Casey Chester’s passion for audio
was born at an early age. Son of
Grammy award-winning, NYC recording
engineer Gary Chester and grandson of
renowned, hit-making drummer Gary Chester Sr., he spent much
of his youth in recording studios immersed in the music scene of the 1970’s and 80’s. Having been introduced to the drums at age seven, Casey’s personal interest and talent for recording was evident by age thirteen, when the band he had formed recorded their first song. Eager to learn more and willing to work, his high school summers were spent employed as an intern at his father’s studio, The Edison. There he observed firsthand the making of numerous hit jingles and scores as well as recording sessions with industry greats including Carl Perkins, Phil Ramone, Sinead O’Connor, and George Benson. Moving to Boston after graduation, Casey began his studies at Berklee College of Music, where with its diverse and exceptionally talented student body he was exposed to an even broader scope of music and developed an in-depth understanding of the art of composition.
was born at an early age. Son of
Grammy award-winning, NYC recording
engineer Gary Chester and grandson of
renowned, hit-making drummer Gary Chester Sr., he spent much
of his youth in recording studios immersed in the music scene of the 1970’s and 80’s. Having been introduced to the drums at age seven, Casey’s personal interest and talent for recording was evident by age thirteen, when the band he had formed recorded their first song. Eager to learn more and willing to work, his high school summers were spent employed as an intern at his father’s studio, The Edison. There he observed firsthand the making of numerous hit jingles and scores as well as recording sessions with industry greats including Carl Perkins, Phil Ramone, Sinead O’Connor, and George Benson. Moving to Boston after graduation, Casey began his studies at Berklee College of Music, where with its diverse and exceptionally talented student body he was exposed to an even broader scope of music and developed an in-depth understanding of the art of composition.
Drawing upon and finding inspiration in each of these experiences, Casey moved to New York City in 1992. Initially interning at music companies such as DHMA and JSM, his determination soon lead to a full time position at Michael Levine Music.
There he was to find what he was looking for, not a job, but a mentor. With Michael’s guidance he grew as a musician, a sound designer, and engineer, while working on some of television’s most memorable advertising campaigns for brands like Kit Kat, Motts, and Cigna. His MLM education was to equip him with the essential tools and building blocks upon which his career has since been built.
In 1997, Casey joined McHale Barone where he became part of a vast, industry leading audio production team. Having honed his music and sound design skills at MLM, he was soon engineering and producing alongside award-winning Radio Director, Joe Barone. Adapting quickly, his mastery of this side of audio production drew new clientele including Amstel Light and Heineken and would ultimately earn him one of the industry’s highest accolades, the Grand Prize Radio Mercury Award. He later moved on to 38 Greene Studios becoming their Chief Engineer. The move provided new challenges and greater responsibility. With his name on the door and in possession of an enviable skill-set, his book of business soon grew to include prestigious advertising agencies including Ogilvy, BBDO, Diveto Verdi, and Merkely.
A changing economic environment and the eventual recession of the late 2000’s was to have a tremendous impact on the audio industry. Anticipating this shift and realizing the opportunity it offered, Casey decided to strike out on his own. Desiring to create something unique, he founded Audible Playground in 2010 where drawing upon his tremendous experience and talent, he now could offer his clients a highly personalized, flexible experience. His passion for audio is as evident now as it was in his youth, and he remains true to this mission today.
