James Casto

Artist Information

Biography

James Casto is a singer-songwriter with a “voice that is so mesmerizing” (CD Babel) that Devin Grant of the Charleston Post and Courier reported “after seeing him perform I am a fan” and Fran Snyder, Founder of Concertsinyourhome.com, wrote his collection of songs “will reach anyone with a human heart…and his music is “a gift you will treasure for years to come.” This gift consists of 5 solos CD’s, each with six songs, and many more works published through Home By Dark Productions.

James started songwriting in high-school when he discovered an old and dusty, out-of-tune, piano in his parent’s basement near Atlanta, Georgia. After high-school, James dabbled in a music career, but soon went to college, got an MBA and settled into the corporate world where he achieved success as a businessman. But shelving his songwriting soul never sat well with James and the day arrived when his choices were rattled by a major event that forced him to face his fears.

James vividly remembers the day that he decided to leave his lucrative corporate job to fully pursue music. That day was 9-11. Like so many Americans, James had an epiphany. In his song titled Courageous”, James tells a universal story about choices. “Every morning we wake up with two choices. We can choose to be afraid or be courageous. The difference is a life that makes a difference. So go ahead if you dare, face your fear, and be courageous.” And that’s what James did. He faced his fears, left his job, and took a giant leap of courageous faith to become a singer-songwriter.

Never looking back, James quickly became a mainstay in the Nashville songwriting scene. Recognizing that the best way to share his music was through live performance, James started playing regularly at the Bluebird Cafe, Douglas Corner, and other venues around Music City. Today, James plays over 200 shows a year from Nashville to New York, Charleston to Chicago, and many cities in between.

James Casto has been a 3-time award winner in the prestigious Nashville Songwriters Association Songwriting Contest. His first major songwriting cut “Peace On Earth” was recorded by platinum selling artist Lila McCann. In addition to cuts by numerous independent artists, Casto has written music for Mazda, Kroger, Macy’s, Mercy Ships International, and many others.

James is also the founder of the Nashville Songwriters Tour. The tour consists of James, Sabrina Murdaugh, Joe West, and JP Williams who perform “in the round style” which creates an exciting and intimate show. James’s Nashville Songwriter’s Tour has played to standing room only shows in Atlanta, Chicago, Charleston, Nashville and beyond. The writers have shared stages with Charlie Daniels, Bruce Hornsby, Jo Dee Messina, David Wilcox, Randy Travis, T Graham Brown, Ricky Skaggs. The foursome have released three CDs.

And if that wasn't enough. James is the creator of the popular Home by Dark / Chukkar Farm Concert Series. The outdoor series consistently sells out as James performs with two additional writers for each show. Guest writers have included Pat Terry, Billy Montana, Victoria Banks, Marcia Ramirez, and many, many more. Concert attendees rent tables and watch the shows on an incredible 170 acre farm in the equestrian sector of Alpharetta, GA. The Series is now entering it's 6th year in 2012.

The story of James Casto is about taking a chance, a leap of faith to pursue a passion. Casto sums up his new life, the lessons he has learned, and the hope that resonates with fans around the globe in his song "Two Inches Deep"... TODAY I'M TAKING BACK MY LIFE, LETTING GO OF THINGS I CANNOT KEEP, ‘CAUSE TODAY I LOOKED UP AND REALIZED I'VE BEEN DROWNING IN WATER TWO INCHES DEEP.




RECENT PERFORMANCE VENUES

· Bluebird Café – Nashville, TN
· Douglas Corner Café – Nashville, TN
· The Rudyard Kipling – Louisville, KY
· Uncommon Ground – Chicago, IL
· Kavehaz – New York, NY
· Georgia Tech – Atlanta, GA
· Buisson Arts Center (Music Hall) – Dahlonega, GA
· Moonlight Music Café – Birmingham, AL
· Swallow at the Hollow – Roswell, GA
· University of Notre Dame – South Bend, Indiana
· Village Playhouse – Mount Pleasant, SC
· Ocean Song Café – Isle of Palms, SC
· Chattanooga Market – Chattanooga, TN
· Smiths Olde Bar – Atlanta, GA
· Atlanta Dogwood Festival – Decatur, GA
· Eddie’s Attic – Decatur, GA
· Thompson Park Amphitheater – East Liverpool, OH
· Alpharetta Arts Street Festival – Alpharetta, GA
· Von Braun Center – Huntsville, AL
· Verizon Wireless Amphitheater – Alpharetta, GA
· Atlanta Peach Drop – New Year’s Eve – Atlanta, GA

Instrumentation

Michael Shetler - Bass
Wilbert Thompson - Drums
Matt Blanchard - Saxophone
John Allison - Guitar

Discography

Music Credits:
·“Peace On Earth” recorded by country artist Lila McCann – writer/producer
· “Mercy’s On It’s Way” recorded by gospel artist Calvin Nowell - writer
· NHW Songwriters Tour – “Three Men and a Diva” – writer/producer/performer
· NHW Songwriters Tour – “Underdog” – writer/producer/performer
· NHW Songwriters Tour – “Courageous” – writer/producer/performer
· James Casto (solo CD) – “Vol 1”
· James Casto (solo CD) – “Vol 3”
· Carole Ford – “Five” - producer
· Paul and Anna Joseph – “Cries of the Heart” – executive producer
· John Allison –‘Beyond All Love” - writer
· Five Little Monkeys – writer/performer
· Timberman Triathlon CD (compilation) – writer/performer
· Sounds From the Southside 2 (compilation) – writer/performer

Various radio airplay around the country.

Tracks available through i-tunes.

Links

• Facebook
• MySpace
• Twitter

Audio

• Things I Used To Know
  Listen  
• Save the World
  Listen  
• Courageous
  Listen  
• Good Day To Get Lost
  Listen  
• Wannabe
  Listen  
• Grateful
  Listen  
• Inside
  Listen  
• Invitation
  Listen  
• Perfect Day
  Listen  
• Barely Hanging On
  Listen  

Lyrics

• Inside
• Courageous
• Perfect Day
• Good Days
• Good Day To Get Lost
• Save the World
• Invitation
• Grateful

Video

King of Pain

Photo Gallery

Press

• Scenes From the Southside review [+ Show ]
  

  James Casto was also memorable and entertained my ears with his clever pop/country tune "Wannabe" wh...James Casto was also memorable and entertained my ears with his clever pop/country tune "Wannabe" which maintained an addictive groove and brought a smile to my face.

• Concerts In your Home [+ Show ]
  

  James Casto is not a dreamer. He’s not even an idealist. Dreamers rarely step forward in the directi...James Casto is not a dreamer. He’s not even an idealist. Dreamers rarely step forward in the direction of their dreams, and idealists never accept that there is darkness inside those silver linings. His three "No Hit Wonders" CDs are distinguished landmarks of his Big Step out of the darkness of the everyman life, and the thousands of little steps toward one man’s dream.
  
  James decided to become a songwriter. So he wrote songs. Everyday. He practiced, co-wrote with anyone he could. He drove to Nashville (from Atlanta) - sometimes twice a week - to play for free and for anyone who would listen.
  
  But a funny thing happened to James on the way to becoming a songwriter. He became an artist. From his percussive groove-gospel piano style (who said being a drummer was a handicap?) to his soulful, passionate voice, James’ message is undeniable. Yes, there is darkness - yes, there is hope - and yes, oh yes, there is God.
  
  While many artists see their gifts as a way to get something - fame, money, etc... James Casto sees it another way. His gifts are for giving - his talent, his time, and his Faith. His collection of songs will reach anyone with a human heart. It is faith without alienation, love without bounds, and a gift you will treasure for years to come.
  
  The featured song, "Two Inches Deep" is the tale of that Big Step, where James and many others have found the courage to "take back their lives" from the rascals to whom they were once entrusted.
  
  

• CD Babel [+ Show ]
  

  His lyrical style reminds me of Bruce Springstein, very americana and very real. It took me a coupl... His lyrical style reminds me of Bruce Springstein, very americana and very real. It took me a couple listens catch the storys behind the song, but it wasn't due to his lyrics, but the fact that his voice is so mesmerizing.

• No Hit Wonders [+ Show ]
  

  Lots of talent in these No Hit Wonders By Devin GrantDevin Grant can be reached at chucktowncriti...Lots of talent in these No Hit Wonders
  
  By Devin GrantDevin Grant can be reached at chucktowncritic@yahoo.com.
  
  Special to The Post and Courier
  
  Thursday, August 2, 2007
  
  
  They're going to let Paris Hilton record another album.
  
  If one needed a single sentence to sum up exactly what is wrong with the music business these days, then there it is.
  
  If you need any further evidence as to why the major label record companies are in trouble these days, then look no further than Joe West, JP Williams, Sabrina and James Casto. No, these folks aren't personally part of the problem. As a matter of fact, they could be part of the solution. These musicians are in a group that calls itself the No Hit Wonders. The name is a bit misleading, because all of these musicians are successful to a certain degree. But in a world where "American Idol" rules the roost, all four of these artists remain relatively unknown.
  
  Fortunately, the advent of the Internet has made personal promotion relatively easy. After Casto was introduced to Williams, Sabrina and West on separate occasions, the four musicians joined forces to get their music heard in the ultra-competitive music industry in Nashville.
  
  The Lowcountry got a taste of the No Hit Wonders Friday night during a performance at the Village Playhouse in Mount Pleasant.
  
  The show was a benefit for the Mikel Foundation, which is devoted to raising funds for genetic research. The structure of Friday night's show was similar to that of songwriters Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt, Joe Ely and Guy Clark when those musicians played the North Charleston Performing Arts Center earlier this year. Each artist performed one of his or her own songs, and then stepped aside to let the next person in the group do likewise. What really made Friday night's show enjoyable was the fact that none of the songwriters assembled had a sound or style that mirrored any of the others.
  
  Joe West, was dressed in jeans, boots and a cowboy hat, a look he described as "Urkel meets Haggard." West showed off his love of country music with songs such as "Me Without You" and "The Real Deal." "The Real Deal" was particularly good, and the song just cries out for a mainstream country artist to record it.
  
  Williams, who has been blind since the age of ten, has an incredible vocal range, and was able to hit some sweet high notes. He has a chance to demonstrate his gift during songs such as "Tongue Tied" and "I Don't Mind." Like West, Williams could easily have his songs recorded by any current country star, and I would venture to say that with his good looks and incredible voice, Williams himself could become a star.
  
  Sabrina has more of an adult contemporary or folk sound, but she still had no problem keeping up with the guys. Sabrina plays guitar beautifully, and her songs, with titles such as "The Box" and "What Are You Waiting For," are soulful and packed with substance. She even performed an instrumental in a style she dubbed "soulgrass."
  
  Casto's musical style is probably the most far removed from the rest of the No Hit Wonders. Playing keyboards and percussion instead of the guitars sported by Sabrina, West and Williams.
  
  With a rock style that is reminiscent of Billy Joel or Joe Jackson, Casto performed songs such as "Lost" (which reminded me of Marc Cohn's "Walking in Memphis"), "Two Inches Deep" and "Courageous."
  
  Casto was joined by saxophone player Matt Blanchard on his songs, and even let Blanchard perform one of his own original compositions, "Orange Hair, Orange Sun."
  
  I will admit that I had never heard of any of these musicians prior to attending Friday night's show, and after seeing them perform I am a fan of each and every player.
  
  Usually when one attends a showcase-style performance such as this, there is one or two artists that really stand out.
  
  That wasn't the case with the One Hit Wonders.
  
  Each song was as good as the last, and again I consider the current state of the music business and wonder why these folks aren't rich and famous. I suppose Paris Hilton needs the money; or at least the attention.
  

Setlist

Most performances are original music only.

One (2) hour set or two (1) hour sets.

For cover gigs, a mix of motown, pop-country, adult contemp, standards.

Basic Requirements

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