Check out our interview with singer-songwriter and American Idol alum Casey Bishop who just released today her debut self-titled EP, produced by Chris Greatti (Yungblud, Poppy) via 19 Recordings/BMG. The six-track EP infuses punk energy and skyscraping rock ambition infused with alt-pop melodies.
The previously released singles “Don’t Talk!” and “Bad Dream” were both co-written with Willow Smith.
Casey Bishop won over millions of hearts while competing on Season 19 of ABC’s American Idol. Her impressive vocal range earned her a unanimous “yes” from the season’s judges – Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Katy Perry – and ultimately took her to the Top 4 at just 16-years-old. Since then, she has performed duets with country megastar Luke Bryan and Brandon Boyd (Incubus) and opened for the likes of John Fogerty, and Foreigner.
Follow Casey @caseybishop_
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Sensitive, kind & creative
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Energetic, diverse, intriguing
We’re sure you have been asked this a million times but how did you get in the industry?
I was 15 years old, and my mom singed me up to audition for American Idol. I honestly was in disbelief that I got a yes from the producers. Fast forward I made it to the top 4 and as soon as I got off the show I started writing and recording music with Chris Greatti (he produced and co-wrote every song on the EP).
How has this changed your life?
It has completely changed my life. There’s nothing else I’ve ever wanted to do more. I feel so lucky that I get to do this at my age. I’m so full of gratitude.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Well, I’ve been singing literally since I could talk and have always had a love for music. I always wanted to be a singer but in middle school I discovered Fleetwood Mac and became obsessed. I immediately felt inspired to make my OWN music for the first time and started trying to write.
Do you play any instrument?
I play the guitar!
Do you ever get nervous?
All of the time. I deal with a lot of anxiety and my mind likes to overthink everything. Haha.
Tell us about your singles “Don’t Talk,” “Bad Dream,” and “Blurry Vision?”
“Don’t Talk!” is about meeting someone really good looking but is just a jerk and says all of the wrong things. This line from the song pretty much sums it up, “We can do this if you keep your mouth shut”. “Bad Dream” is a song about something that happened in my life that just felt so surreal it felt like a bad dream. “Blurry Vision” is about feeling simultaneously nostalgic and sad about growing up and about time moving so fast. I was in a phase in my life writing this song where I just felt really numb and nothing excited me at all. I was reminiscing on how all of the little things used to excite me when I was little.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
When I get the music back and listen to the finished version of my songs for the first time and love everything about it. I’m so critical of myself that it’s an amazing feeling to know we nailed it.
Tell us about your experience on Season 19 of ABC’s American Idol?
American Idol was amazing. It was crazy but amazing. Everything happened so quickly and was such a learning process. I learned so much about myself throughout that show and discovered I am much more capable than I thought I was.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Honestly, I’m not sure, I’m slowly starting to get into reading atm!
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
Stop being so hard on yourself (I am still working on that myself.)
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I would say the same, to stop being so hard on yourself; and, that there’s no need to rush to grow up.
How would your best friend describe you?
Her and I laugh like no other, so I’d say funny and kind.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“Enigma” because I was told I was an “enigma” by a good friend of mine, and it resonates!
What’s next for Casey Bishop in the last months of 2022?
My EP just came out so we’ll be promoting the music. I’m so proud of this project I hope it gets to make it’s way into the world in a meaningful way. And, of course, I’m gonna be making and writing music!
What is your favorite healthy food? And your favorite cheat food?
I love a good salad and for cheat food I’d say a fast-food cheeseburger and fries.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Really random honestly it changes all the time.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Reaching my highest self, feeling creative and inspired at all times, traveling the world, being in love and living in a place I want to live in.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Judy Garland because I’ve loved her since I was 2. The Wizard of Oz was the first movie I ever watched, and I started crying when the movie ended because I wanted to meet her.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Going to Bali, Indonesia with my favorite person.
Best advice ever given?
I’ve been given some great advice, it’s hard to think of it off the top of my head but I’ve been going by the Rick Rubin quote “Having a sound or vision in your head is a limitation, if you are attached to it.”
Do you support any charity?
I don’t at the moment but I am going to look into charities to support. That said, I am really passionate about anyone who helps work with women and girls on body issues and eating disorders. I am also big into saving our planet. We are destroying the most magical thing we’ve ever been given.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Hopefully traveling the world and doing shows!
Favorite song? Why?
At this moment I’ve been listening to “Breathe Your Name” by Sixpence None The Richer nonstop. I’ve loved them since I was really little.
What do you think of Social Media?
I’m not the biggest fan of social media. It has a lot of pros but in my opinion there are more cons.
Where we can follow you?
My Instagram and TikTok are both @caseybishop_ and my twitter is @thecaseybishop
Quick fire: Favorite…
Book: The Empaths Survival Guide
Quote: “You are what you believe you are and the world responds accordingly”
Movie: Wizard of Oz or Dirty Dancing
TV Series: Shameless or Young & Hungry
Food: Burger/Wings with fries
Travel Destination: Bali, Indonesia or Italy
Sports Team: Giants (I don’t watch sports but that’s my family’s favorite team haha!)
Photo Credit: Xavier Luggage
