Interview: MusicHeals with JC Casely

I met JC Casely, front man of Casely and the Jank (his band with Scott Corbin) about five years ago in an acting class. He would travel from Florida to New York City a few times a month to put together a one man show. Incredible as it may sound, he was working on a show about the late great Prince who we lost just last week. As I sat in the audience watching him working on a scene, I was immediately taken by JC's incredible musicianship. Dressed head to toe as Prince, the hair, the heels, the jacket, the pants, he bounced around the stage going from piano to guitar to microphone. I was mesmerized. At that very moment I was certain there was no better person to bring that fascinating man to life. It wasn't until later that I learned about JC own musical career.

Casely is the Miami-born son of Trinidadian and Panamanian parents. His charming and effortless style of singing, acting, dancing and songwriting are influenced by a set of artists as varied as his talents, ranging from Prince and Michael Jackson, to Death Cab for Cutie and John Mayer.

Casely attended Boston's world-famous Berklee College of Music on full scholarship as a classically trained pianist. His experience at Berklee refined who he is as a musician and opened him up to a world of musical genres.

From technical expertise to genuine "feel," Casely learned how to express an emotional connection to his music from studying musical theater.

The unexpected convergence of classical training, stage performance and a successful recording career only lead us to the beginning for this twenty-something diverse talent. "I think now more than ever, people are scared to be creative and different. But it's the people who step outside the box who are going to win."

R: What is the first song you remember that had an impact on you?

JC: As a child I gravitated to two very different music genres... On one hand I was really into pop music and on the other I would be obsessing over the Phantom of the Opera's Canadian cast recording and Broadway's Beauty and the Beast. I think the emotional depth of Phantom's "Point of No Return" would go on to play a huge role in my artistic makeup today. Within Casely and the Jank I get to explore and express a range of emotion not typically felt in today's pop music.

R: How has music influenced your life?

JC: Music influences practically every move I make and have made throughout my life. From the energy I feel throughout the day to deciding what college to attend, Berklee College of Music, and above all else deciding to pursue it full time at a fairly early age. Making music is my therapy and without it my life would be without color.

R: What makes a song great?

JC: Years ago I would have probably answered by saying "the chorus!" or "its melody" but today I think a great song is about its truth and connection. Jank music has a pulse. A pulse that follows the heartbeat of life moving with its highs and lows, but always balanced. We put everything we have into our craft and can only hope to be considered a part of life's collection of great music.

R: Why did you become a musician/singer?

JC: We became musicians because music is the only way to this day that surpasses technology in communication.

R: What music makes you dance?

JC: Jank music ?

R: What is one thing that you learned about yourself through music?

JC: I saw my true character through music.

Check out Caselys' latest music video Tick Tock and for more info and music visit his website www.iamcasely.tumblr.com

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