An Interview With The American Idol Alum/Frequent Postmodern Jukebox Collaborator/Bassist Singer-Songwriter, CASEY ABRAMS!

On March 16th the American Idol alum/ bassist and multi instrumentalist Casey Abrams will be releasing his latest album, “Put A Spell On You” via Chesky Records.

This new collection of originals and compelling covers will showcase both his frenetic energy, as well as the unique nature of Abrams’ creativity as a songwriter and performer. Songs include the originals “Robot Lovers,” and “Cougartown” as well as his compelling takes on a few classics such as “I Put a Spell on You,” “Georgia on My Mind,” and “Nature Boy.”  Abrams will tour in support of the music with New York City and Nashville shows confirmed already.

Last Fall Abrams retreated to a decommissioned church in Brooklyn (The Hirsch Center) to track Put A Spell On You. During a two-day marathon session, he was joined by the members of his trio—Jacob Scesney [saxophone, cajón] and Taylor Tesler [guitar, vocals]—David Chesky in the producer’s chair, and a “mannequin microphone.”  Put A Spell On You is a part of the Chesky Binaural + Series, all recorded with a single microphone. The new music showcases the spacious, lush and multi-dimensional recording.

All around musical wunderkind, Casey Abrams, has built a strong following through the years with two full length album releases and national tours. Part of the Chesky Binaural + Series, all recorded with a single microphone, the new music showcases the spacious, lush and multi-dimensional recording.

Learn more about Casey Abrams in the following All Access interview:

So where does this interview find you today?

I’m in Santa Monica at a veggie grill. I just rode my bike down here, beautiful day!

Overall, how do you think 2017 was for you and your career?

Great. Lots of Postmodern Jukebox Tours, my own tour, recorded the album coming out, was featured on a Christmas Single with Mark Ballas and BC Jean and released 2 of my own singles.

What are you most excited about for this year?

I’m excited to tour the country with my music and play them new stuff.

What is one big goal for you in 2018?

Get ripped, and more fit.

Growing up, did you ever think that this would be the kind of life that you would have?

Yes, I only wanted to be an actor or a rockstar! I’m a pro at those things, and not much else 🙂

Has music always been a big part of your life?

Yes, ever since I was a little kid. My mom played me her music from when she was a kid. Influenced me heavily. They constantly got me musical instruments, like a uke and a piano.

Can you recall your first ever musical experience?

Hearing Beach Boys in my car going to school in Chicago, Surfing USA by Beach Boys

I always like to ask artists about where they came from and how that city has influenced them as an artist. How do you think your home has affected you and your music? Idyllwild (California) is filled with nature in the mountains and has a lot of good jazz in the restaurants. Big artsy atmosphere.

Let’s talk about your new album, “Put A Spell On You,” that you will be releasing next month via Chesky Records. How long have these songs been around in your head waiting to be recorded? How is it different or similar to your previous collections?

I came up with a couple of these songs 5 years ago, they’ve been swimming in my head and getting stuck there, I figured it was time to unleash them into the world.

Photo Credit- Shervin Lainez

What was it like making this album in a decommissioned church in Brooklyn?

It was so fun, it smelled of old wood and had a ghostly vibe which added to the music.

How did you go about choosing what songs to cover that would be a part of this forthcoming album? I really enjoyed your cover of “Meet The Flintstones”!

Thanks 🙂 That’s an old jazz standard at my high school and we love playing it really fast during concerts to put the jazz across.

I am curious to know how much you think you have grown since your days on American Idol? How do you look back on that time?

A lot. I was 19 when I tried out and have learned a whole new batch of confidence. I feel I can sing anywhere at anytime in front of anyone.

You have a busy set of tour dates coming up next month. Where are you most looking forward to playing at? Have you performed at most of these venues before?

Chicago, I used to live there. New York, so much jazz. Nashville, party central

What do you think makes for an ideal show for you?

When every one is tuned into each other, living on the present moment, with no expectations.

Do you think that you are happiest when you are performing or in the studio recording new music?

I love being live because you get to bounce your energy off of people in the room. And the music can change according to the audience vibe and it will always be spontaneous.

Photo Credit- Shervin Lainez

We are living through a very trying and politically charged time right now so I am curious how you think being a musician gives you the most joy in life today?

Music heals, it’s a vibration that vibrates you, makes you move, our bodies are music, we exist because of our musical heart beat. I love to express myself, and making sound waves while receiving them is self healing.

How do you think that music is going to reflect these challenging times?

It’s going to fight with positivity.

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music?

Jack Black, James brown, Stevie Wonder and Frank Sinatra.

What musicians would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?

Bruno Mars, Quest Love and Ariana Grande.

What do you hope your fans take away from your music?

I hope they feel like they heard an epic story that can relate to them. I hope they feel like I just hung out with them in a church we’re not supposed to be in. Like you just hung out with a troublemaker.

Much love ✌