Lovehammers Marty Casey: From Rock Star INXS Finalist to that Trees Guy

Marty Casey gained his Chicago band, Lovehammers, worldwide fame when he broke from the band to try out for lead singer of INXS. He participated in a groundbreaking several week audition, competing against 15 other professional singers on the reality TV show, Rock Star: INXS. Lovehammers guitarist Billy Sawilchik said that it had been hard to let Marty branch out, because he might not have returned to the band. However, as Marty's lifelong friends, the Lovehammers encouraged Marty to win the spot.

Marty's charisma, sex appeal, and mad energy resonated with fans across the world as he competed on Rock Star INXS, transforming pop, dance hits like Britney Spears "Hit me Baby One More Time" into dark, psychological ballads of unrequited love. Marty was the unique of the unique on a show where individuality was paramount. He sometimes performed barefoot with black polish on his toenails. He danced in long sweeping motions, with the ease of trees swaying in the breeze. The crowds dubbed him the mad conductor, because he transformed his body into a visual instrument of undulating waist, shoulders and elbows.

INXS required their singers to also be songwriters. Marty Casey auditioned for the show with an original song called "Trees," which he'd written in 2004, while hanging out on the Brooklyn Bridge. In an article discussing Casey's sterling silver collection, Marty said that at the time he'd penned the song, he'd decided to quit his job as a New York appraiser and return home to Chicago and the Lovehammers.

The upbeat, catchy tune seems to be about two lovers, as it begins, "I don't want to go through this life, with you by my side..." However, it catches listeners off guard, because as they bob along, Marty sings, "It'll be you and me up in the trees, and the forest will give us the answers. It'll be you and I, up in the sky. It's a combination for disaster." The song poetically encapsulates the delicate highs of being in love, and the fragilities relationships.

Fans fell in love with the song and Marty Casey, who they voted into the final two, along with JD Fortune. In the end, INXS selected JD Fortune as their lead singer. Marty Casey had definitely left his mark with his original "Trees" song, and INXS asked the Lovehammers to open for their national Switched On Tour 2006. The Lovehammers signed with epic/Sony, and added their new album entitled "Marty Casey and The Lovehammers" to their growing discography, which already contained three indie albums. "Trees" is featured on the album.

Marty Casey's "Trees" song gained international fame, and Marty became known as the "Trees Guy." He put the title to good use by introducing his Silver Elements Collection of jewelry and accessories. Marty liked dog tags, and created a 925 sterling silver one with the "Trees" song emblem on it. Collaborating with the American Forests association, Marty Casey used the dog tag to raise awareness of deforestation and to plant trees around the world. As of February 2009, they'd planted over a 1,000 trees.

In spring 2009, the Silver Elements Collection expanded to include bamboo scarves and arm warmers, bracelets, rings, and sunglasses. Every customer of the Silver Elements Collection also receives a "Trees" single, featuring guitarist Dave Navarro. Marty Casey hopes to continue fighting against deforestation alongside the American Forests association, and to plant trees around the world.

Since the INXS days, Marty Casey and the Lovehammers toured regionally. In 2008, Marty Casey accepted the opportunity to tour the world with LA Guns, as their front man. While in Pottsville, PA, he and Tracii Gun collided, resulting in a serious head injury for Marty Casey, requiring stitches.

Marty Casey embarked on a solo tour in New Zealand in January 2009. The proceeds of the shows were donated to Canteen, a cancer support organization. After the tour, Marty Casey reunited with the Lovehammers to work on their indie album, "Heavy Crown," set for release July 21, 2009.

Sources:

http://www.silverelementscollection.com/

Turning Trees Into a Forest

A conversation with the Lovehammers' Marty Casey

Marty Casey Fan Site