Artist Spotlight
JIM CASELLA
Jim Casella isn't just the composer of some of the most popular pieces in the Tapspace catalog. He's also not just the former award-winning percussion arranger for the Santa Clara Vanguard (1996-2004) and The Cavaliers (2006-09). And he's also not just the producer/programmer of the sample library, Virtual Drumline, or a composer for TV/Radio commercials. He's also one of the co-founders of Tapspace, the awesome and creative percussion publishing company whose newsletter you are reading this very moment.
Read on to learn a little more about what drives Casella and his tastes in music, beer, and cable TV.
Chain restaurants - good or bad?
I'm impressed that chains can create a consistent experience for their customers, but in most cases I'd rather avoid them. No matter how they market it, it ends up feeling more like a transaction than an experience. Usually, there's more heart and soul put into the food of a local restaurant, whether you're traveling in a foreign country, out of state, or just up the street from your house. Since food is such an pleasurable way to bring people and ideas together, local eats are always more meaningful to me.
How would your friends describe you?
They'd say I work too much, and they'd be right. They'd describe me as intelligent, talented, a good listener, and funny. And I'd probably find sneaky ways not to agree with them and self-depricate instead. I'm working on that.
Are social networking sites like Facebook bringing us closer together or farther apart?
I guess it depends on how people use them. Despite easier access to a wider range of people, I'm afraid they're creating a lot of isolation because there's an addictive nature to it, and it doesn't require people to go out and interact in person. Being an introvert, I've experienced this first-hand and I think it's a little scary how it's rewiring how we connect.
Watch sports or play sports?
Typically, I'd say neither. I was in the marching band! But I enjoy being active so I guess I'd say play them. Besides, I haven't had cable TV in years (best decision ever!), so watching sports isn't as easy as simply turning the TV on.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
A well-balanced, hoppy IPA. I can thank Portland's creative beer culture for this guilt.
Biggest musical influence.
I'm influenced by everything I listen to. I have a wide range of musical interests that have indirectly informed my own musical voice. Anyone who aims to create something new with their music and can make me feel something will usually end up with repeated plays on my playlist, and will invariably have some sort of musical influence on me.
Star Wars or Star Trek?
Definitely Star Wars. It was a big part of my childhood – I still have my old action figures in a box somewhere.
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