Interview with Kasper

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

I really enjoyed artists like Avril Lavigne and Blink 182 as a kid. They heavily inspired me to pickup the guitar. I started by learning their songs and singing and playing along. If I had not gotten into music I’d be working with animals.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I like to be out in nature going for walks when I’m not playing music. Doing this helps me to disconnect from the world and center myself. I often use that time to catch up on new music and records I’ve been meaning to listen to. When I’m done I usually feel reset and positive.

How long has your band been around?

I started the project in October of 2021 however I just debuted Kasper to the world this month releasing my first single titled Composure.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

Kasper is based in Rockland County, NY which happens to be where Coheed and Cambria is from as well. It’s super cool to think that Coheed has achieved massive success and we’re from the same area. While Rockland doesn’t have a huge music scene, I find myself in Jersey frequently interacting with that circuit of local music.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

I don’t remember how I came up with the name Kasper exactly but I do know I liked how it sounded and plays to the fact that I am super pale like a ghost and that my favorite holiday is Halloween. Releasing music under the name Kasper has given me the agency to fully become that identity instead of holding myself back.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

While Kasper has not had any live shows yet, I also play guitar in Asbury Park based pop band Highwind. We opened up for Bilmuri in March of this year at House of Independents which was a really memorable show.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

My favorite venue to play at has been House of Independents. I would love to work towards playing at Starland Ballroom in the future.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

I would love to play a show with Avril Lavigne and Paramore. Both Avril and Hayley Williams are huge musical inspirations of mine.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

I would recommend getting involved with your local music scene, meeting as many peers as you can, and trying to give back in any way you can. If I were to give my younger self advice I would say stop caring what other people think as much and make music that makes you happy.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

My advice would be keep your eye on the prize and tune out any noise from people who don’t want what’s best for you.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

All of my songs are near and dear to my heart however I’m really proud of an unreleased song called You Make Everything Bad. Recording that song allowed me to take my power back after being mistreated in a relationship.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

I love playing all of my songs! It’s very tricky to choose. Kasper hasn’t played any live shows yet so I can’t answer which get requested the most but I imagine my upcoming ballad will be a special one to perform live.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

For me, each song has its own story and no two songs share the same writing process. I’ll often get inspired at random moments like when I’m driving and I’ll take a voice memo or write down lyrics in my notes app. Sometimes I’ll sit with my guitar and fiddle around then build out a song from there.

Generally I write about my life and what I’m going through. Expressing my feelings and emotions through music has helped me through dark seasons and is a very cathartic process.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

I like to write songs that are fun and show a piece of who I am. You can expect to hear themes of self identity and sticking up for myself in this first collection of songs.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

Kasper is currently just me so there haven’t been any bandmate disagreements to date!

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

My plans are to continue releasing singles and building a community of individuals who feel they connect with my music. I just released my debut single and music video titled Composure which I am extremely proud of and excited about. It’s an upbeat pop rock song inspired by Check Yes Juliet by We the Kings. The song is about catching feelings for someone at an inconvenient time. As for my next step, keep an eye out for my second single titled Dark Clouds which I plan to release this Fall.