Jesusfreakhideout.com: Whitlee Casey, "Learn to Let Go

JFH Indie Review

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Whitlee Casey
Learn to Let Go - Single

Artist Info: Discography
Street Date: November 1, 2024
Style: Adult Contemporary / Inspirational
Official Site: WhitleeCasey.com
Buy It: Amazon Music

Whitlee Casey is one of a growing number of indie artists who want to make classic CCM in the modern day. With influences from that scene (like Steven Curtis Chapman), to some from outside it (like Garth Brooks), Casey is looking to sing songs that blend old with new. His latest single, "Learn to Let Go," showcases this blend. Musically, it carries a country/rock feel that one could imagine Chapman playing with, while the lyrics have a more "open and honest" approach that's been more popular in recent decades. "Learn to Let Go" comes from a man who feels like he's not living up to what he should be and needs God's help to reach that high. Lines like "I am not who I'm supposed to be/A warrior whose life is for the King..." show a relatable vulnerability that is addressed in an edifying way through the sentiment of the chorus and bridge as Casey sings of letting go of sin and shame. Whitlee Casey's latest single is a striking one. He's clearly talented and honed in on his sound and style. It could play to the radio without being so bland that those who tune elsewhere would ignore it. Whether "Learn to Let Go" is part of a lead-up to an album or just one in a chain of many, fans of good CCM should give Whitlee Casey a listen.

- Review date: 11/20/24, written by John Underdown of Jesusfreakhideout.com

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Record Label: None

Album length: 1 track: 3 minutes, 24 seconds

Street Date: November 1, 2024

Buy It: Amazon Music

Learn to Let Go (3:24)
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Jesus Freak Hideout (John Underdown): For those unfamiliar with your work, what's a little bit of your background in music and faith?

Whitlee Casey: Yeah! So I began singing and writing my junior year of high school while I was heavily involved in my youth group. I began a passion for writing not just music but original worship songs and CCM style material. My dad was a traveling musician in the 80's/early 90's so I kinda got some of the talent and inspiration for music passed on from him. Rewind to my 8th grade year, that was when I found Christ and became a believer.

JFH (John): How have the different artists you've admired help form your sound?

Whitlee: Growing up as a kid I was in the 90s country era.. Garth Brooks, Keith Whitley, Brooks & Dunn. But while I attended my youth group I just remember learning songs from David Crowder Band, Chris Tomlin, Delirious and more. So tying the two styles of Country and Worship/CCM together has really form the type of music I write now.

JFH (John): What's the background to your latest single "Learn to Let Go"?

Whitlee: "Learn To Let Go" is simply about forgetting the past and laying it down at the feet of Jesus. Accepting the grace He's given through the cross and hopefully a reminder to all who listen that his mercies are new every morning.

JFH (John): The song walks the fine line between being honest about your struggles while also being encouraging about moving on. How did you seek to strike that balance in the writing process?

Whitlee: I've been through lots of struggles and heartache since the pandemic, It seems like life has had like these levels I have to complete ya know? So It seemed kinda simple to channel that and just share that encouragement through testimony for others hearing the song.

JFH (John): If someone came up to you after hearing this song and asked for advice about how they could overcome their feelings of guilt and failure, what would you tell them? What Bible passages would you point them to?

Whitlee: There are a lot of time the enemy will try to use that guilt and failure you're feeling to keep you in your pit of depression and struggles. We can't allow that to happen and do exactly what scripture tells us to Pray without ceasing. Some scriptures I would share would be:

2 Corinthians 12:9 - But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

John 14:16-17 - And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

JFH (John): In addition to "Learn to Let Go", you've been releasing other singles as well. Is this a lead-up to a full-length album?

Whitlee: Yes, so after 6 years now I'm releasing another full length album that we'll be announcing very soon! It is looking to be releasing the beginning of May this year! I'm looking forward to sharing the rest of these songs with everyone!

JFH (John): What's the best way for people to support you as you pursue a career in music?

Whitlee: Yeah so WhitleeCasey.com has all my music and social media links, you can also find all my event dates there.

JFH (John): Finally, a silly question. Would you rather go mountain climbing without a rope or jump off a moving train into water?

Whitlee: If the mountain is the size of an ant hill I got you! But I think I'm gonna have to jump off a moving train into water so I could plan the right jump to where I could swim a certain distance to possibly get back to the closest bit of land.