An Interview with Casey Conroy
Meet upcoming alt-pop sensation, Casey Conroy. We got to chat with the electric singer-songwriter, to discuss her experience in the music industry, greatest musical influences, and new releases. The Orlando, Florida native is quickly making a name for herself in an industry where it’s become increasingly difficult to stand out. Her authenticity shines through her lyricism as well as her story to how she got to where she is now.
What’s the meaning behind your new song, “As Deep As You Loved Me”?
Casey: I wrote this song one night after watching the movie “The Marriage Story”. It’s an incredible movie that follows a couple’s divorce process with brutal honesty. In the climax of the movie, there’s a scene where they’re fighting and the husband screams “I wish you would die”. That moment really stuck with me and left me thinking about the duality of love and hate and how as deep as you can love someone, if it goes wrong, you can hate them just as deep. I thought that concept was really interesting and right away I knew I had to put it into a song.
Who are your greatest female music influences?
Casey: Wow, there are so many. I remember being eleven and hearing Adele’s “19” album and realizing for the first time that my voice was actually an instrument and I could develop my own vocal style. That had a big impact on how I grew vocally. Kimbra was also a huge influence. I fell in love with what it meant to be an artist and creator more than just a singer or songwriter, because of her.
As a woman in music, what is one thing you wish you knew before entering the industry?
Casey: Honestly, that my body is good enough exactly how it’s made. That I don’t have to go on diets before every photoshoot or video. I don’t know why I felt like this was something I needed to do right off the bat but as I’m getting older I just feel more and more that I know I treat my body right, I am healthy, and that’s enough. Lennon Stella posted this quote on her story the other day and I loved it, “Your perfect weight is the weight you don’t have to force”.
If you could perform with any artist, who would it be?
Casey: I have two! First, Chris Martin! Coldplay is my favorite band and growing up I studied Chris Martin as a songwriter and a front man like crazy! Second, Frank Ocean. I actually have this recurring dream that Frank Ocean, Coldplay and I all sing Frank Ocean’s version of “Strawberry Swing” together. So weird, I know!
What difficulties have you encountered working in the music industry?
Casey: Pushing a career is so expensive, so working a job while trying to build my career has been a tough balancing act that I’m still learning. Being an artist doesn’t always mean just getting to sit around writing songs you love all day. You have to find ways to pay the bills, do the marketing, make the content and still write the songs you love, all at the same time.
What’s a dream venue and music festival you’d love to perform at?
Casey: Red Rocks is probably the most dreamy music venue ever. It’s such an experience, outside of the usual concert venue experience, and I think that’s so cool! For a music festival, definitely Glastonbury! I don't even know why but I have this thing where I constantly study the Glastonbury sets of artists I love.
How has the pandemic affected your creative process?
Casey: It was kinda a roller coaster of a process! When the pandemic first started, I was on fire creatively, soaking up every minute of the change of pace and time off. After a while though, like anything, I got burned out and needed to give myself the space to not feel I had to create every day just because I could. In the end, I think it allowed me to find this great balance of having a hunger to create but also allowing myself to ride the ups and downs that inevitably come.
What’s an aspect of the music industry that has surprised you the most?
Casey: In some ways, I knew this going in but I think the part that always hits me the hardest is the amount of patience it takes to break as an artist. It’s a constant game of riding the highs and feeling the lows and trying to stay consistent with sometimes very little validation. We always say in our team “if it takes 10 years…” because we want to create a culture of patience and not make hasty decisions just because we feel we should be in places we’re not yet.
What is the most important thing you want people to take away when they listen to your music?
Casey: I think 1) that I really, really love what I do!! It comes from a true, sincere place and if I’m putting something out, it’s because I really believe in it and it’s an honest representation of who I am at that moment. 2) In the same way, I hope listeners feel represented and heard through my music. That they can listen to something I created and feel connected to my emotions as if they were their own.
What advice do you have for aspiring female musicians?
Casey: Take so much pride in being you! I know it’s cheesy but it’s always the thing that I come back to. Being as true to yourself as possible is the only thing that allows you to be truly unique in such a crowded industry. And also build real relationships with your fans. In the end, they’ll be the sole reason we get to do what we love!
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