Built in the basement, made for the porch swing - a horizon found in sound.
Case Oats is embracing a new rhythm. The Chicago-based project fronted by Casey Gomez Walker (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), alongside Spencer Tweedy (drums), Max Subar (guitar, pedal steel), Scott Daniel (fiddle), and Jason Ashworth (bass) release their debut album this coming August. It's a record about growing up in the Midwest, about transition and the profound balance between the end of what was and the start of what will be.
"Last Missouri Exit is a reflection on experiences and stories that formed part of my early adulthood. Obsessively trying to find a balance between the flawed people I attached myself to and my desperate want to just be myself."
Casey Gomez Walker
On Last Missouri Exit, memory turns into feeling, turns in meaning. It's part lament, part realised joy in embracing identity free from the influence of others. Gomez Walker weaves her gorgeous storytelling across warm instrumentals that evoke both the sound of home and the world waiting outside.
Case Oats have crafted a self-assured album beaming with time-soaked, comfortably confessional songwriting deserving of repeat listens. You can hear the love they have poured into this project. From the quiet magic of a band in sync, to the raw, weathered glow of true collaboration, it's the perfect soundtrack for chasing tomorrow down the open road.
Case Oats - Last Missouri Exit
Red swirl vinyl + Rough Trade Exclusive signed postcard + colouring sheet.
For fans of: Doug Sahm, Lucinda Williams, Iris DeMent, Kimya Dawson, Neil Young, Gillian Welch, The Replacements
We're excited to announce Case Oats as part of Rough Trade On The Rise, our dedicated curation putting a spotlight on the emerging music we are the most excited for you to hear, to follow and become a fan of. Read on to discover more about the band in their own words and don't miss debut album Last Missouri Exit via Merge Records.
Case Oats on Case Oats
A self-penned bio
Five by Five
5 Qs, 5 As
Describe Case Oats in 5 words
Kissing friends on the face.
5 records you listened to prior to making your album?
Happy To Be Just Like I Am - Taj Mahal
Remember that I Love You - Kimya Dawson
Every Picture Tells a Story - Rod Stewart
On the Beach - Neil Young
Mendocino - Doug Sahm and the Sir Douglas Quintet
Top 5 career moments since forming?
Recording Last Missouri Exit in our friend’s basement.
Driving in Spencer’s Subaru hearing the full master of our record for the first time.
Getting approval from the old-timers at Willie Nelson’s Pedernales Studio.
Getting an email back from Merge records.
Recently playing a life-affirming show at Antone’s during SXSW High Road Touring showcase.
5 tips or words of wisdom you'd offer an artist entering the industry in 2025?
Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Read lots of poetry.
Quit your tech job and bartend.
Sit on the porch.
Make the music you want to with your friends.
5 essential tour snacks?
Topo Chico
Seaweed snacks
Tums
A couple two tree beers and/or hard seltzers
Trail mix