Casey Harris has been X Ambassadors' keyboardist since its formation back in 2009. Playing alongside brother, Sam Harris (vocals), and friends Noah Feldshuh (guitar) and Adam Levin (drums), the alternative rock band has worked tirelessly to establish themselves in the music industry. And from that formed a platform that allows Casey to be a spokesperson for a matter he holds close: his blindness.

Harris – who was born blind from Senior-Loken syndrome, a rare genetic condition that effects the kidneys and retina – seeks to influence not only those visually impaired, but the disabled community as a whole. He told Independent, “It’s a heavy crown and I hope I’m worthy of it. I count myself among the disability community and I have a public voice now. I want to use that voice to help other people. I’m doing my little part.”

He also added that the band's single “Renegades,” whose music video focuses on several disabled individuals overcoming their challenges, helps share the message. “The extraordinary exists within the ordinary. It celebrates the ordinary person and says no to discrimination and ignorance.”

With a full understanding that being in an alternative rock band means being in an image-based market, Harris prefers to focus solely on the music. And with a specially constructed Nord Lead 4 keyboard synthesizer, he is able to do just that, both in the studio and during live performances. He's even taken piano lessons from the early age of around eight, attended the School of Piano Technology for the Blind, and worked as a piano tuner. Fans don’t even initially recognize Harris’ disability until he utilizes a service cane, proving his point: “I might be visually impaired but I’m just an ordinary guy playing pretty dope music.”

Watch the official music video for "Renegades"

https://youtu.be/1u-niluB8HI

Image: Chattanoogan