Star Track Tours Featured in Otis Kane & Casasanti Music Video “Alive”

Hollywood tour company Star Track Tours is a huge part of Otis Kane and Casasanti’s new music video “Alive.” Shot in and around Los Angeles and Hollywood, the video takes place on the beach, the streets and—you guessed it—right inside one of our Hollywood tour buses. Otis Kane takes the lead as a Hollywood tour guide at one point in the music video (which can be seen below or click the link here).

Hollywood tour bus in Otis Kane music video

You never know what’s going to happen on one of our tours of Hollywood. You might just end up in a music video!

Seriously, anything can happen. As we wrote just a few days ago, one of our tours stopped in front of the El Capitan theater and serendipitously became part of the Jimmy Kimmel Live show, filming outside. These are all more reasons to hop on a Star Tracker and see the city in a way you can’t with any other tour company in Hollywood.

Otis Kane

Otis Kane and Casasanti’s recent duet “Alive” marks a stirring collaboration between two rising talents in the modern soul/R&B scene. Otis Kane, born Anthony Vasquez in Los Angeles, is a versatile artist—singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and former producer—who has transitioned from studio work with major acts to leading his own projects. The track features Casasanti, an enigmatic vocalist contributing on-message harmonies and dynamic presence, elevating the song’s emotional depth.

Otis Kane’s journey is rooted in early musical passion—singing since age 10, studying briefly in college, then earning production credits with Capitol Records artists before pursuing his solo career. He founded LA’s STRZ Enterprises studio, collaborating with artists like Zara Larsson and the Jonas Brothers before pursuing his own artistry with releases such as the ‘Therapy’ EP and singles like “Lost”.

Details on Casasanti are sparse, though the duet suggests an emerging presence. The YouTube release of “Alive” and related Spotify/SoundCloud uploads underscore the duo’s intent to reach a broad audience. Video director Jack Campise helmed the striking visuals, lending cinematic polish to the song’s soulful narrative.

Otis Kane in our Hollywood tour bus in his Alive video

Otis Kane: From Beat-Maker to Voice of Soul

Otis Kane began behind-the-scenes—developing keen production skills—yet always harbored ambitions to front his own music. His name honors soul great Otis Redding, while “Kane” hints at strength and individuality. The LA-based artist is celebrated for his soulful, raspy vocals, self-produced instrumentation, and heartfelt songwriting. His 2020 EP Therapy garnered nearly 1 million streams, while tracks like “Lost” highlight his ability to convey intimate emotion through warm guitar-driven melodies. He’s enjoyed placements in series such as Hair Love, Good Trouble, and Queen Sugar—proof of his broad appeal..

Casasanti: The Collaborator Shining Through

Casasanti emerges on “Alive” as a captivating counterpart. While little public biography exists, his vocals are confident, soulful, and complementary—demonstrating either a longstanding collaborative partnership with Otis or a well-matched musical debut. Casasanti’s voice—warm, expressive, and supportive—helps balance the dynamic storytelling, lending the song both harmony and emotional weight.

“Alive”: A Standout Track

“Alive” blends classic soul elements with contemporary R&B production. The instrumentation is lush but restrained, making way for heartfelt lead and backing vocals. Themes of resurgence, gratitude, and emotional awakening are central—Otis and Casasanti weave a narrative celebrating personal growth, healing, and vitality. The tight vocal interplay signals a mature musical chemistry between the two artists.

Visuals & Production Quality

The Alive video, directed by Jack Campise, features cinematic framing and intimate performance shots. Its polished aesthetic enhances the song’s emotional impact—soft lighting, reflective close-ups, and fluid camerawork convey both tenderness and introspection.

Where They Stand

Otis Kane is carving a dedicated niche as a soulful, self-driven artist: multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter, with industry experience and media placements under his belt. His evolving discography—EPs, singles, visual content—shows ambition and artistic coherence.
Casasanti, though less established publicly, makes a notable entrance alongside Otis. His presence on “Alive” suggests potential for further collaborations or independent releases in the soul/R&B space.

What’s Next?

• The release of “Alive” on multiple platforms suggests new music or an album may be on the horizon.
• Casasanti’s profile could rise through additional tracks or co-writes.
• Otis Kane, consistently building his portfolio, may soon announce tours, live sessions, or collaborative projects.

In Summary

Otis Kane and Casasanti’s collaboration on “Alive” is a polished statement from two soulful voices. Otis’s heartfelt songwriting and vocal depth complement Casasanti’s warm harmonies, creating a resonant fusion of modern soul and R&B. Backed by cinematic visuals and quality production, the track cements Otis Kane as an artist to watch—and signals that Casasanti is a compelling new voice in the genre.

If you’re drawn to richly textured soul music with emotional sincerity, “Alive” is worth a listen—and may just mark the beginning of a promising musical partnership.

http://startracktours.com

Hollywood tours will usually always include a drive by the Pantages theater. Unless you’re going to a show there, you won’t get to see the opulent interior. And even with tickets you won’t get to explore backstage. Star Track Tours—members of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce—get the opportunity to do just that and you can view our video on this page.

Hollywood tour of Pantages Theater website

The Pantages Theatre in Hollywood is one of the most iconic venues in Los Angeles, famous for its history, design, and association with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s golden age. The theater was built in 1930 as part of the grand vision of vaudeville impresario Alexander Pantages, who sought to create a luxurious theater that would stand as a monument to the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. Central to the theater’s design was architect B. Marcus Priteca, whose vision helped turn the Pantages into one of the most beautiful and notable venues of its time. This essay will explore the history of the Pantages Theatre, its significance in Hollywood, and the life and career of its architect, B. Marcus Priteca, shedding light on the architecture and enduring legacy of this iconic institution.

The Vision of Alexander Pantages

The Pantages Theatre was part of a grand plan by Greek-American theater mogul Alexander Pantages, who had built a successful empire of vaudeville theaters across the United States in the early 20th century. Pantages, who had previously established a string of theaters in major cities such as Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver, sought to create a theater in Los Angeles that would match the opulence and scale of other major American cities, particularly New York City. Hollywood was quickly becoming the center of the American film industry, and Pantages saw an opportunity to create a venue that could cater to the increasing demand for live entertainment, particularly vaudeville performances, which were a staple of the American theater scene at the time.

In 1929, Pantages purchased a parcel of land on Hollywood Boulevard and began plans to build a new theater. It was to be a part of a chain of theaters that would feature vaudeville acts and movies, making it one of the first “movie palaces” in Hollywood. Pantages spared no expense, enlisting the services of one of the leading architects of the era, B. Marcus Priteca, to bring his vision to life.

1. Marcus Priteca: The Architect Behind the Pantages
2. Marcus Priteca (born Benjamin Marcus Priteca on May 7, 1889, in Vancouver, Canada) was an architect whose work would become synonymous with the luxurious and ornate theater designs of the 1920s and 1930s. After studying architecture at the University of Washington, Priteca began his career working for various architectural firms in Seattle, and it was here that he first gained recognition for his work on theater designs. Priteca’s architectural style was heavily influenced by the Beaux-Arts and Art Deco movements, which dominated the design world at the time. His ability to merge these styles with practical considerations for acoustics, sightlines, and overall comfort helped make him one of the most sought-after architects for entertainment venues in the country.

Priteca’s approach to theater design was innovative in its blending of form and function. He understood the unique challenges presented by designing for the cinema and vaudeville, where the stage had to accommodate a variety of performances, from live acts to cinematic presentations. His designs were known for their dramatic interiors, featuring lavish materials such as marble, gold leaf, intricate murals, and luxurious carpets. The theaters he designed were meant to create an atmosphere of escapism and fantasy, transporting audiences from their everyday lives into a world of wonder and glamour.

His most famous work is undoubtedly the Pantages Theatre, but Priteca was also responsible for designing a number of other vaudeville theaters and movie palaces across the country. His work on the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood would cement his legacy as one of the preeminent theater architects of the early 20th century.

The Design of the Pantages Theatre

The Pantages Theatre, which opened on June 4, 1930, was a remarkable example of Art Deco architecture, a style that was all the rage during the late 1920s and early 1930s. The theater’s exterior was designed to make a bold statement on Hollywood Boulevard, with its towering, vertical neon marquee, which would later become a defining feature of the Hollywood landscape. The marquee, along with the stylized columns, streamlined curves, and geometric patterns on the facade, made the building a striking example of the Art Deco style.

Inside, Priteca’s vision for the theater was equally stunning. The interior of the Pantages was designed to evoke a sense of opulence and grandeur, and the use of rich, vibrant colors such as gold, red, and blue helped create an atmosphere of luxury. The most striking feature of the theater’s interior is its lush auditorium, which was designed to accommodate over 2,000 people. The auditorium is surrounded by intricate murals, adorned with gold leaf and sculptural details, all of which combine to create an atmosphere of sophistication and glamour.

The theater’s proscenium arch, the frame around the stage, is one of its most defining architectural features. Priteca designed it with a sweeping, curved shape that helped direct the audience’s attention to the stage, creating a sense of intimacy and focus. The acoustics of the theater were also a critical consideration, as Priteca made sure that the space was acoustically balanced to ensure that every word, every note, and every sound effect was clearly heard by the audience. This was especially important for vaudeville acts, where spoken dialogue and live music were integral to the performance.

A particularly innovative feature of the Pantages Theatre was its use of advanced lighting techniques. Priteca designed the lighting system to accentuate the theater’s architectural features, with lights positioned to highlight the murals, columns, and other decorative elements. The lighting was used not only for practical purposes but also as a means to enhance the theatrical experience, creating a dynamic atmosphere that changed throughout the performance.

The Theater’s Role in Hollywood’s Golden Age

Upon its opening, the Pantages Theatre quickly became one of Hollywood’s most important cultural landmarks. It hosted the grandest premieres of the era, as Hollywood’s elite flocked to the theater to witness the latest films and performances. The theater’s elegant design and central location on Hollywood Boulevard made it an ideal venue for the stars and filmmakers who defined the golden age of cinema. The theater’s interior, with its lavish decor and rich detailing, reflected the opulence and glamour of Hollywood at the time.

In addition to film premieres, the Pantages became a hub for live theater and vaudeville performances. The theater’s versatility allowed it to host a wide range of entertainment, from Broadway shows to musical revues, concerts, and even political rallies. For much of its early history, the Pantages was synonymous with vaudeville, offering live performances before the age of television and the rise of the movie industry.

The theater’s popularity continued to grow throughout the 1930s and 1940s, though, as the demand for movie theaters grew, the Pantages began to focus more on cinema than live performances. In the 1950s, the theater underwent a period of decline as the vaudeville tradition waned and the building faced the challenges of modernizing to meet the needs of the movie industry.

Restoration and Revival

By the 1970s, the Pantages Theatre had fallen into disrepair, and there were concerns about its survival as a historic landmark. In 1977, the Nederlander Organization purchased the theater and began an extensive restoration process to bring it back to its former glory. This restoration, completed in the early 1980s, helped to revitalize the theater as a venue for Broadway productions, cementing its role as one of Los Angeles’s premier theaters for live performances.

The Pantages Theatre is now a major cultural institution in Los Angeles, and its association with Broadway productions has only strengthened its position as one of the city’s most important entertainment venues. The theater’s design, which remains faithful to Priteca’s original vision, continues to awe visitors with its beauty and elegance.

Legacy of B. Marcus Priteca

1. Marcus Priteca’s work on the Pantages Theatre remains his most enduring legacy, but his influence on theater architecture can be seen across the United States. His designs were characterized by a deep understanding of the needs of performance venues, and his work helped to set the standard for theaters built during the golden age of cinema and vaudeville. Priteca’s combination of functional design and artistic expression created spaces that were both beautiful and practical, enhancing the theatergoing experience for audiences and performers alike.

Though Priteca is not as widely remembered as some of his contemporaries, his work on the Pantages Theatre has ensured his place in the history of American architecture. The Pantages is a testament to his skill and vision, and it remains one of the finest examples of early 20th-century theater design.

Conclusion

The Pantages Theatre stands as a testament to the vision of both Alexander Pantages and B. Marcus Priteca. The theater’s breathtaking design, its role in Hollywood’s golden age, and its enduring legacy in the world of live theater all reflect the work of an architect who understood the power of architecture to create unforgettable experiences. Today, the Pantages remains one of the most important cultural landmarks in Los Angeles, attracting thousands of visitors and theatergoers each year. As a masterpiece of Art Deco design, it continues to evoke the splendor and excitement of Hollywood’s early years, ensuring that the legacy of both the theater and its architect will live on for generations to come.

Startracktours.com