Paul Casey

The highlight of the whole day for me was the phenomenal set of punchy, up-beat songs from Derry's own, Paul Casey.

To put it into perspective: I half expected someone with a mega-phone to step up onto the stage shouting, "Step away from the stage. Please make your way out side. NOW." Because Casey was LETHAL. Fresh, rhythmic, melodic and sassy - I for one am a new fan - and his album is already on the purchase list.

Michael Devlin - The Ulster Herald - The Ulster Herald

Paul Casey has carved out a musical career that has seen him tour and record with Chris Rea and become a much loved and talented local guitar player. In 2010 Casey joined Chris Rea’s band on an extensive European tour and was also be the support for the dates. The relationship between legendary guitarist Chris Rea and Casey was formed some years ago after Rea heard Paul’s demo tape which led to many collaborations between the two. Casey displays an exceptional command of slide guitar and a unique flair for penning striking tunes. He has been compared to artists from David Gray to Ry Cooder. In truth, however, Paul Casey is an individual who makes up his own rules and carves his own niche when songwriting and recording while continuing to create a unique and distinctive sound. Three of Casey’s songs were featured on the hit American Television series Wildfire on the ABC Family Network. Further placements were subsequently secured on MTV’s The Real World; Brooklyn and the awardwinning independent movie I’m Through With White Girls. All this is against the backdrop of US radio play in the past from Rodney Bingenheimer on KROQ-FM and a number of impressive US live shows - in particular at the Living Room in New York and Starr Hill Music Hall in Charlottesville, Virginia – which have resulted in a devoted and dedicated US following. The young songwriter has a string of critically acclaimed albums under his belt – along the way receiving a 9/10 rating in Ireland’s Hot Press magazine, in review by Jackie Hayden (the man who signed U2 to their first ever record deal). Recently Casey spent a year working as engineer on
Chris Rea’s upcoming release, Santo Spirito Blues, which was released in June. Casey’s track ‘Big World’, in his own words his best to date, has received rave reviews and massive radio
airplay.

DCH: What was the spark that led you into guitar playing?

PC: Listening to my father’s collection. He was into all the big guitarists like Clapton, Knopfler, and JJ Cale. I really loved the sound of slide guitar and Ry Cooder’s soundtrack stuff really got me interested.

DCH: What was the first song you listened that inspired you?
I don’t know what the first song was, but certain songs always remind me on certain things and times. The Horslips album “The Tain” was a big influence. I remember listening to Dearg Doom repeatedly and being blown away with the whole arrangement.

DCH: When did you get your first guitar and what was the first song you learnt to play?

PC: I think I was about eleven years old. I went to lessons with a fantastic guitar teacher from Derry called Dessie Gallagher. All I wanted to play then was Dire Straits “Sultans of Swing.”

DCH: What was the first song that you wrote and what are your memories of writing it?
PC: First song I wrote was rubbish! I let my mum hear it, and I knew by the look on her face that it was bad, although she would never say it. She thinks I’m alright now though!

DCH: How do you approach the songwriting process? I keep it very simple. I try to only write about what I know or have experienced. Plus I only know a handful of chords!!

DCH: Which recording that you have made so far are you most proud of and why?

PC: The latest recording I’ve just finished of a song called “Big World” is definitely the best recording/production I’ve done so far. I’m very happy with it. It’s picking up a great bit of interest with TV/Film people in America which is great!

DCH: What was the best gig you can remember playing?

PC: They always say “you’re only as good as you’re last gig”. One of the last gigs I played recently in a little bookshop in Botanic in Belfast was fantastic. The bookshop is called “No Alibis”, it sold out, although
you can only fit 50 people into it, and the atmosphere was brilliant. Can’t wait to play it again in the New Year. Glasgowbury this summer was pretty special for me too.

DCH: What guitars do you currently own and which do you love best?

PC: My Lowden F10 is the only guitar I can’t do without! Everywhere I go and play people always asked what it is. It’s one of those rare guitars that just does what you want it to do.

DCH: Who are your biggest inspirations?

PC: Over the last 10 years or so I really got into film soundtracks/scores. John Barry is God to me. I probably listen to him 99% of the time!

DCH: Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

PC: Haven’t a clue! Being a musician/singer/songwriter is a funny old job. You never know where or when you’re next gig/paychq is! But I still love it. - The Derry City Herald

Songs In Open Tuning - Paul Casey

With the singer-songwriters versus guitar-bands debate currently making waves, Derryman Paul Casey’s debut album comes as a timely release, effortlessly straddling the divide and likely to keep both camps happy. Casey is a gritty slide guitar player, among a shopful of other instruments, as well as a crafter of naggingly catchy songs that have depth as well as hooks.

The single ‘Something’s Gotta Give’ is a brilliant slice of cntemporary pop-rock, and the equally hypnotic ‘Climb’ adds brilliant uileann pipes from Paul Cutliffe to the urgency of Casey’s production stew.

Casey’s broad pallette of influences range from gutsy blues, to Damien Rice, the Chemical Brothers, David Gray and the blusier side of Chris Rea, among many others. This is as fine a rock debut as we’ve heard in aeons. Something’s gotta give, indeed.

9/10

Jackie Hayden, HOTPRESS
- Hot Press Magazine

Superb slide guitar playing… a radio hit waiting to happen. Casey is one to watch.

Alan Corr - RTE GUIDE
- RTE Guide

Songs In Open Tuning - Paul Casey

County Derry man Paul Casey has many strings to his bow. Most strikingly a slide guitarist, his armoury includes keyboards, banjo, bass, harmonica, whistle and percussion. He also has the knack of writing the kind of tunes that grab you and won’t let go and to top it all he has a most beguiling voice.

With only Liam Bradley’s drums and percussion for company most of the time, the album nevertheless has a very full sound to it whilst retaining an engagingly raw edge. The melodies are all strong and the arrangements hold a few surprises – touches of blues and jazz from time to time and Paul Cutliffe’s pipes making a most arresting a fulfilling appearance on Climb.

Casey has been working hard to build a following over the past few years and has established a strong fan base in the USA. Given the right exposure, this album could well see him making inroads into David Gray territory. Supporting Chris Rea on his farewell UK tour later this year will certainly help.

Geoff Harden - Irish Music Magazine
- Irish Music Magazine

He's today's Ben Harper, tomorrow's David Gray.

The Irish Times
- The Irish Times

Far more engaging than many of the over-produced efforts of his singer-songwriter peers"

John Meagher - The Irish Independent
- The Irish Independent

“Genius... you won't hear much better than that anywhere in the world”

Gerry Anderson - BBC Radio Northern Ireland - BBC Radio

Paul Casey has a solid new radio single ‘She Could Be’ winging its way through the ether…Casey brings some neat slide guitar playing to a beguiling song that has an attractive contemporary resonance with its seductive grooves and tasty samples.

The guitar fills worm their way into your cranium and take up permanent residence, making the track a perfect vehicle on which to marry timeless rhythms with a modern sonic approach…This single-track record leaves you wanting more.
- Hot Press Magazine