Daily Discovery: Jim Casto, “Big Moon”

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Videos by American Songwriter

ARTIST: Jim Casto

SONG: “Big Moon”

HOMETOWN: Cincinnati, Ohio

AMBITIONS: Musically, I’d like to continue to improve my songwriting and performing. This recent album was an accomplishment for me and my band-mates, and I’d like to build off that momentum. Whether it’s back to the studio or back to the pen; I need to stay active in my music.

TURN-OFFS:  The middle seat on an airplane, IT the clown, and overproduced music.

TURN-ONS: Standing close to the speakers during a loud show, passionate pursuit, honest songwriting, and Skyline chili.

DREAM GIG: Not to outrank my last dream gig at Red Rocks, I’d have to say a close second would be performing in a round with my favorite artists at the Bluebird Cafe.

FAVORITE LYRIC: In promotion of our new album, My favorite lyric off of Keep it Caged might be from our Daily Discovery song, “Big Moon.” “…Success ships sink with entitled waves, and I’m slippin’ right past them in my hard work submarine.”

SONG I WISH I WROTE: “Chicago Promenade” – Jason Isbell

5 PEOPLE I’D MOST LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH:  Anthony Bourdain, Gordon Ramsey, Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, and Taylor Thompson. Plenty of leftovers.

MY FAVORITE CONCERT EXPERIENCE:  Avett Brothers at Madison Theater, Covington, Kentucky.

I WROTE THIS SONG BECAUSE… As all my songs typically start, I picked up the guitar, went to the kitchen table, and started strumming and singing melodies. Once I started to get into the lyrics, it became more of an underdog theme. There are so many talented musicians out there, in Cincinnati alone; and I feel that sometimes it’s just about who is willing to put in the work to get there. Of course there is a little bit of being in the right place, at the right time, with the right song; but you could write the next “Hey Jude” and if you’re not playing it out every weekend, who’s going to hear it?