In this final interview from Newport Folk Festival, I sat down with the awesome duo of Casey Gomez Walker and Spencer Tweedy, whose project, Case Oats, is one of my favorite alt-country Chicago bands.
Casey and Spencer are a uniquely compelling duo — complementing each other’s talents — both personally and professionally. Case Oats’ most recent album, the critically acclaimed Last Missouri Exit, combines Casey’s keen literary background with Spencer’s knowledge of the craft of songwriting to create a truly groundbreaking album.
Spencer, who of course comes from musical family and as he calls it, “a culture of belief,” talks to me about how his own belief in Casey’s ability and strengths pushed them further to even greater heights and allowed them to exceed their goals. This is an inspiring and informative interview with two super intriguing artists who embody a self-belief and fearlessness.
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00:00 - Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg
03:40 - Introduction to Casey Oats and their origins in Chicago
03:51 - Casey’s creative writing background impacts his songwriting
04:21 - Transition from writing stories to making an album
04:49 - How meeting Spencer encouraged continued music creation
05:34 - The culture of belief in making art and its normalization
06:30 - Spencer’s journey from unfamiliarity to making records
07:12 - Writing songs from short stories and focusing on core truths
08:05 - Spencer’s experience of working under pressure and saying yes
09:36 - The quick turnaround for their album and embracing fearlessness
10:23 - The humility and bravery involved in creative risks
11:13 - The story behind "Last Missouri Exit" as a symbolic milestone
11:57 - Touring in Europe and favorite venues and cities
12:41 - Supporting and collaborating with other Chicago artists
13:40 - Family influences, especially their parents' roles in music and industry
14:57 - The importance of craft, dedication, and perseverance in songwriting
16:19 - The power of expression and meaningful engagement in music
17:18 - The significance of "Last Missouri Exit" as a record and personal symbol
18:26 - The idea of writing a novel titled "Last Missouri Exit"
20:14 - How Casey and Spencer met and began collaborating
21:27 - Their early gigs at G Man and the evolution of their band
22:25 - Touring highlights in Norway, Madrid, and the UK
22:42 - The experience of sold-out shows and the feeling of achievement
24:20 - The Chicago music scene’s supportive nature and emerging youth talent
25:11 - The importance of community, collaboration, and nurturing future generations
26:51 - Their advice on creativity, community, and staying true to oneself
27:30 - Episode Wrap-Up with Host Josh Rosenberg
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Roadcase theme music: "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer
