CAS HALEY’S EASY STAR RECORDS DEBUT TO RELEASE ON SEPTEMBER 14
Reggae-Influenced Texan Singer-Songwriter Finds His Groove
On September 14th, 2010, Cas Haley will release Connection, his debut release on Easy Star Records. The 13-song album features a bold mix of reggae, pop, rock, blues and soul, with an emphasis on Cas’ versatile voice and effortless songwriting.
Cas first entered the national spotlight in 2007 as a contestant on the second season of the hit TV show America’s Got Talent. He quickly became a fan favorite with his natural talent and effervescent personality and finished the season in second place. An album was quickly released to capitalize on the success of AGT, and sold over 30,000 units in the US without a marketing campaign, radio promotion or extensive distribution. The self-titled album finished 2008 as #8 on the Billboard Reggae Chart.
Connection was recorded in Cas’ hometown of Paris, Texas and mixed in Los Angeles by Danny Kalb (Ben Harper, Beck). Besides Cas’ hallmark influence of reggae throughout the record, there are also elements of soul, blues and pop. “Better,” “Time And Truth,” and “I’m Free” are all rich with autobiographical lyrics reflective of Cas’ childhood to the present. Music fans will quickly recognize and appreciate Cas’ only cover on the album, a stunning interpretation of Alicia Keys’ “No One.” Also included. is a bonus version of the single “Better.” The track was remixed in a hardcore roots-reggae style by Easy Star’s musical director Michael Goldwasser.
“I consider Connection my real debut album because it is who I am from start to finish,” says Cas, who previously walked away from a major-label record deal because of artistic differences.
Easy Star Records, the leading U.S.-based independent reggae label, is the ideal home for an eclectic artist like Cas Haley. “We have been stretching further away from being strictly a roots-reggae-only label for a while with a progressive roster of bands and artists including John Brown’s Body, Tommy T and The Black Seeds,” says Easy Star CEO Eric Smith. “Cas’ sound is unique and accessible. It’s not often we come across a singer-songwriter this talented, regardless of genre, so we had to work with him.”
