Artist description Casual Blue is a four-piece rock band from Pequannock, NJ. Combining talented musicianship with amazing writing and an unsurpassed presence, Casual Blue holds its own by dishing out heart felt vocals backed by a lush guitar soundscape and melodic percussions.

Music Style Rock

Musical Influences Jimmy Eat World, Tonic, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Radiohead

Similar Artists Jimmy Eat World, Tonic, The Get Up Kids, Toad the Wet Sprocket

Artist History Described by New York City radio talk-show hosts, Ron & Fez, as having, "more hooks than a tackle box," Casual Blue's music captures attention wherever it plays, from college campuses to primetime television. Formed in 1998, the lineup consists of Mark Treimel on bass, Neal Austria on lead guitar and vocals, Chris Badami on drums, and lead vocalist and guitarist, Brian O'Neal. Often compared to bands such as Jimmy Eat World and Tonic, Casual Blue holds its own by dishing out heart felt vocals backed by a lush guitar soundscape and melodic percussions. Casual Blue finished their self-financed demo-EP, I Wish You Didn't Know, in late 1998, and quickly sold out its first 500 unit pressing. In December 1999, the group released their second EP, Through the In Between, exclusively through mp3.com and quickly reached #1 on the mp3.com rock charts after only seven days. In early spring of 2001, Casual Blue released its first full-length record, Everyone, to a sold out show at the legendary Stone Pony, a rare local band accomplishment. Casual Blue regularly headlines such venues as the Stone Pony and New York clubs, The Elbow Room, Downtime, and The Baggot Inn. This past spring, the band was one of the only independent acts to be showcased at NACA's 2002 Eastern Regional Festival and has rapidly established itself at a multitude of colleges within the tri-state area. Additionally, Casual Blue has shared the stage with notable acts such as Fuel, Nine Days, and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. The band's most recent credits include being voted one of the top ten groups out of nearly 400 participants in the Ron & Fez Battle of the Bands, and their song, Blur, has been included in an episode from the sixth season of popular WB drama, Dawson's Creek.

Group Members Neal Austria, Chris Badami, Brian O'Neal, Mark Treimel

Instruments Electric Guitar, Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Bass, Drums,Vocals

Albums I Wish You Didn't Know - 6 Song Demo CD - EP, Through the In Between-5 Song-EP, Everyone - Full Length LP

Press Reviews "Casual Blue's sound is vulnerable with feeling and strength, yet passionately conflicted, musically echoing the inner turmoil heard in their lyrics...at a time where the P.R. created images are often more powerful than the so-so music, Casual Blue is a solid band of talented musicians who have a great look...bringing them great success...Casual Blue is tearing up the scene, rampantly taking hold as their music and unstoppable attitude are unmatched." --Angela Rovetto (The Montclairian); "Great songs from guitarist Neal Austria that are nicely complimented by lead vocalist Brian O'Neal" --Al Muzer (The Aquarian); "It's nice to hear something other than angry-sounding minor chords and angst-ridden lyrics for a change...there's something still to be said for musical craftsmanship and...tasteful delivery." --Rick Van Horn (Senior Editor Modern Drummer Magazine); "I have no doubt that (Casual Blue) will become very successful. I hear a lot of bands and acts trying to break in and I found it quite refreshing to finally hear a great sounding, hard working band." --Kay Dean (KayDean Entertainment); "We were definitely going for the reputation...many audience members showed up just to se Casual Blue." --Jeanine Showronski (The Signal, TCNJ)

Location Pequannock, NJ - USA

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