Casey Stratton Audio Podcasts

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

#26 - Shows, Aging and Shakespeare Tragedies

In this edition of the Casey Stratton Podcast I discuss the recent shows and thoughts on performing. I then discuss aging in the context of fear and spontaneity. By request the recorded cover of Bjork's Army of Me is played followed by a 2001 recording of a song from The Winter Children sessions called God Save Your Queen that has never been re-recorded or released. After that I perform a live cover of the song Ophelia from the new Tori Amos album Abnormally Attracted to Sin which is also the music recommendation.

ABNORMALLY ATTRACTED TO SIN, Tori's tenth studio album, is another innovative chapter in the artist's trailblazing story. Every track on the album will be accompanied by a corresponding `visualette,' featuring footage that has been captured over the past year. Shot in HD and Super 8, the visualettes will incorporate a documentary style.

Listen to Podcast #26

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

#25 - Jesus, Redwoods and Engines

In this edition of the Casey Stratton Podcast I answer a question about writing and tell the story about how I found out the backstory on my newest cat, Charlie. I then go on to talk about the DIVIDE tour of 2006 before playing a remix of Wild Soul (called the Meditation Mix) that I did in 2005. After that I perform Engines Stalled from Messages Sending. Music rec this time is Over the Rhine's second album Patience.

"Over the Rhine breathes new life into today's suffocating pop culture. Patience deserves a listen for its strong vocals and moving lyrics which blend well with the breezy guitar riffs. So dismiss the second wind of grunge and the last gasps of techno for the inspiring sounds of Over the Rhine."
- Shane Promtet, The Mercury, University of Texas at Dallas

Listen to Podcast #25

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

# 24 - Names, Places and Amy Grant

In this episode of the Casey Stratton Podcast I answer a question about the use of names in my songs and then talk about the process of getting DIVIDE released and deciding to start my own label. I then play a recording of me at 12 years-old (1988) singing Lead Me on by Amy Grant. Live performances of Sinead O'Connor's Black Boys On Mopeds and my song Bipolar follow. Music recommendation is The Innocence Mission's Glow.

"Glow" is a musical treasure that immediately starts with a dreamy riff, taking you by the hand for a journey of tunes and floating guitar evoking the feeling of spring fever. "Keeping Awake" kicks of the stream of sound that leads into the Velvet Underground infused "Bright As Yellow", pulsating in a dreamy ramble, over to my favorite track "Brave - a mixture of amazing melodic hooks that take you to certain emotional corners. "There" is another sunny summer day tune that makes you want to lay in a hammock and smell some cut grass and flowers. - Amazon user

Listen to Podcast #24

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

#23 - Perspectives, Communication and Lots of Cats

In this episode of the Casey Stratton Podcast I answer a question about songwriting perspectives and points of view. I then discuss the newest release, Messages Sending in more detail and perform Turn It On from that work. Next up is a live performance of Bloom followed by the instrumental, strings only version from the Standing at the Edge sessions. Music recommendation is John Rutter's Requiem.

Requiem, his first composition written without being commissioned, is a convincing affirmation of Christian doctrine on death and eternal life. It is also a substantial and sincere work that strives to be widely appealing while preserving a spiritual context centered on themes of light and consolation. Highlights include "Out of the Deep," its modal tune and harmonies giving it the flavor of a spiritual, and the wonderfully gentle and restful 23rd Psalm. Rutter personalizes his Requiem by adding movements not traditionally part of the Requiem Mass--passages from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, for instance--and this proves to be an effective strategy. - amazon.com

Listen to podcast #23

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

#22 - More Vocals, Denouement and A New Chapter Begins

In this episode of the Casey Stratton Podcast I discuss new recordings I'm working on, play another vocals-only mix, this time of the song Escape from Painting the Trees: DIVIDE B-sides Disc 2 and then discuss the final months with Sony. This includes moving back to Michigan and being disappointed when the label declined to fund a great touring opportunity. I then perform a cover of Sarah McLachlan's Hold On. Music recommendation is Paula Cole's 1994 debut Harbinger.

Following in the footsteps of Sinéad O'Connor and Tori Amos, Paula Cole is an art-rock singer-songwriter who turns her personal wounds into songs full of facile psychologizing and strained allegory with overwrought, humorless music to match. Harbinger, the debut album from the Massachussetts native, is full of grievances against glamorous romantic rivals, patronizing men, insensitive high school classmates and cross-burning racists--all so broadly drawn that everyone can easily join in the complaint. --Geoffrey Himes

Listen to Podcast #22

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

#21 - Casios, Classical Work and the Côte D'Azur

In this edition of the Casey Stratton Podcast I discuss my travels in Europe per a question from a listener. I then discuss the composing and recording of Mass For Angels. Live performance this time is Fission, a free track from the DIVIDE days. Music recommendation is William Fitzsimmons' The Sparrow and the Crow.

I bought William's cd expecting a great work and I was not disappointed. Being familiar with Fitzsimmons via online interviews and other media, I was able to see how these songs applied to his personal life. That said, it was still as if he has been sitting quietly in the corner of my life, jotting notes and scribbles, compiling the contents of this awesome set of tracks. - Amazon reviewer

Listen to Podcast #21

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

#20 - Coaches, Incompetence and Idols

In this edition of the Casey Stratton Podcast I talk more about the post-SATE time including Sony trying to mandate my setlists and making me work with a performance coach. I also tell more stories of general executive incompetence. I then talk a little about the Re-recorded B-Sides recently released and perform Final Sound, complete with the story of Carnie Wilson making me write it! Music recommendation is Rosi Golan's The Drifter and the Gypsy.

...it has something for everyone, faster, slow, up-beat, mellow. Rosi Golan's voice speaks for itself, beautiful yet haunting. But the songwriting is what 'shines' for me, simple yet heartfelt lyrics coupled with catchy melodies and engaging arrangement. "Think of Me" and "Yesteryear" are stand-out tracks. The duet with William Fitzsimmons is very special. - Amazon

Listen to Podcast #20

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

#19 - Vocals, Casinos and Idiot Record Execs

In this episode of the Casey Stratton Podcast I answer a question about the most vocals I have ever recorded for one song (including playing a mix of those vocals by themselves!). I then talk about the release week of Standing at the Edge and all it entailed. The live performance this time was You Came...Walking from The Giver and the Grave Digger. Music recommendation is the soundtrack for Slumdog Millionaire.

The propulsive score, by Bollywood soundtrack auteur A. R. Rahman, is hip-hop fusion of a very up-to-date kind.- Kurt Loder, Mtv.com

Listen to Podcast #19

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

#18 - Presidents, Espionage and Videotape

In this edition of the Casey Stratton Podcast I discuss the inauguration of President Barack Obama as well as touching on the issue of the value of music (again!). I then switch gears to discuss the events leading up to the release of Standing at the Edge including making 2 videos and the radio mix of For Reasons Unexplained. The live performance this time is Skyline from Nearing the Edge: A B-side Collection.

In an electric wonderland of dense percussion tracks (played by Kenny Aronoff) and tricky guitar attacks (handled by producer Jay Joyce), Griffin reveals herself as a muscular rock & roll singer as well as an emotionally vulnerable balladeer.

Listen to Podcast #18

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

#17 - Products, Hair Dye and the Beginning of the End

In this episode of the Casey Stratton Podcast I go off the deep end for a minute. I should have had a two drink minimum apparently. I answer 2 questions and go on to talk about April to October 2003 and the preparations for the oft-delayed release of Standing at the Edge. I couldn't think of a song I felt like singing so I made one up on the spot instead! Music rec is Greg Laswell's Three Flights From Alto Nido.

With his elegantly expressive piano technique and feathery acoustic guitar work, Greg has drawn comparisons to such reputable songsmiths as Jeff Buckley, Coldplay, Ron Sexsmith and Radiohead. His intense lyrics and sweeping melodies amplify to create an eloquent sound that matches his hypnotic and haunting tenor.

Listen to Podcast #17

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

#16 - Holidays, Holidays and More Holidays

A special edition of the Casey Stratton Podcast to celebrate the holidays! Features a recording of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing with my friends Carnie and Wendy Wilson as well as live performances of a never released song Say Hello To Winter, Song For a Winter's Night and River. Happy Holidays to everyone!

Buy my Holiday Music in the DIGITAL MUSIC STORE!
email me a question at podcasts@caseystratton.com
Happy Holidays!

Listen to Podcast #16

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

#15 - Studios, Pianos and Donuts

In this episode of the Casey Stratton Podcast I discuss the recording process of Standing at the Edge including playing a recording of the early demo of Hollow that was done at Patrick Leonard's home studio. I then perform Witches from Whirlwind Medusa. Music Rec this time is.....wait for it...ME! Pick up last year's holiday record Icicles or any of the holiday collections, or get them all in the Complete Collection at caseystratton.com! Plugging the holidays. You betcha!®Sarah Palin

"Icicles" is Casey's 5th holiday effort recorded in 2007 and includes favorites such as "Away in a Manger" and "Joy to the World" while also incorporating classical pieces and 5 original songs by Casey.

Listen to Podcast #15

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

#14 - Signing, Producers and Tori Stories

In this episode of the Casey Stratton Podcast I talk more about signing to Sony, the producer search for Standing at the Edge and the process of ultimately landing Patrick Leonard. I then answer a question about Tori Amos and my own work and go on to perform a cover of Tori's Doughnut Song from her 1996 album Boys For Pele. Music Rec this time is Sarah Fimm's Nexus.

How refreshing it is to hear an unsigned artist that can create a sound so unlike the radio trash forced upon us. Sara reminds us that the mass media rulers aren't always in control of an artists creativity!
Sara reminds one of Tori Amos due to the piano content, but her lyrics may bring on visions of an angry (or deeply moody) Sarah McLachlan. But her sound is truly her own. One who has heard her haunting voice in "Red Paper Bag" once will be able to pick her out on the radio in seconds flat. Don't let this one pass you by. Try her now. - Amazon review

Listen to podcast #14

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

#13 - Chicago to NYC, Naming Names and The Darkest World

In this episode of the Casey Stratton Podcast I answer a question about recording, talk about the move from Chicago to New York as well as the record company meetings that eventually led to the Sony contract...naming names in the process. I then talk about the new EP, The Darkest World and perform Released from said EP. Music recommendation this week is Snow Patrol: A Hundred Million Suns.

On the surface, A Hundred Million Suns seems to suggest, nothing especially new: producer Jacknife Lee, who first worked with the band on 2003's Final Straw and went on to work with the likes of U2 and REM returns to the fold; and an opening brace of songs suggest that a successful formula--chiming guitars, gentle builds, and Gary Lightbody's quavering, tremulous vocal--persists. Still, “Take Back The City", a windswept, electronic-tinged rocker, rather does for this band what “Dakota" did for Stereophonics, proving that a spot of sleek, synthetic motorik is not beyond their grasp, and there's a new, bright optimism to Lightbody's lyrics that sets the likes of “The Planets Bend Between Us" in light relief to some of Snow Patrol's earlier work. If you want experiments, though, you'll have to wait until the closing “The Lightning Strike", a 16-minute track in three parts that investigates Phillip Glass-style minimalism and electronic beats with some aptitude. --Louis Pattison

Listen to podcast #13

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

#12 - Choices, Priorities and Giving Up the Fight

In this edition of the Casey Stratton Podcast I talk about last night's election, why songs were edited and lyrics rewritten for Standing at the Edge and talk more about leaving LA for Chicago and what went through my mind during those years. I then performed Phoenix from The Winter Children. Music Recommendation this time is Ray LaMontagne's Till the Sun Turns Black.

Till the Sun Turns Black finds the introspective singer/songwriter complementing his folk-country ways with traces of strings and horns and spooky soulful background voices. Songs like "You Can Bring Me Flowers" and "Three More Days" are the most R&B-influenced, the latter shuffling about ala The Band or Tony Joe White. Despite its brooding lyrics, "Empty" has a rollicking, almost breezy delivery, a perfect balance to either the hushed title track, the unnerving "Be Here Now" or the horn-fortified waltz, "Gone Away From Me." Throughout the 11-song sequence, and especially on the final song "Within You," LaMontagne’s voice remains the record’s most crucial element, as vibrant as it is tattered and as harsh as it is flawless. --Scott Holter

Listen to podcast #12

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

#11 - Internet Vitriol, The Winter Children and Taking Breaks

In this edition of the Casey Stratton Podcast I talk about how I feel when I read negative comments about myself online, then begin discussing the process of writing The Winter Children including my move to Chicago and decision to take a break from the music industry. I then perform a never before recorded or (therefore) released song called Sleep, My Little One from The Winter Children time period. Music rec this time is Loreena McKennitt's new holiday release A Midwinter Night's Dream.

On her first full-length holiday album, Loreena celebrates the season with a CD that blends the five songs from A Winter Garden (1995) with eight new recordings inspired by seasonal favorites. 13 tracks including 'The Holly & The Ivy', 'Good King Wenceslas', 'Seeds Of Love', 'Coventry Carol' and more.

Listen to Podcast #11

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

#10 - Voting, the Value of Music and More Signs of Life

In this edition of the Casey Stratton Podcast I talk about the importance of registering to vote this week. I also answer a question about what film I would re-score if I could as well as discussing my feelings on the devaluation of music and what that means for me as a composer, both financially and in terms of informing my future decisions as a musician. I talk a little more about Signs of Life before performing Not the Garden. Music recommendation this time is Tori Amos' Live in Montreux CD and DVD.

These two concerts from Montreux in 1991 and 1992 catch Tori Amos right at the start of her solo career. The first, from July 1991, was filmed a few months before the release of her "Little Earthquakes" album and the second from July 1992 followed a few months after. There is a fascinating progression from one year to the next as she grows in confidence and skill as a live performer, buoyed by the critical and commercial success of the album. Naturally most of the songs are taken from "Little Earthquakes" but there are also rare songs from her various EPs released across the two years which didn't make it onto the album including her distinctive takes on Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" and "Thank You" and Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit".

Buy Signs of Life in the Casey Stratton DIGITAL MUSIC STORE
Buy Tori Amos: Live at Montreux from Amazon
Visit toriamos.com
email me a question at podcasts@caseystratton.com

Listen to Podcast #10

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

#9 - Signs of Life, Signs of Life and Signs of Life

In this edition of the Casey Stratton Podcast I answer a few questions and then talk about the new album, Signs of Life before performing both Looks Like Rain and Now It's Gone from said record. Music recommendation is Kate Bush's Aerial.

It's the second disc--a suite called A Sky of Honey--on which Bush really comes into her own. Using metaphors of the turning of the day and the flight of birds, she orchestrates a meditation on the cycles of life. Musically expansive, she weaves her compositions out of birdsong, subtle orchestrations, and jazz trios, showing herself at her experimental best. Embracing her relatively new motherhood, as well as the death of her mother, Aerial is a deeply personal album, and a welcome return from one of pop music's true icons and vocal wonders. --John Diliberto

Listen to Podcast #9

Thursday, September 04, 2008

#8 - More Whirlwind, Doris Lessing, Industry Woes and such.

In this edition of the Casey Stratton Podcast I answer questions about the influence of the seasons on my work and the influence of author Doris Lessing's work on my own. I then discuss more about the Whirlwind Medusa period including my first dealings with the Sony Corporation which leads to more discussions about the record industry and masculinity, or lack thereof, in male solo artists. I then play a cassette recording of a song called Home recorded during the Whirlwind Medusa sessions that was never burned to CD. Music Recommendation this week is The Sundays 1992 album Blind.

Building on the jangly guitar pop of the Smiths and the trance-like dream pop of bands like the Cocteau Twins, the Sundays cultivated a dedicated following in indie rock circles, both in their native England and in America, in the early '90s. Although the sales of their first two albums were strong, the band never crossed over into the mainstream, as so many observers and critics predicted they would.

Listen to Podcast #8

Thursday, August 21, 2008

#7 - Interlochen Arts Academy, Old recordings and such

In this podcast I talk about visiting Interlochen Center for the Arts last weekend, attending Interlochen in the 90s and play an old recording of a song called Angel Here, a solo performed in a choir concert and perform the song Center written during that time. Music Recommendation this week is Sarah McLachlan's Fumbling Towards Ecstasy Legacy Edition.

Fumbling Towards Ecstasy (Legacy Edition) is a three disc re-release of McLachlan's 1993 album of the same title; her 1995 live recording, Freedom Sessions; and a DVD of a live show filmed in 1994.

Listen to Podcast #7