by mariah estran
photo by xavier luggage
In 2021, Casey Bishop took a chance. Walking through the doors of American Idol, she had no stage experience but a mighty voice that complimented her love for rock ‘n’ roll.
Bishop made it to the Top 4, gaining confidence in front of an audience and some major recognition along the way.
But now, in 2022, the singer-songwriter is ready to be known for her own music.
Last week, Bishop released her self-titled debut EP, a project including six songs that bring Bishop’s energetic, alternative sound to the forefront. Her fierce vocals packing a punch over heavy guitar strums and sturdy drumbeats.
Producing with Chris Greatti and co-writing with Willow Smith on “Don’t Talk!” and “Bad Dream,” the EP is bound to show the world exactly what she’s here to do.
“The thought of people relating to my music the way I relate to my inspirations, that’s exciting for me,” she says.
Casey Bishop took time to tell us more about her EP, what inspired her, working with Willow Smith, and what she hopes listeners take away from her music.
You’ve released your self-titled debut EP, what was the process like creating this record?
Casey: “It was fun and a lot of growth because it’s my first ever EP. We didn’t know we were going to come out with an EP – we wrote ‘Kerosene.’ We wrote that in May of 2021, and since then, we’ve done co-writes.”
You wrote “Don’t Talk!” and “Bad Dream” with Willow Smith. They’re such energetic alternative numbers. What was it like working with Willow?
Casey: “She is so kind and so inspiring. I feel so inspired every time the session is done. She’s amazing, really creative.”
You competed on American Idol last year. How did that opportunity help you grow as a performer?
Casey: “Being on stage and feeling more comfortable on stage. The show was amazing, and I feel so grateful for everything because of that show. Since it was a competition, you feel a little bit judged, and it’s like, now, you don’t have to worry about that. I’m still adjusting to that because American Idol was the beginning of everything for me.
They’re two completely different things, and I am still getting used to them.”
Fans know you from the competition, but now you’re introducing who you are through this EP. How has it been stepping into your own?
Casey: “It’s amazing, especially that people like my music. That’s like a big deal to me. I met someone at a restaurant, her name was also Casey. She said she was a fan of my music and not a fan of mine from American Idol. That was a first and such an amazing feeling.”
What do you hope listeners take away after listening to this EP?
Casey: “I hope that some people can relate to me – that’s exciting. The thought of people relating to my music the way I relate to my inspirations – that’s exciting for me.”
Who were some of your inspirations while working on this project?
Casey: “Fiona Apple, Alanis Morissette, No Doubt, The Pretty Reckless, Meg Myers.”
What’s your favorite song from the EP?
Casey: “It’s between ‘Denied’ and ‘Kerosene.’ But right at this moment, ‘Denied.’ It’s the only song I wrote by myself in my room. It’s the most vulnerable song and the saddest. I really love how it turned out.”
What do you have planned next?
Casey: “I hope to tour! I’m gonna continue making music, but I would love to do shows.”