We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Casen Alesi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Casen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

Like a lot of musicians I started off in church.

When I was younger I would usually go to church with either my mom and dad or my grandma and grandpa when I would stay with them on the weekends.

We went to this small non denominational called Faith Family Church in Acworth (now called Greater Church). Around the time we started attending that specific church I started band in middle school. After a while my pastor took notice of me and invited me to play one Sunday. I earned a solid 100 dollars that day but as a little 11 year old that was alot.

After that Sunday I became the main drummer up until left that church when I was around 15 and I’m still grateful for the people on the worship team that have me a chance and even though I was little treat me like a professional.

Casen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Firstly thank you so much for having me!

I’m a percussionist and vibraphonist from Atlanta who blends classical, jazz, and contemporary styles to create performances that are both creative and emotionally grounded.

I got into music early on from my mom and dad who listened to everything from Louis Prima to Slayer, Bob Marley, Daft Punk, Crass, Kendrick Lamar, and basically anything that they like or considered good music.

After picking up music in middle school (originally starting on bass and sax) I started performing around at local churches and even got a chance to record a song with the band Steam Powered Giraffe on xylophone on their song “I Don’t Have A Name For It”.

In high school is where I really got serious about playing. I premiered my first ever piece of music at the age of 15 and throughout high school I served as principal percussionist, timpanist and drummer / vibraphonist for various bands, musicals, orchestras, honor ensembles and jazz band throughout Atlanta and toured the southeast many times.

My time at Kennesaw State University also served me very well as I was taught the true nature and how to properly establish an artistic voice in this industry while also getting connections and continually touring and performing.

What sets me apart is my ability to move fluidly between genres while maintaining a clear artistic voice, and I’m most proud of the spaces I’ve created—whether as a performer, educator, or curator—for people to experience music in fresh, meaningful ways.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I wanna make music that’s honest, bold and built to connect.

For me, music, regardless of style or tradition, is a language. And like any good story, it should move you, surprise you, and leave something with you when it’s over.. When I say music that’s bold and honest I’m talking about music that’s emotionally driven, where improvisation isn’t just technical, it’s expressive.

It’s about making the audience feel like they’re part of something alive and evolving in real time. Whether I’m playing straight-ahead swing, fusing genres, or working with theatrical elements, I want the music to speak and to say something personal, to reflect a moment, or to build a journey.

Boldness comes in taking risks and being authentic, and connection comes when the listener feels like the music is speaking directly to them. That’s what I’m always aiming for.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

My all time favorite book “The Outsiders” by S.E Hinton. If you don’t know it go watch the movie or read the book it’s so good.

What I took from the book when I first read it was basically stick with your people thick and thin. And that’s honestly helped me shape my friend group and my social life. While yes none of my friends are perfect by any means, if you’re in my circle, it’s cause you actually care. No one sided arguments and no compromises, just actual love and respect. The willingness to help me and my people grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://calesiofficial.wixsite.com/alesi-and-co
• Instagram: @Casenalesiofficial
• Other: Website for my side project “The Bebop Lounge”

  https://calesiofficial.wixsite.com/bebop-lounge

Image Credits

Shoutout to my boys at “Atlanta Night Life Photography” for being our sponsor for The Bebop Lounge

https://www.atlnightlifephotography.com/