james CASTO

After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree at Georgia State University, James Casto struggled to work as a musician, eventually deciding to
pursue a career in the business world. He earned his MBA from the University of Notre Dame in 1996 and spent several years in the business world, building a highly-successful company with three colleagues. But on the morning of September 11, 2001, as it
did for many Americans, all of that changed. While watching the unforgettable scenes in New York City on television, James realized he had to take a leap of faith to pursue his passion. With trepidation but hope for the future, he left his corporate job to pursue music full-time in January 2002. The decision changed his life forever.

James restarted his music career and quickly became a regular on the Nashville music scene, learning the ropes from other successful
songwriters and performing at the Bluebird Café, Douglas Corner and other notable Music City venues. He had his first major songwriting cut in 2006 with “Peace On Earth,” recorded by platinum selling artist Lila McCann. Since then, he’s written songs for Lisa Kelly, formerly of Celtic Woman, and numerous indie artists. In addition, James has written special project music for Mazda, Kroger, Macy’s, and Mercy Ships International among many others.  

A true believer in the power of music, James says he is grateful that his life “has been deeply altered by music, by songs. “A song can
make you laugh when you are in desperate need of a smile; make you cry when your heart has felt like stone for years; and, maybe most importantly, make you feel like you’re not alone.”

In 2007, James Casto began to spread this message by sharing the stage with his songwriting friends, inviting them to join him for in-the-round
songwriter shows just north of Atlanta. Thus was the birth of HOME BY DARK, a powerful and inspiring concert event featuring the best songwriters and musicians in America. Each show weaves stories, humor, improvisation and magical performances that truly happen once in a lifetime and are unique to each audience. James notes, “Our goal each night at HOME BY DARK is to reach your heart, make you feel something, and prove that a song can change your life.”