Uniquely bright and innocent vocals stand tall amidst an otherwise fearlessly seductive storyline and groove – Cincinnati songwriter and artist Kasey Jo carves out a lane of her own, with the subtle country-pop tones and sultry confidence of Wanna Be Used.
Written as an antidote to the fast pace and weight of modern life, Kasey Jo’s single Wanna Be Used is a direct expression of the desire to simply live freely in the moment – to experience a no-strings-attached connection with someone, and to pause and breathe; to really feel alive for a short while. The concept is bold yet relatable, and the style with which Kasey presents it is massively unexpected.
Kasey Jo’s voice is key in quickly separating her sound from the bulk of modern indie pop artists. It brings a quality remisncent of the kind of Paula Coles and higher-noted, Church-style vocalists of a simpler era. There’s a delicacy and brightness combined in there, and when you weave in this mildly cinematic, bluesy groove, that quality enthrals all the more so.
Having spent her childhood years surrounded by music, Kasey is a lifelong performer – known for the energy and charm that she effortlessly brings to the stage. Her influences range from Tina Turner to Merle Haggard, and the diversity of these inspirations is subtle but effective throughout the new single – a light and soulful yet provocative arrangement, with a modest country twang to certain instrumental peaks.
Recorded at the infamous In The Doghouse Studios in Cincinnati, and coming in at less than three minutes in full, the video and single release for Wanna Be Used professionally leaves its mark in no time at all. The song is an ode to the one-night-stand at its core, but it’s presented in a hypnotic and intriguing way – far from the usual boldness and quirks of pop and dance music that approaches a similar subject matter. The central theme is that of freeing yourself from inhibitions, and the free-flowing vibe and performance of the release more than meets the implications set by that.
It will be interesting to hear where else the music takes Kasey Jo as further releases emerge.
Find Kasey Jo on Instagram, Facebook & her Website.
