Today we’d like to introduce you to Angel Ocasio, Jr…
Hi Angel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
A native of Nashville, GA, Angel Ocasio, Jr. was born on May 29th, 1990. Here is where his musical upbringing began in the House of God Church, Inc., where his grandmother served as pastor, and significantly the Sunday his uncle, “Uncle Big”, called him over to the keyboard. Uncle Big was the bass guitarist for the church but also played rhythm guitar and keyboard. Angel was seven when Uncle Big began to teach him the knowledge of music on the keyboard. Within the same year, he was working in a band with his uncle. Having worked as a keyboardist for not only The Gospel Travelers of Valdosta, GA, but also for his local church since the age of 7, a passion ignited in Angel to learn the steel guitar at the age of 13 after witnessing the legendary Darick Campbell play the lap steel guitar at a church assembly. Sacred Steel music is a traditional and spiritual genre of music that was birthed through the HOGC, Inc. organizations and produced steel guitar greats such as Glenn Lee, Calvin Cooke, Chuck & Darick Campbell, Robert Randolph, Aubrey & AJ Ghent, Dante Harmon, Roosevelt Collier and countless others. By the age of 14, Angel was traveling the southern region as a notable steel guitarist, playing both lap and pedal steel. His feel for guitars expanded by age 15, having picked up electric and bass guitar. Angel continued to perform as a steel guitarist until the age of 17, when his family relocated to the Middle Georgia area, where Angel expanded his skills as a freelance musician, band director and producer, working with numerous recording artists and bands of various genres.
After relocating to Macon, GA in 2013, Angel began to pursue the electric guitar as his primary instrument, fulfilling a vision his grandfather had seen of Angel as a young boy. It was only a short period of time before Angel began to become recognized as a leading guitarist across many arenas throughout Middle Georgia.
Angel made his debut onto the “Macon Music” scene in 2014 after becoming the house guitarist for “Soulful Sunday’s” at Recess Lounge, then quickly spreading his wings throughout the city. Angel would later to become the house guitarist of the historical and world renown Grant’s Lounge. Since this time, he has become a household name in the area as one of the premier musical creatives of the current era of “The Macon Sound”.
In addition, Angel is the owner of Ocasio Enterprises, LLC. and the founder and leader of the band Cash’s Juke Joint. He and his band perform frequently at various shows, concerts, festivals, venues, and exclusive events across his city and abroad, sharing his gifts and talents both continentally and internationally!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I love what I do – so It’s been a great road so far, but not so smooth. I’ve been a working musician for almost 25 years and a full-time musician for around five years now, which presents enough challenges of its own, but becoming the businessman and band operator that I am has caused me to tap fully into the business of music. With that, I have worn all hats. From performing to organizing, to managing social media & advertisement, to booking, etc. In the example of James Brown, the music business is 20% music and 80% business. So in dealing with the whole of 100%, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. To separate business life and personal life, I have to make time for “me” time. So one of my bigger challenges is keeping up with myself and the many roles that I play. Between my planner and the fact that I’m a Gemini, I am managing pretty well!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
First off, I am music. I don’t take it lightly when people want to hear what a musician has to say and not just play. So I appreciate VoyageATL for the time! I’m a band owner/operator, a professional freelance musician, producer, and an essential multi-instrumentalist who plays keys & organ, bass guitar, acoustic & electric guitars, and lap & pedal steel guitars. But above all, I’m a spiritual being.
The guitar is my instrument of choice and what I specialize in. I am most expressive with it and the way my hands run free once they touch the strings is everything! I am captivated by the feeling of simply being able to play the guitar! But the best part of being the musician that I am is being capable of touching people with my sound. The fact that people feel what they hear me play is very humbling and it has always kept me grounded. It indicates to me that I am here playing to a higher calling, which motivates me. Seeing what music that I felt flow through me first does for the next person drives me. When music is felt, it can heal, rejuvenate, and even revive. A cure of souls! For me and for you.
Naturally, my name is Angel. I am a messenger. Music is a universal language. This is how I share my good news with the world.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
It’s just my opinion, but I feel like live music is making a major comeback, so a few years from now, I believe music will be more authentic sound and energy because it’s real-time music rather than programming.
Contact Info:
- Email: Cashsjukejoint@gmail.com
- Website: Cashsjukejoint.com/angelocasiomusic.com
- Instagram: @cashonguitar/@cashsjukejoint
- Facebook: Facebook.com/cashsjukejoint
- Twitter: Cash’s Juke Joint
- Youtube: Cash’s Juke Joint
Image Credits:
Dsto Moore, Zyan Cornelius, & Bill Brookins
