Casiotone for the Painfully Alone

The Profile

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone is the American lo‑fi/indie pop project of Owen Ashworth (born 1977, San Francisco). Active from 1997 to 2010, it’s known for Casio‑driven, intimate songs and albums such as Answering Machine Music (1999), Pocket Symphonies for Lonesome Subway Cars (2001), Twinkle Echo (2003), Etiquette (2006), and Vs. Children (2009).

Solo project by American musician Owen Ashworth; active 1997–2010; noted for minimal, Casio‑based arrangements and storytelling. Key releases include Answering Machine Music (1999), Pocket Symphonies for Lonesome Subway Cars (2001), Twinkle Echo (2003), Etiquette (2006), Vs. Children (2009), and the compilation Advance Base Battery Life (2009). Associated with labels including Tomlab.

One glowing review praises Answering Machine Music as a lo‑fi indie pop landmark from Owen Ashworth’s solo project. Built on Casio keyboards and bedroom recordings, it’s hailed for minimalist charm, bittersweet sketches, and inventive textures. The piece anchors Casiotone’s American, 1997–2010 run and nods to kindred spirits like Smog, Bright Eyes, and Daniel Johnston.