Meet Luigi Casaretto | Songwriter & Producer (Occasional Performing Artist)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Luigi Casaretto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Luigi, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
When people just talk about “the grind”. I think it’s intention is solid advice but it’s not complete advice. I’m a big advocate of working smart first and foremost. Working smart, taking time to recharge your battery, getting sleep, eating healthy and exercise are things that completely get ignored in the music industry. It’s a wonder why you have so many people dealing with burnout and depression. I think it’s critical to take time for yourself so that you can be the best version of yourself. People who grind make a lot more mistakes, and mistakes are a necessary learning curve but just because you work hard doesn’t mean you’re going to be successful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think experience and age give me a great advantage. I definitely have a chip on my shoulder but I have nothing to prove to anyone but to myself and my wife and kids. I was there when reggae-rock was emerging and my footprints are all over the genre. I take great pride in my experience and my age. I’m not a 20 something who’s still writing about parties and imbecilic behavior. I’ve learned from my experience and now I take life’s cruel lessons and rewarding moments and turn them into music that people can relate to.

I’m proud that music I created 20 something years ago with 880 South is streaming 30k+ streams a month with zero marketing, no releases since 2008 and no live band to support them. It means those songs are legacies and timeless and I was fortunate to have created in an era where the music of that genre was scarce and fresh. I feel fortunate to have written those songs with those 3 other people and I only hope the songs I’m writing in these last 3 years as Weege will have that same impact 20 years from now, maybe sooner I hope.

I got here by screwing everything up more than once, falling on my face, being told no, taking huge risks and coming up short. I never quit. Even when I took time off to raise my family, I was still writing, recording and creating which is why I have an abundance of music archived and ready to release. It was not easy stepping away from live music especially when our band was getting so popular but I needed to see the world I was in differently to appreciate what I had. Now it’s all I think about and obsess about. I’ve felt very blessed and fortunate to continue making reggae music into my 40s.

I think imitation is the greatest form of flattery but when it comes to identifying yourself as a creative or an artist you still need to find “your” way to do things. There is no easy button or simple path to follow. You just gotta put in the work, strategy and stay true to what you represent.

I want people to know, it’s okay to not be perfect. It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to pivot and change your approach. As long as you are true to yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do something because of your age, skin color, beliefs or how you identify yourself. Love yourself and that will make you much more lovable.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A week? Here in Colorado I would scope out all of the hiking spots and landmarks. I think the the best restaurants in Denver and Colorado Springs would be high priority. I’d let them explore a very underrated and under appreciated Pueblo. I think people assume so much but they don’t know underneath all the poverty and drug problems, Pueblo is a cultured and unique place to be. The riverwalk there is a good time. They would absolutely have to see Red Rocks, even if it was just to hike. It would be better to see a concert there though. You also can’t ignore Aspen, Breckenridge and some of the beauty up in the Rockies. Durango, Telluride are gorgeous in the summers. The walk through Dairy Block is a good time, bar hoppin the LoDo is a lot of fun if you have time. I’m not a Rockies fan but that stadium is a lot of fun to watch games at and see concerts. Ya it would mostly be concerts and food and the occasional hike.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife gets the top shout out. Melissa Casaretto (known to many as Missy) and I met through our love of reggae music and then got more acquainted when she became my merch attendant for one of my first bands. She’s just been selfless from the day we met to 16 years of marriage and friendship. We both have taken great steps to sacrifice and accommodate each others dreams. I couldn’t ask for a more supportive and consider partner in life. I hope our 3 daughters take after her because her qualities as a person are so infectious when you need her the most she’s ready to put in work with you. I’ve had great music mentors, partners, cowriters and leaders in my life like Josh Fischel, Blaine Dillinger and Greg Medeiros but they’re more like honor roll right after my wife. She’s the one who takes the trophy because musicians need a stable environment to create and I can’t do that without her. I’ve been very fortunate to have support at home from family.

Website: www.weegemusic.com

Instagram: instagram.com/weegemusic

Twitter: twitter.com/weegemusic

Facebook: facebook.com/weegemusic

Youtube: youtube.com/weegemusic

Other: solo.to/weege

Image Credits
Ann Gellar Melissa Casaretto