Meet Casey Ahern: Singer/songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Casey Ahern and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Casey, is there something you believe many others might not?
So many people would disagree with me, but one piece of advice that I never lived by was to always have a backup plan. Reason being: it’s something to fall back on and it can result in not giving your all toward what you set out to accomplish. For example, I have made music my full-time job because I absolutely love to do it. However, if I had self-doubt in the back of my mind and formed a backup career plan in case I fail, would I really spend 24/7 working toward the goal of being successful and sustaining myself solely on music? Sure, I think backup plans are smart for certain things, such as having a spare tire in your car in case of a flat. But in the realm of careers and chasing your dreams and passions, I think that safety net is unnecessary. How will you learn to fly if you’re constantly relying on a parachute?

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I always said I’d be happy if my music touches people and makes them think and feel something deeper. I center my entire life around having a strong moral compass and aim to share those values in my songwriting and throughout my career. There are ups and downs, just like anything in life, but having the reason of why I do what I do is what keeps me motivated. I started out writing poems and ended up turning those into songs. Once I turned 16, I began playing venues throughout Los Angeles with my band such as The Mint, The Viper Room and The Canyon Club and that’s how I cut my teeth. Which booking my own shows was a huge learning lesson for me in taking initiative and just reaching out to these booking agents, even when I didn’t have any following. I learned that if I want to get to the other side of the street, I can’t be afraid to step off the curb. Then once I began playing regularly and building a following, I started working with Ue3 Promotions and recorded an EP in Nashville at Sound Emporium Studios. I think the biggest challenge for me was learning the difference of singing on a stage versus singing in a studio. On stage, I feel it’s more about the entertainment value, such as energy and movement, while in the vocal booth, it’s more about the precision and making sure you convey the story of the song with your vocals. Mainly, it was just practice and balancing both factors of on-stage and in-studio vocals. I’ve realized that’s what a lot of doing music, or really anything, is all about: practice, persistence and passion.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The first thing I would do if someone came to Los Angeles, would be head straight for the beach since that’s what Southern California is pretty much known for! I usually surf in Venice, so I would take them down there to get their feet wet with Aloha Brother Surf Lessons. Nick, the owner, is extremely experienced and has the best analogies for you to to remember that’ll to keep you having fun, while staying safe! After working up an appetite, we’d head over to Urth Caffe for a pick-me-up coffee and a bite to eat. Being I have my pilot’s license, the next day, I’d rent a plane from Corsair Aviation and take them for a flight. I got my pilot’s license at Corsair- they’ve always been super nice, helpful and trustworthy in the way they maintain their fleet. We’d take off from Van Nuys and head up to Santa Barbara- which is one of my favorite places to fly to for a quick day trip since the view is incredible! Since we’re up north for a little while, I’d take them to Blenders In The Grass for a smoothie and a walk around downtown before heading back south. I’m from just north of Los Angeles, so the next day we’d get up early for a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains- which I’d bring along my labradoodle Melody for as well. Beforehand, we’d grab some coffee and probably a delicious crepe from one of my favorite coffee shops: Five07 Coffee Bar and Eatery. Amber, Sean, Sloane and the whole team are so friendly and always make grabbing coffee such a fun time! To wrap up the day, I invite my local friends with us to hang out and grab a couple of drinks over at Tarantula Hill Brewing Co., which has a really cool front patio and great menu! We could get dressed up and meet for dinner the next day at the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel! The valet are very helpful and welcoming and Pepe, the director of Polo Lounge, is always very sweet and shows us great hospitality. The food is top-notch and the atmosphere is absolutely beautiful! If shopping’s something my friend would be up for, the next day we’d hit some streets with great shops. Starting with Magnolia Blvd. in Burbank, because being the coffee addict I am (can’t you tell?) we’d have to grab coffee and pressed sammies from Romancing the Bean Cafe. Then we’d head over to one of the coolest shoe places I know: Dolls Kill, and walk around the shops in that area. Depending on what live shows are happening, that night we could go to one of my favorite music venues in Los Angeles: the Troubadour. I always loved the atmosphere, sound and intimate vibe of the venue- especially when watching the show from the upstairs bar/lounge. The next day, we could start down by the water again and go take a stand-up paddle board yoga class with YOGAqua in Marina Del Rey. I love going in the mornings because it’s a nice, fresh start to your day- especially if you fall in the water! Their staff is delightful and the class itself is challenging and relaxing all at the same time! Afterwards, we could walk around Abbot Kinney Blvd. and grab lunch at Greenleaf Chopshop, which has a very fresh and healthy menu that’s perfect after yoga class. I’d have to say “bye” the next day, so the last item on the list would be to get stuck in the Los Angeles traffic heading to LAX, but it’s all part of the experience haha!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
You know, it takes a village and I have been so lucky to work with such incredible and inspirational people throughout my career. However, I would not be where I am today without my sister, Haley, who is one of the most creative, hard-working people I know. She has always been my #1 fan and supporter, yet my most brutally honest critic – in a good way! Haley, who runs Refuse Reality Productions, has also helped me develop my visual brand by creating and directing all of my music videos. She pushes me to always be better and I’m inspired by her talent each and every day!

Website: https://www.caseyahern.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casey_ahern/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/casey_ahern

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaseyAhernMusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9M9m_beMrTVi92_jJ8CbXw

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4hgvJQ6te9I2VRBatFbhov?si=EbhtRlAjR6-CfFN3yW33qA&nd=1 Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/casey-ahern/1322783218 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/artists/B0781VRH5N/casey-ahern

Image Credits
Vince Trupsin, Alexander Kawasaki, Arian Mahboubian