Jo Caseley is an emotive singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist who transports her audience through all the feels.
Jo Caseley cut her teeth busking the streets of Kings Cross and landed her first gig in a smoky blues bar next to a strip club, miles away from the glitz of today's music scene where her humble, authentic stylings are appreciated.
Upon returning to her country roots to raise a family, the Southern Highlands songstress (who grew up riding horses and showing the family’s beef cattle) took naturally to writing country songs with a great emphasis on authentic storytelling. Songs such as The Cattle Truck; written for her father, and The Brumby’s Fate a co-write with Richard Roberts which tells the tragic story of the culling of our Snowy Mountain Brumbies are great examples of this.
However, her song writing has been honed for 30 years and knows no genre limitations. From blues songs like Can’t Keep My Panties On, soul songs like Dreaming Bout the River, cheeky songs like Take Me to the Boozer as well as songs with a strong social conscience such as Sorry about the stolen generation which features a ghost track of PM Kevin Rudd’s formal apology to indigenous Australians.
Her ability to address societal issues within the framework of her art is commendable and serves as a powerful reminder of music’s role as a catalyst for change and awareness.
"She can deliver a soulful jazz-inflected croon as convincingly as a raunchy country-rock holler and a sweet country-pop serenade. That range, combined with her affecting stories makes Jo a manifold and endlessly fascinating songwriter." Chris Familton - Post to Wire.
Influenced by the clever wit of John Prine, the yesteryear of Gillian Welch and the honest soundscapes of Kasey Chambers; Caseley is a well-seasoned and warmly engaging performer who has supported/performed alongside artists such as Bill Chambers, Kevin Bennett, Alan Caswell, 19-Twenty, Luke O’Shea, James Blundell, Paul Greene, Lachlan Bryan & Melody Moko.
“Her songs, brimming with raw emotion and authenticity encapsulate love, life, relationships and the intricate journey of motherhood. Each well-crafted melody about the highs and lows of everyday life makes her music relatable and enjoyable.” Kevin Parker – Publisher FestivalAustralia.com.au
The 2023 Senior Graduate of the Academy of Country Music and top 5 Finalist in the TSA Salute Awards released her third album High on Heartstrings in October 2023 to high acclaim, reaching #3 on Amrap’s regional Airit charts as well as featuring on ABC’s Saturday Night Country and Grass Roots programs.
The album was recorded at The Rabbit Hole Recording Studio and features Kasey Chambers band members; Kasey’s father Bill Chambers and Brandon Dodd on guitars, Jeff McCormack on bass and Syd Green who co-produced the album along with Brandon Dodd on drums.
When she’s not singing or riding horses, she’s a passionate plant-based foodie and yogi who enjoys sunlight 10 times over blue light, digging in her garden and brewing her own kombucha along with quality time with her family.
“In a world that often feels disconnected, Jo Caseley’s songs remind us of a shared human experience. Her heartfelt anthems of life, love and resilience will leave you feeling a little like the title track of her album, that is, High on Heartstrings. Get along and see her live if able.” Kevin Parker – Publisher FestivalAustralia.com.au