CALEB DE CASPEr

From the horror cabaret and glam rock of his past to his current dark synthpop sound, Austin-based performer Caleb De Casper always brings a stunning in-your-face theatricality to his music and live shows. The classically trained pianist and vocalist stalks the stage in avant-garde gowns, vivid glam-on-acid makeup and the ever-present stiletto heels, confidently declaring that masculinity comes in many different forms. 

Austin gave De Casper the space to flourish as a queer artist that he never found in his native North Carolina and immediately set to work proving wrong the former piano teacher who once told him, "As a gay songwriter, the world will never accept your voice or point of view". That voice and point of view was warmly received with 2019’s De Casper, which brought a glam rock feel (think Hedwig And The Angry Inch meets The Dresden Dolls with guitars) and the single “Good Boy” was a favorite Tiny Desk performance with NPR gushing, "This act will haunt your dreams for weeks." 

Wanting to explore new territory on his forthcoming debut LP ‘Femme Boy’, the album is an eclectic journey, often dark and brooding but contrasted by high energy and that aforementioned theatricality. Standout track “Too Many Boys” is an explosive and passionate narrative of what it is to be a gay man today, complete with searing guitars. Whereas the delicate and graceful “Dreamer” is a poppy heartstring-tugger and features vocals from Sabrina Ellis (A Giant Dog, Sweet Spirit, Heart Bones). The album’s roots lie not just on the dance floor, but also the theatre stage as well as with the glam and decay of old Hollywood.

In April of 2022, 'Caleb De Casper Day' was proclaimed by the City of Austin, recognizing his contribution to the culture of his adopted hometown. He was an official artist at SXSW 2022 and ACL Fest 2022, and was named 'Artist of the Month' for June 2022 by tastemaker radio station KUTX 98.9. The same month, he co-headlined the 2,000 cap Long Center for a Pride event put on by the LGBT Chamber of Commerce and played Utopia Fest October 2022. What’s next is anyone’s guess.