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The 2009 Electric Youth Summer Camp is almost full and a waiting list will be starting soon -- if you plan to attend, please contact Patrick at ElectricYouth08@aol.com and get in your deposits before June 1st!
In the summer of 2008, Casey attended "Deborah Gibson's Electric Youth," a performing arts camp. "It was one of the best experiences of my life," said Casey. "I would have never been able to get instruction from all those professionals in one place. I made contacts and friendships that will last my entire life, including with Deb. She is an amazing person who really cares about every kid there."
At 16, this singer, songwriter and musician has released his sophomore EP. The sound is a fusion of country, rock, jazz and blues for this generation.
The EP, "Casey Lee Smith," was produced and recorded by Recording Artist & Broadway Star Deborah Gibson, Gavin MacKillop (Miley Cyrus, The Goo Goo Dolls) and Platinum Award Winning Mixer & Producer Rudy Haeusermann. Casey wrote and played guitar on all three songs. Grammy Nominated Guitarist Bryan Austin, who also sings backing vocals with Deborah Gibson, joined him on the guitar. The EP is available for purchase on CD Baby.
Casey is also the selected performer from "Deborah Gibson's Electric Youth" for the South by Southwest (SXSW) 2009 Music Conference in Austin, Texas. "Casey was chosen because of his impressive talent, live performance skills and passion for music," said Camp Founder Deborah Gibson.
The SXSW Underage Day Party is the first-ever effort from SXSW to recognize and highlight up-and-coming teen talent. Casey is scheduled to perform at 4:00 p.m., with a special introduction by Deborah Gibson, on Friday, March 20, at Momo's, 618 W. 6th Street, #200.
Born and raised in Glendale, Arizona, Casey is the middle son of Tammy and Ron Smith. He has an older brother Shane and a younger sister Lynndy. Since an early age, Casey has been singing and playing instruments, from the guitar and piano to drums and banjo. A junior in high school, he attends the Arizona Conservatory for Arts & Academics in Phoenix, Arizona.
Visit www.CaseyLeeSmith.com for more information. If you would like to schedule a media interview, please contact Elizabeth Neff with Buzz Entertainment at eneff@buzzentertainment.info.
1) Don't over coach your child. It may confuse them if they're getting direction from teachers, and you. Just support.
2) Read the breakdown carefully to dress your child appropriately. Make sure what they wear is something they're comfortable with. They don't need to wear a costume! Just something that gives a hint of the character and feeds their audition.
3) Encourage your child to be "off book" - to have materials memorized. Then, they can hold the pages and refer to them if they need. But, the more prepared they are, the more confident they'll feel.
4) Make it fun and pressure free. I always said to Deb "have fun and do your best!".
5) Encourage your child not to look at the other kids as competition and to have a generous spirit. Let your child know they are unique and if the part is meant to be theirs, it will be.
To schedule your personal consultation with Momager Diane Gibson, e-mail momager101@aol.com.
Casey Lee Smith, 16, has the honor of being one of three finalists in the Country category of Session II for The John Lennon Songwriting Contest (JLSC). The song nominated is “Losing You.” He had the opportunity to write the song with the Grammy Nominated Guitarist Bryan Austin at the 2008 summer camp of “Deborah Gibson’s Electric Youth.” He then recorded the song at the recording boot camp.
“I knew instantly that ‘Losing You’ was a radio hit,” said Deborah. “Casey is a songwriter who is wise beyond his years!”