural proof that parting is indeed such sweet sorrow.


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Wednesday, June 18, 2008

#1 - Talking Orbit, Music Recommendations and More!

In the first installment of the Casey Stratton Podcast I talk a little about why I decided to podcast and invite listeners to pose questions to answer in later episodes. I talk about the new record, Orbit, the process of writing and recording it as well as the inspiration behind the album as a whole and for a few specific songs. After that I perform Lay You to Rest live before discussing the MS Walk I participated in recently.

Music Recommendation for Episode 1: Kaiser Cartel - March Forth


"Eclectic, infectious music" are the words Benjamin Cartel uses to describe
KaiserCartel’
s low-tech, song-driven style. "We want people to feel like a fly on the wall in our living room." says Courtney Kaiser. KaiserCartel’s earthy blend of folk-rock and pop will make you laugh, cry, sing along, and want to hold hands with the stranger next to you. Warm up by the fire with KaiserCartel.


Listen to Casey Stratton Podcast #1