Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Casey James, third-place finisher on Season 9 of American Idol, is planning a new album.

The third-place finisher on Season 9 of American Idol is in the midst of a Kickstarter campaign for fund a new independent album.

And with about a week left in that campaign, he’s already well exceeded his initial goal of $30,000.

The last time we heard from Casey musically was September 2014 when he released “Fall Apart,” which was supposed to be the lead single for his second album with Sony Music Nashville.

But Sony later decided not to release the album and he’s no longer affiliated with the label, Casey says in his Kickstarter pitch.

“This record is a new chapter for me,” Casey writes in his Kickstarter pitch. “A new chapter as an artist, and as a human. The last seven years of my life have been full of many amazing experiences, but have also been a bit crazy as well.

“I think that it will be an ongoing journey for the rest of my life, but I do feel much more centered then I have been since my last record was written and produced. I feel as though I’ve come full circle back to who I was when I first entered the public eye.

“I’ve always tried to do the best with the opportunities that I’ve been afforded, and I am proud of my accomplishments, but this record will be different for me in many ways. This project is PASSION based. There is no thought to anything other than the music itself. The meaning of the lyric, the soul of the song, the truth in the delivery, and the pure joy in the performing of this record is all that exists. Allowing myself to express who I am right now, and what I want to say right now.

“There isn’t a marketing and promo team deciding what is best for me, or the record. The people involved in the making of this record are only involved because they truly believe in it and are passionate about it coming to life.”

Casey says he’s already recorded 16 tracks with producer Tom Hambridge, who’s been nominated for five Grammys. As for his sound this time around, Casey says he can’t imagine anyone who enjoyed his first album (“Casey James” from 2012) not enjoying this one as well, but also thinks it will appeal to “an entirely new demographic of listeners.”

A variety of awards are being offered to contributors, including clothing Casey wore during his American Idol performances and a guitar he smashed during the video shoot for “Fall Apart.”

Head here to check out the campaign.

Editor’s Note: Casey wound up raising $63,255 after setting his original campaign goal at $30,000.