Today we’d like to introduce you to Casey Elise.
Hi Casey, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey started in South Florida with a church community and a father who believed in my voice. We formed a band just for the joy of it, playing charity events like the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. That foundation of support gave me the courage to dive into the Northeast Florida music scene years later, which is where my world truly expanded.
Fast forward to the present, and I’ve gone from covering the hits to finding the bravery to write my own stories. Today, I juggle four distinct projects that represent different sides of my musical soul. From the fierce and fabulous frontwoman energy of Casey & the FOG, to the intimate songwriting of acoustic duo Lady & the Tramp, to the amped-up acoustic spirit of The Barely Electrics. Through every iteration, I’ve realized that music is more than just what I do—it’s the bridge between me and everyone I meet.
The fourth project, perhaps, is the most inspiring part of this journey, as it brought the realization that there’s always a new level to reach. What started as training with local music legend David Lee Redding a year ago has evolved into an incredible opportunity. I just returned from a Central European tour with his Czech/American band, Gravity, performing alongside my boyfriend and Casey & the FOG drummer Andy Trowbridge.
I’ve never lost sight of how much this music community means to me. No matter how busy I get, supporting local artists remains a priority. The best part? The incredible people I’ve met and the lifelong friendships we’ve built along the way. It’s proof that if you keep showing up for your community and your craft, the music will take you places you never imagined.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a local musician is rarely a smooth road—it’s more like a back road full of unexpected potholes, scenic detours, and the occasional breakdown. Maintaining high energy and staying motivated through these stretches is a true test of character, but it’s also what makes the wins feel monumental.
Beyond the three-or four-hour set, there is the “invisible labor.” Audiences don’t see the heavy gear hauls, the midnight drives, or the weeks of cold-calling venues just to secure a “maybe.” Then there’s the financial tightrope: balancing the rising costs of studio time and gas against local gig pay. On top of that, the modern “content grind” can make you feel more like a social media manager than a musician.
This balancing act—playing the roles of influencer, performer, booking agent, and roadie simultaneously—is an exhausting struggle. Yet, when the room is packed, and the energy is electric, or when you connect with fans, friends, and fellow artists – the struggle fades. It’s an uncertain road, sure, but it comes with a breathtaking view.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
A good friend once described me as a Disney princess who thinks she’s David Bowie. It’s a hilarious observation, but it perfectly captures the deliberate collision of worlds that defines my stage presence. Bowie taught me how to evolve, while fairy tales taught me how to hope. Onstage, I take the bold, electrifying strokes of Ziggy Stardust and soften them with the emotional clarity of a storybook heroine. My work is never just about the music—it’s about the costume, the narrative arc, and giving the audience permission to dream as loudly as I do. At any show, expect to see frothy party frocks, opera-length gloves, innovative eye makeup, lots of glitter, and positive vibes!
This live experience—my “glam-rock fairytale”—is my proudest achievement. By blending the alien with the archetypal, I use high-concept fashion and cinematic performance to explore deep human emotions. I want my audience to feel like they’ve stepped through a looking glass into a world where they can be simultaneously vulnerable and untouchable. Creating this immersive, safe space is the secret to my bands’ broad appeal: whether we are playing an all-ages festival or an adults-only club, the invitation to the fairytale is enthusiastically accepted.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
1. Quiet confidence is louder than volume.
Hundreds of people in this area can sing beautifully and play flawlessly. Talent is common; connection is rare. Success requires not only believing in your own abilities, but compelling others to believe in them, too—and you don’t always have to be the loudest person in the room to make that happen.
2. Build a world, not just a setlist.
I learned this from watching artists like Bono or Taylor Swift: it is never just about the music. The music is the foundation, but the magic happens when you build a world around it. You aren’t just performing songs; you are inviting people to share a moment with you.
3. Become the protector of the room.
I wish I had known earlier that my real job is creating a safe space. As a female performer, there are times I don’t feel safe in a venue—but I put that out of my mind to focus on the crowd. I look out for the girl dancing by herself, the person who has been overserved, or the fan overheating in the oppressive Florida humidity. Often, I’ll take the mic right out into the crowd so they know they are safe to dance, safe to be joyful, and safe to ask for help.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casey_does_it/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caseyelise/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseyelise/
