Biography
”I've never heard anyone who sounds like Wes Casto...He is a true original. He possesses that rare "whatever you call it, can't put your finger on it, but know that it is right on it" quality in his sound, performance, and writing. Smart observations of real life situations that reach beyond his 22 years"
-Todd Burge, singer/songwriter
Raised at the crossroads of the Midwest and Appalachia, Wes Casto is a singer-songwriter with the depth of John Prine and the soulful appeal of John Mayer. While audience members have likened Casto to Todd Snider, Loudon Wainright III, and John Prine, his combination of folk and pop influences has created a sound that Todd Burge calls "truly original".
In 2008, Casto was named a finalist in the Newsong and Great American Song contests, and lyrics to his song "Ripple" were featured in American Songwriter Magazine (Nov/Dec 2008). His success continues in 2009 with being named the Midwest Winner of the Newsong Contest and vying to perform on the internationally-broadcast radio program, Mountain Stage. Wes was also selected as the winner of the Ozark Folk Festival Songwriting Contest in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Casto's first LP, Never Heard Tell, features 11 original songs recorded in the summer of 2009. The songs range from ballads dealing with the uncertainties of growing up to personal commentaries on war, politics, love, and faith. The entire album is free to download through Sonicbids and Reverbnation. Wes is currently promoting the CD at live shows in Ohio and West Virginia. His plans for the rest of 2009 include a move to Austin, Texas, where he will begin writing, recording, and performing full-time.
Instrumentation
Wes Casto - acoustic guitar
Discography
Honorable Mention in American Songwriter Nov/Dec 2008 Lyric Contest ("Ripple"). Regional Finalist (Midwest) in 2008 Newsong Contest. Finalist in 2008 Great American Song Contest ("The Road to Love"). Winner of Midwest Region in 2009 Newsong Contest. Finalist in 2009 Ozark Folk Festival Songwriting Contest.
Links
| http://www.myspace.com/michaelwestoncasto |