The Casual Terrorist

The Casual Terrorist is Cj Reay, a 21 year old anti-folk singer songwriter from Newcastle in England. He started writing and recording in early 2007, self releasing the debut 11 track c.d 'Songs For Outlaws' in September of the same year. His earlier songs show a clear influence of the American 'Riotfolk' genre, aswell as influences from the 1980's British Anarcho-punk scene. Since the release of the first album however the style has gradually changed, becoming more and more influenced by the NY Anti-Folk scene, as well as by the work of similar artists such as Daniel Johnston. The Casual Terrorist is considered part of the DIY scene, in the fact that he records, releases and creates all albums and e.p's, as well as the zines and artwork that accompany the music. The concept of the DIY house gig is also central to the music, as many of the gig spaces that he performs in are either houses, squats or venues with some form of anarchist or DIY ethos behind it. Much of the lyrics for Casual Terrorist songs are in the 'trail of thought' style, often not consisting of choruses or much structure at all. The influences behind the lyrics are numerous; anarchism, queer theory, existentialism, poetry, love etc. His most recent release is a 5 track e.p, entitled 'The Lost E.P', and was recorded in response to the death of a close friend in June 2009.