We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Casey Rock. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Casey below.

Alright, Casey thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

While everyone in Open Door Policy has honed their craft for over at least a decade (and in many cases, much longer), the majority of us also have full-time jobs. So we’re all working that 9-to-5 while using the art of music to express ourselves and connect with fellow human beings.

So, for me, this question actually goes the other way: “Do I want to try and make it as an artist full-time?” I have deeply considered this, but so far have not taken that plunge. I enjoy being able to make music and perform for people without having to think too much about numbers and performance (which I do daily as a content marketer).

Of course, we want to fill up the venues we perform in – and have built a good following of friends and fans who help make this possible every time we play, which we are eternally grateful for!

But our lives and well-being do not depend on the content we produce or how often we play live. And I often appreciate that. I have seen many artists who do try to make a full living this way. And it is a grind. It is VERY hard work. Some succeed. Many struggle. I have immense respect for all who make the attempt!

Casey, 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?

Open Door Policy has been making music since 2015.

I created the band in 2015 by dragging a few others into making music with me. 😂 My aim has always been to shine a light on things that need it, inspire people to be better to themselves and those around them, and use music as a way to bring people together and connect more meaningfully.

That said, I also want to strike a balance between hitting people over the head with difficult things and being a place where they can simply take refuge and forget about the world for a while. I try to keep our music largely energetic, danceable, and fun – and I try to always end every song on a positive note, even when we’re talking about hard things.

I’m also a big believer in serving your community – so I generally jump at the chance for us to take part in fundraisers, community events, and the like.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

This is a question I have pondered a lot, because I feel that, especially in Utah, art is not given the credit and value it deserves. Pretty much every band I know gets underpaid for gigs. Every painter I know sells their paintings for less than they should. And so on. It’s extremely disappointing to see.

I don’t really know a remedy, but, as consumers, I think we should all pay (and pay MORE) for art. If you find yourself in a situation where you are purchasing art, especially from a local small-time individual, understand that they are probably lowballing their own services and offer to pay more.

As parents, encourage your kids in the arts – and let them explore and discover what ways they want to express themselves. Be a conduit, not an instruction manual. That is: Give them the time, love, and resources for them to create art how they want – don’t force them into boxes and make them focus on certain types of art.

(And, side note, speaking from experience here: As children get older, you may find their art becomes darker. This is natural and normal. As teenagers, especially, we all are exploring new ideas, grappling with inner demons, and learning more about how complex the world really is. Art is a way to express and get out a lot of pain – which we ALL experience as human beings. Please do not tell your children that their art is satanic or inspired by the devil. Instead, encourage them to continue expressing themselves and let them know you are there to talk to and help, without judgement. Connect with them through their art. Don’t shame them for it.)

As community members, vote for those who will support funding for the arts – whether that be school board members, mayors, council members, legislators, governors, or presidents. And put your own money into local art initiatives by being a patron and even a donor.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I would say, if there is a goal I’m pursuing with Open Door Policy, it’s to better myself and better the world around me. Being in a band – working on artistic endeavors in general – offers me the opportunity to be introspective and thoughtful. It encourages me to think critically about things and see things from many different viewpoints and walks of life. And it has allowed me to connect with many different kinds of people.

Not only does making music make me a better musician (my singing has improved immeasurably over the years, and I hope my bass playing will follow suit!), but it makes me a better person. And I hope to share that growth with everyone who listens to our music and encourage them in their own pursuit of personal and communal engagement.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://opendoorpolicy.us/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opendoorpolicyus/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/opendoorpolicy/
• Other: Bandcamp: https://opendoorpolicy.bandcamp.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0SAEV86Gky2H3kD6x7REbl?si=_Gni45u_RW6dCRGtFB4f2Q&nd=1&dlsi=9c5263a49ae34245

Image Credits

J Irwin Photography