(Photo Credit: Kayhl Cooper)
We had the opportunity to interview a fantastic up-and-coming folk/pop artist named Casey Dubie. Her sound evokes comes to Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker, but she's got a voice all her own. In our view, Casey is a star in the making with unique songs that evoke great emotion. She just dropped her new single "Confetti" which is on her new album Into the Moon that drops October 26. We got early access to the album and will be reviewing it here for you. For our review and Casey's interview, read on friends!
Casey Dubie - Into the Moon (Oct. 27, 2018)
1. "Silver" - Starts off with Dubie's traditional folk sound, but quickly picks up after the first verse with a nice blend between the folk sound and a alt pop sound. She blends these sounds masterfully.
2. "Confetti" - The lead single from the album. This song is full of alt/pop goodness. You can easily imagine this track being played all over AltNation, XMU, and alt stations across the country, it's that damn charming. The melody is what makes this song so addictive and it's topped with the hook. Dubie knows how to hook a listener.
3. "Carry On" - Slowed down track that progresses nicely throughout. Has a nice mellow hook that ties the track together and keeps it grounded. Song seems to be about a relationship in which the parties are unable to break away from one another, rather they simply carry one despite the ups and downs.
4. "Coals" - With "Coals" Dubie approaches the alt/pop genre again with great success. The song builds so effectively. Dubie's vocals and the drums really push the song forward, simply fantastic.
5. "Wolf" - This track brings the sound back to Dubie's more alt/folk sound. The chorus breaks through and Dubie really lets her vocals loose her, it's beautifully done and the leads that play over the track are subtle but great for the track.
6. "It's Too Late" (Carol King Cover) - Dubie goes straight for a legend here with a cover of Carol King's "It's Too Late". It is fantastically done and has a touch of jazz to it. Being a fan of the original, I can say that this one is well done. Hopefully this can bring this song to a new generation of listeners.
7. "Into the Moon" - This track is more in the alt/folk genre as it begins with Dubie and her guitar. It picks up as the song progresses to the hook with stylized vocals that make you feel as if there is a wall of sound and it just works. Dubie shows her vocal range here with some great vocals, but she also shows restraints like a proper vocalist in that she doesn't fill the section with vocal runs. It's a slippery slope and she plays it perfectly.
Closing Thoughts - Wow, just wow. This album is damned good. If you're a fan of alt/pop, alt/folk, Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, or just good music in general, you're gonna love this one. It such a strong album as a whole and Dubie plays with the notion of genre perfectly as she shifts so no songs feel out of place. We mean it when we say this, but this is an artist you need to keep an eye on, she's going to be huge.
Rating: 5/5
Casey Dubie Artist Spotlight
1. How did you come to pursue music and how long have you been at it?
"When I was in the 8th grade, I went to a talent show. I was mesmerized by a performer doing an original track. I was just so blown away by the vulnerability of someone opening themselves up like that. I picked up my Mom's old guitar the same night and began teaching myself. I started writing songs and getting better along the way. Recently in the past few years I have been really pushing my music career".
2. Could you walk us through your process of writing music?
"There are two camps on songwriting as a craft. The first is 'working the muscle', that is exercising through
practicing. I don't do this as much as I should.
The other camp is writing as a reflection of experience or life. I usually write as a reaction to life, relationships (both platonic and romantic). I will start singing both mumble speak and actual words until I find something that articulates".
3. What artists have inspired you in your career?
"Anaïs Mitchell who is also from Vermont has been a huge inspiration. Also, Phoebe Bridgers has been another influence and I think my writing style reflects that a bit. Lucy Daucus has been another big inspiration for me as well". 4. Do you have any favorite music gear (guitars, amps, effects pedals, keyboards, etc.) that you love to use? If so, what’s the story on them?
"Most of my guitars have been hand-me-downs. However, recently I decided to purchase a Fender Telecaster. A friend of mine and I went together and picked it out, I got it used but I love it. I am starting to add more pedals to my work, but I'm pretty new at it. I see artists like Julien Baker just rocking out with all these pedals and it's pretty inspiring the sound they get".
5. Can you describe the vibe at your live shows? Also, what do you enjoy most about a venue when you do a show?
"I have done shows with a full band and I have done solo shows and to be honest, I'm not sure how to proceed with my upcoming shows. The vibe I usually go for is first for people to be able to use my music to process their lives, to know that have permission to have intense feelings or emotions and that it's a safe place to do so. Also, we try to have fun and be inviting".
6. What is one thing that you want the public to know about your music?
"My songs are birthed out of a place that's real. They aren't manufactured, they are based in real experiences whether they are mine or someone's I'm close to. Also, my lyrics are rarely edited so usually what the listener gets is that raw emotion associated with the experience".
7. Do you have any upcoming projects you would like fans to know about?
"I'm working on a few shows that will be announced in the near future".
FMI on Casey, visit her website, Instagram, or Facebook. Her new album Into the Moon drops Friday, October 26.