From the horror cabaret and glam rock of his past to his current dark synthpop sound, Austin-based performer and LGBTQ+ activist Caleb De Casper always brings a stunning in-your-face theatricality to his music and live shows. The classically trained pianist and vocalist stalks the stage in avant-garde gowns, vivid glam-on-acid makeup and the ever-present stiletto heels, confidently declaring that masculinity comes in many different forms. Austin gave De Casper the space to flourish as a queer artist that he never found in his native North Carolina and immediately set to work proving wrong the former piano teacher who once told him, "As a gay songwriter, the world will never accept your voice or point of view". That voice and point of view was warmly received with the 2019 EP De Casper, which brought a glam rock feel (think Hedwig And The Angry Inch meets The Dresden Dolls with guitars) and the single “Good Boy” was a favorite Tiny Desk performance with NPR gushing, "This act will haunt your dreams for weeks." Wanting to explore new territory on his 2022 debut LP Femme Boy, the album is an eclectic journey, often dark and brooding but contrasted by high energy and that aforementioned theatricality. Standout track“T oo Many Boys” is an explosive and passionate narrative of what it is to be a gay man today, complete with searing guitars. Whereas the delicate and graceful “Dreamer” is a poppy heartstring-tugger and features vocals from Sabrina Ellis (A Giant Dog, Sweet Spirit, Heart Bones). The album’s roots lie not just on the dance floor, but also the theatre stage as well as with the glam and decay of old Hollywood. In April of 2022, Caleb De Casper Day was proclaimed by the City of Austin, recognizing his contribution to the culture of his adopted hometown. He was an official artist at SXSW 2022 - 2024, headlined and co-headlined multiple Pride Festivals and played Austin City Limits Fest 2022 (his performance was named a "Most Memorable Moment") as well as Utopia Fest, Houston's Art Car Festival, Thin Line Fest and Polacon and was named Artist of the Month for June 2022 by tastemaker radio station KUTX 98.9. More recently, De Casperhas been making waves speaking out for LGBTQIA rights at the Texas State Capitol and beyond while writing his sophomore album. The next single, summer 2024’s "Sik Culture" is a co-write with Jonathan Horstmann of Urban Heat which was produced by Ribongia (Haiku Hands) and mixed by Billy Hickey (Lana Del Rey, Ariana Grande). In February 2024, a capacity audience got a sneak peek of the song performed with a full choir and orchestra at PBS Studios (https://kutx.org/live-events/kutx-events/indie-orchestra-on-kutx/, "Sik Culture" is at 58:15). Stay tuned… "Peering sharply over Fifties-style sunglasses, De Casper connected to adoring fans through fluctuating electronic beats and audacious flair. With feather boas, pom-poms, and tantalizing phantasmagoria, the 'Real Girl' showed the tenacity of a true superstar." – Alyssa Quiles, Austin Chronicle/Alternative Press “De Casper vamps on that stage sure-footed and effervescent, belying his prior confessional with camp and glitz like the icons before him.” - Joshua Bote, NPR “Casper's lane as an entertainer's already clear: an alternative diva [that] crowds want to rally behind.” “Jaw dropping one to watch.” - Austin Chronicle “De Casper’s new video comes off the recent release of his new, disco-inspired debut album, Femme Boy, a clear evolution from the glam rock horror cabaret vibe in his debut EP , (which is) a musical match to his over-the-top performances.” - New Noise Magazine “De Casper’s show-stopping feats might be flashy, but they’re grounded in authenticity. De Casper remains authentic to himself in the face of fierce opposition as he advocates for the LGBTQ community in the public arena.” -OutSmart Magazine Caleb De Casper is Glamour Horror. Mixing performance art with high energy piano and a powerful voice, this act will haunt your dreams for weeks. Think Alice Cooper, Gaga, and Elton John if he joined the dark side. Dramatic, brooding, entertaining, and a spectacle of costuming and makeup to behold!. - NPR Music