Kelly Dunn : Let's begin with your going on the California Road with Daniele Peck..

Casey Stark: It was totally a last minute thing. Danielle called me two days before and I packed up everything, including my keyboard. I ended up spending five days with her!  She has a ton of energy. One day we were all up until four in the morning just playing songs and singing some great old country, and even did karaoke at the Crystal Palace where she blew the house down!  Regardless, her work ethic is impecable...she was up with the dawn, doing call in radio interviews and then we out of the hotel by 8 to do an in studio interview, then on the road again to her next gig.

Kelly Dunn : And this tour was in California?

Casey Stark: Yes! She was doing this old, honky-tonk Country tour throughout California. It was really, really cool because I hadn't been to many of these places in years, like The Crystal Palace in Bakersfield. A lot has changed but a lot has not changed.

Kelly Dunn : Buck Owens was over there for a long time...

 Casey Stark:  The people there are so proud of Buck Owens because he lived, worked and wrote in that area. I remember driving in the car with my dad and we'd listen to him on the radio, great memories. At the time though I didn't really appreciate it like I do now. I now hear the music and the words with whole new set of ears. I really understand now. It was really hard for me as a kid listening to Country Western as opposed to New Wave. I didn't want a dad who wore a cowboy hat dropping me off at Jr. High School. I remember I would have my dad stop and let me off a block away from the school so the other kids wouldn't see him. Back then I was just a typical teenager, but now...I look at pictures and wonder what all the fuss was about.  I'm proud of my Country roots but back then it was different. I remember my dad's bandmates and friends would come over and I thought they dressed so strange in their pressed Wranger Jeans, rhinestone studded shirts, Stetson hats and cowboy boots.

Kelly Dunn : Tell me about your memories of Nashville...

Casey Stark: I remember I was 12 years old and my dad was playing at the real Grand Ole Opry, which is now the Ryman. In those days, my dad didn't like us inside during a gig, so he made me stay in the bus, and I would watch the action from inside.  He really wanted to keep us kids out of the business.  I don't know why.  Back then, I remember looking up at that building and wondering "when can we get back to California and my friends?"  Things have changed now though that my dad has passed on and I have realised what a gift I was given.  During the Americana Music Awards a few years ago, I finally got to go in and a flood of memories came over me.....my dream someday is to play there like my dad did.

Kelly Dunn : You'll do it!

Casey Stark: I'm going to do it....I pray so!  I've gotten this far! (Laughter)

Kelly Dunn : What are some other projects that you are working on currently...

Casey Stark: I'm focused on a few different things right now. I'm doing some film and tv scores. I've just finished a children's book and children's CD that goes with it. And also working on that same book, extending it into a screenplay. I believe in just being creative, whether it's a song, poetry or painting. I started painting about two years ago. I try to do something creative everyday. Given my schedule, I know I'm not going to write a song everyday. Hey, even if it's arranging my spaghetti noodles on my plate that's creative! (Laughter)

Kelly Dunn : I don't know if I could write a new song everyday, do you?

Casey Stark: I guess it's possible. But one of the first writers I met in Nashville, Kris Bergsnes (otherwise known as the Mayor of Nashville) once told me that he was going to write a song everyday. The theory is the more you write the better you get.....but for me but everyday? I know I couldn't pull out an amazing song everyday. Maybe someday...

Kelly Dunn : I think you have to live life for a bit and then you have something to draw on, what do you think?

Casey Stark:  For me, yes.  There's a lot of songwriters in the creative world who have song ideas 24/7. From the moment they wake up they are just completely involved in the songwriting process. For me I have so many things that I'm juggling and sometimes I have my blinders on. Sometimes things have to hit me up side my head to get me on track. I find a lot of inspiration by going to the movies or reading. Writing a great song a day - It's an amazing process but I couldn't do it unless I had more time.

Kelly Dunn : You have 3 beautiful children, how to find the time!

Casey Stark: Honestly, it's harder now than when they were younger. In the past seven months I've to put a lot of focus on my kids because they need me more these days, especially my teenage boys (wow). I'm still writing a little bit, and being creative everyday but I'm not doing as many shows as I was last year.  What I try to do is to be creative between being with the kids. During this past summer I had some great shows lined up, but lately, my boys and my little girl are my number one. You only get one shot to raise your kids right. I can write songs for the rest of my life but I can't get a second chance with my kids, nor can I let my writing interfere with what my kids need as a mother.  Keeping things as normal as I can is hard.  As a mom, a women and a human being I need to have my own time as well.  Mom's don't get enough downtime to themselves these days.

Kelly Dunn : I hear a song coming on here! Do I get co-writing credit here? (Laughter)

Casey Stark: I'll work you in there somewhere!

Kelly Dunn : Do you bring your kids to your shows?

Casey Stark: When I can, I do.   I remember how it was with my dad, keeping me so outside what he did, but in my case I think it's important for them to see what mom does besides being a mom. Obviously I only take them to family friendly gigs.  The friends of my kids think it's odd that I write songs and sing  for a living. They say, "That's weird "-  (Laughter)  But my kids really like to see me up there performing. When I perform they can see how my song ideas which began at home come to fruition at the show.

Kelly Dunn : Do you think music is important for kids, helping them to become better adults?

Casey Stark: Yes. Music has always translated life for kids.  Reflected it.  So if you find something you love, that you want to do  with your life, it takes courage and faith to try to make it a career. To follow your passion is so important. I think my kids will take with them the idea that you should do something with your life that your love, don't wind up in a dead-end job that you dread. I worked at a law firm for many years. The money was great but I was miserable. To me its about  a "purpose driven life". If I decide in ten years that I want to shelf this songwriting thing and go open a winery in Temecula, than I should be able to do that.  Despite all the odds, I think that's how life should be. I don't think there isn't any reason your shouldn't follow your heart. You shouldn't be afraid to do what you want in life.

Kelly Dunn : Start saving your grape seeds!

Casey Stark: Exactly! I drink plenty of wine so I'm getting ready to investigate that now! (Laughter)

Kelly Dunn : What's your favorite type of performing, the venues and such...

Casey Stark: Really, I absolutely love playing in the rounds, whether here or in Nashville, where everyone gets a turn to play. I can try out new stuff. There's a few songwriters that I love to perform with, James Gray, he lives close by in Huntington Beach, he's one of my favorites, along with local hit writers Kevin Fisher and Steven McClintock. When the Nashville writers come to town we get together as often as possible. Writers like Amanda Williams and Ray Herndon. I was blessed recently to perform in a larger show at the Coach House as a solo artist, opening for my idol New Newton last year and also Hal Ketchum this past year.  Juice was a big inspiration for me and my writing as a teen, and to me one of the first cross-over pop/country acts...so be able to talk to her and get her advice was incredible.

Kelly Dunn : How large are the venues that you are performing...

Casey Stark: The Coach House holds about 400 souls.  Nearby there is the Marine Room, which is a perfect singer/songwriter venue, and other small venues to try your songs out on a live and appreciative audience.  The Coach House is sister to the the Galaxy which is closer to LA. It's a great place whether you are an established artist or an up and coming artist. It takes a lot of work to put on a big show, but its a blast and I am honored to be invited to play either a small or large venue.

Kelly Dunn : Which instrument to you prefer to write on...

Casey Stark: I have always played the piano. Then in 2002 I picked up a guitar. My dad desperately tried to teach me guitar when I was a kid, but finally gave up on me...so I ended up on my grandma's piano.  Then in 2002 I picked up the guitar again and tuned it to an open E, which I later found out was the way Dolly Parton played!  Being able to strum and being inspired by the bluegrass movement of the time my first two songs on guitar were more swampy uptempos.  Then, a  couple of years ago I bought a Yamaha Motif 7 keyboard for playing and recording my worktapes on.  However, learning guitar has helped me learn different rhythms and styles of playing. I prefer to play piano still....its truer to my heart.  As to the guitar, well it has really gotten me outside my comfort zone, and stretched my abililities - which is a good thing.  Being able to switch songwriting instruments opens a whole new world, sets a groove for a song you never expected. I am not a "cubicle writer", I like writing with people I know...so I don't co-write a lot but I do consult with other writers and vice versa to bounce ideas.  The beauty of  co-writing, is you can take a song to a whole new place and your co-writer offers ideas and turns you never might have considered - so its been a blessing for me.

There are those who have told me I am too old to pursuing a career in music - and its true I can't jump on an airplane every time I want to and go to Nashville.  But I get there on a regular basis, and am honored to be a part of the songwriting community.  There is much to be learned in Nashville, and I appreciate every trip I have made, and every friend who has reached out to me and made me feel so welcome.

Kelly Dunn : Casey, this has been a pleasure today. I know you will get to the Grand Ole Opry one day! Thanks again for taking the time to speak with us at SongwriterPro!

Casey Stark: Likewise! (Laughter) Thanks again for the opportunity and tell everyone that I said hello!  Bye!