Caleb de Casper

Caleb De Casper is an American singer, songwriter, and performing artist. They are known for their image as a queer icon and musical versatility, ranging from horror cabaret and glam rock to disco and dark synth pop. They have been named "Artist of the Month" by KUTX and have performed at SXSW, ACL Fest, and Utopia Fest, among others. De Casper is an advocate for LGBTQ rights as well opposing Texas legislators on their proposed "anti-trans" and "anti-drag" laws. In the 2023 Texas Legislative Session, Caleb De Casper used their platform as an artist to testify against these bills and advocate for freedom of expression and performer's rights.

Life and career

1993-2015: Early life and transition to music Born in a rural community in North Carolina, Caleb De Casper faced significant prejudice from conservative society for their queer identity and expression; De Casper often felt that the surrounding community was not accepting of individuals who possessed effeminate or gay characteristics, as they did. A classically trained pianist and vocalist, After returning to Charlotte, North Carolina, De Casper often faced difficulty finding work: their ‘horror cabaret’ performances shocked and scared away audiences. However, their career began to progress when they moved to Austin, Texas. “Femme Boy” consists of 12 songs focusing on themes of desire, allure, and queer sexuality in a ribald and sensualized manner. The diversity of expression and unique presentation in this collection cements De Casper's perception in the public consciousness as a popular alternative diva. In 2023, De Casper testified against Texas Senate Bill 12 (known as the “Drag Queen Bill”) at the Texas State Capitol.