Casey Louis releases “Synthetic Smile” and connects with us on the powerful story behind the track
- STAFF
- Jul 11
- 6 min read
By: Staff
Casey Louis delivers a stunning blend of infectious melodies and profound emotion in “Synthetic Smile.”
Casey Louis has just dropped his latest single, “Synthetic Smile (feat. Alie Grant),” a track that effortlessly weaves upbeat indie vibes with a rich, emotional undercurrent. This song invites listeners into a world where catchy, dreamy synths mask deeper truths, a perfect reflection of the complex dualities we all experience.
Known for blending thoughtful lyricism with innovative production, Casey teams up with his closest collaborator, Alie Grant, and producer Bokoven to deliver a sound that is as mesmerizing as it is relatable. As the lead single from his upcoming album The Secret Joke, “Synthetic Smile” promises to be a pivotal moment in his evolving artistic journey.
We got together with Casey to explore the inspiration behind the song, the creative process in his intimate home studio, and what lies ahead on his path. Dive into the interview to uncover the story behind this captivating release. Scroll down to read all about it.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview:
Hello Casey Louis, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more excited to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. For the fans meeting you for the first time, is Casey Louis your given name or a stage name? What inspired you to choose that for your artist persona?
A. Casey Louis is my real first and middle name! I dropped my last name because I’ve always loved the flow of two first names together — it’s got this warm, timeless feel. Growing up, my mom called me Casey Louis all the time, so it’s deeply personal. I don’t consider it a stage name, but it inspires me to tap into something bigger, to share my truth through music and connect with listeners on a real level.
Q. Tell us about the key contributors to “Synthetic Smile.” How did your collaboration with Alie Grant and producer Bokoven shape the track?
A. Alie Grant’s haunting vocals brought the perfect female voice to “Synthetic Smile,” adding raw emotion. Bokoven, a wildly talented producer, crafted a mesmerizing soundscape that amplified the track’s message. Both their energy made our collaboration electric, shaping the song into something more intimate than I could’ve imagined.
Q. Can you describe the type of music that you play and the genre(s) you represent? Are there different styles within your genre?
A. I make indie pop with a psychedelic edge, drawing from artists like Tame Impala, Pink Floyd, and The Beatles, who I listened to non-stop growing up. My music tries to blend introspective and existential themes into lyrics, capturing that shared human experience. I play with dreamy, atmospheric vibes and melodic hooks, balancing a raw sound with experimental textures.
Q. “Synthetic Smile” explores the theme of pretending to be okay. What personal or philosophical experiences inspired this concept?
A. “Synthetic Smile” explores the masks we wear to hide our struggles. It’s rooted in existential thoughts about authenticity, and how we balance societal pressures with our true selves. I’ve felt the aching feeling of faking a smile, and I see it constantly in others, especially in today’s world.
Q. This track is part of your upcoming album, The Secret Joke, which touches on identity and existentialism. How does “Synthetic Smile” fit into the album’s broader narrative?
A. The Secret Joke explores the search for self, and asks life’s big questions. “Synthetic Smile” is a key piece of that puzzle. It captures the tension of hiding your true self behind a facade, reflecting the album’s dive into identity and what it means to be authentic in a world full of expectations.
Q. You recorded the song in your bedroom studio, a personal and comfortable space. How does this environment affect your creative process?
A. My bedroom studio is a safe place where I can be myself. It’s just me, my gear, and my thoughts. No pressure, no pretense. This intimacy lets me experiment freely, layering sounds and emotions that feel true to ‘Synthetic Smile’, and all of my work. It’s where I dig into those raw, existential ideas without distractions, making the music deeply personal.
Q. You experimented with vocal layering to create a dreamy, psychedelic effect. Can you walk us through how you approached this technique on the track?
A. For “Synthetic Smile,” I layered vocals to build a hazy and immersive vibe. I started with a raw lead vocal, then added harmonies and whispers, tweaking reverb and delay to make them float. In my bedroom studio, I’d record late at night, stacking takes to create a swirling and dreamy texture that mirrors the song’s emotional depth. There’s not one “mono” vocal track in the song, it’s all panned one way or another.
Q. You’ve recently performed at venues like Madame Siam and Rudolph’s Bar and Tea, and even shared a stage with Logic. How have live performances influenced your artistry?
A. Playing at Madame Siam’s underground vibe and at Rudolph’s intimate stage has taught me to feed off a room’s energy, making my performances more dynamic. Sharing a stage with Logic was a surreal push to sharpen my delivery and connect with bigger crowds. Live shows bring my music to life, feeding the focus on raw emotion and creating real-time connection with listeners.
Q. Which top 3 live music venues or festivals are on your bucket list to perform at?
A. Hollywood Bowl, Madison Square Garden, and the Vegas Sphere. Incredible, one-of-a-kind venues.
Q. This song has been described as a stepping stone in your musical journey. How do you see your sound evolving moving forward?
A. Moving forward, I’m excited to push deeper into experimental sounds, blending richer instrumentation with bolder existential themes. I want my music to feel even more immersive, like a sonic journey that invites listeners to question and feel alongside me. I’m not necessarily sticking with psychedelic however. While it’ll always be a big part of my identity, I have to much too offer spanning through many genres.
Q. Is there a song from your early years or a particular artist you’d love to cover in the studio that connects deeply with who you are as an artist today? What draws you to that song?
A. I’d love to cover Paul McCartney’s “Another Day.” Its bittersweet take on everyday life and quiet longing hits deep, feeling like my own focus on capturing shared human emotions. The song’s simple yet haunting melody feels like such an inspiration for my indie pop and psychedelic style, merging introspection with a universal feeling that I hope to portray in my music.
Q. What makes “Synthetic Smile” stand out as a release, and why is it significant within your body of work?
A. The song pops with its trippy indie pop sound, Alie Grant’s killer vocals, and Bokoven’s wild production. It’s about hiding real feelings, which ties right into The Secret Joke’s identity vibes. It’s a big step for me, nailing a deeper, more honest sound. Not only is it a perfect single for the upcoming project, but it sets the stage for the rest of my career.
Q. What was the most challenging or rewarding part of producing “Synthetic Smile” entirely in your home studio?
A. The toughest part was getting that big sound out of my bedroom setup. My limits forced some creative hacks. But the best part was total freedom to mess around with Alie’s vocals and Bokoven’s production, making something honest and true to me.
Q. We feel like we can really feel your energy and aura is so positive and exciting and your music exudes truth, especially with this release but what’s one surprising fact about you that fans might not know?
A. I actually started my music journey as a rapper named Coincide. That artist project didn’t take off, but it taught me how to craft lyrics, nail cadence, and track vocals. Skills I pour into the sound of my work today.
Q. We can't thank you enough for sharing these intimate details! So, what's next? Can you give us the inside scoop on your upcoming projects and what fans should be excited about? We'd love to be the first to share the news!
A. The Secret Joke is coming. It’s my heart, poured out. This album is a look into identity and existence, wrapped in some of the most beautiful and psychedelic waves you’ll ever hear. It’s not just music. It’s a journey that’ll hit you in the soul. Brace yourselves for something purely original, and a journey you never knew you’d take.
Casey Louis, thank you so much! We appreciate you taking the time to talk to us.
End Interview
