American Idol Finalist CASEY JAMES at The Rail

Casey James rose to national attention and became a household name overnight as a contestant on

American Idol. Using his fierce instrumental skills, emotional tenor and musical talent, he landed high among the

finalists, 3rd to be exact. After over a decade of playing shows as a local musician in the DFW area of Texas, James

suddenly had opportunities he had only dreamed of. The success he experienced during the show brought him a

recording contract with a major country label. He took the offer, although the tight creative limitations on

commercial country overlapped only partially with the music at the center of his soul. James made the opportunity

work. He landed hits with “Let’s Don’t Call It A Night” and “Crying on A Suitcase” – however, the three-minute time

frames and limits on instrumental playing did not allow him to showcase his artistic vision. Five years and four

radio singles later, James left his major label deal with hopes of being able to make music without limitations.

With his 2017 album Strip It Down, he made the blues project he’d always envisioned introducing his

music to a whole new demographic, which was well received worldwide. Teaming up with Grammy Award Winner

Tom Hambridge was a great start, and James was left with a record that garnered rave reviews from

Blues/Rock/Americana media outlets and fans across the world – with the Rock Doctor raving that that Strip It

Down was “one hell of a delightful surprise!” He had finally busted into the scene he’d always wanted to be a part

of. With his 2020 follow-up, If You Don’t Know By Now, James dug in deeper on the genre, exploring its range

while setting himself apart as an inspired, melodic guitarist as well as an expressive, soulful vocalist. It’s a stark

commitment to a musical form lodged firmly in his soul. James attacked If You Don’t Know By Now with a new

level of confidence, thanks in part to his affirming experience with Strip It Down.

When James isn’t touring solo or spending time at home with his wife and three children he is on the road

with his side project Texas Hill. Expectations are set high for their sophomore album, recorded in Muscle Shoals in

2023.. Texas Hill’s highly anticipated debut Album Heaven Down Here was released in 2022. Sounds Like Nashville

praised the project, “With its real-life- inspired lyricism and multi-genre stylistic influences – which melds soul,

R&B, county, southern rock, and even some Memphis blues – Heaven Down Here encapsulates the true spirit of

down-home music. It’s an easy listen and has a strong appeal to both country and non-country fans. “James is in

the process of recording an acoustic project, set to be released in summer of 2024. As a result, James’ evolution as

an artist has accompanied his personal progress. “I’m thankful to have a dedicated audience that believes in who I

am and what I do. I couldn’t ask for more and I’m always excited for what’s next.” At the long-time request of his

fans to record an acoustic album, he feels that he is finally in a position to deliver the best versions possible. “I’m

beyond excited to finally get this material on a record and to perform it live. Some of the songs will be familiar to

my fans and some will be new, but it’s exciting to deliver all of them from the perspective I have right now. A big

part of performing is sharing your experience and your heart, and right now I’m the most experienced I’ve been

yet.” - Casey James

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