Exclusive Interview with CASSIE

The Heart Has Eyez is a gorgeous fusion of wordplay, jazz, and R&B. Nobody has a style quite like Cassie. The vocals are dreamy, and the beats are fresh. The melodies will captivate you. Feel her energy on her album ‘The Heart Has Eyez’ and the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

CASSIE: Born and raised in the 704. My dad side of the fam is rooted in music. I really had no conscience choice lol. I’ve been fascinated with the art of music since I can remember. I remember singing Balm in Gilead around the age of 10 and my Mom saying “who is that” lol. Then I knew singing was for me.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

CASSIE: self taught. As i got older I became more aware of techniques and reached out to YouTube University lol.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘CASSIE’?

CASSIE: So Cassie is my birth name. Im named after my Grandmother on both sides. My dad’s mom is my first name. I didn’t get to really enjoy much time with her because she transitioned when I was young however the things I’ve heard about her makes me proud to have the name. I believe early on I witnessed at family reunions how we ALWAYS was singing. As I matured I noticed I was always singing lol. Family played a HUGE role in my introduction to music.

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

CASSIE: Im a lover of a musical experience. Like the style of music in the 80’s and 90’s with captivating intros. Im big on lyrics and vibes. I want the listener to understand my music is alive. I birthed EVERY track lyrically. AJ is a PHENOMENAL engineer that allows a safe space to create. He helped me create my sound. Its a blend of neo-soul, rnb and hip hop.

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as R&B?

CASSIE:

At one point i felt like “maybe I should blend in more” Then I realized how dope and original I naturally sound. I understand how easy it is to unknowingly jack your favorite artist style when you’re not in constant create mode. I make sure im creating new lyrics constantly and singing songs how I would naturally sing them. It helps you fall in love with your sound.

6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

CASSIE:

We live in a world where people are concerned about your opinions on life topics only when the views are aligned with theirs. I feel like as an artist you have to know when to publicly speak and when to keep it within your circle. I love hearing songs that capture events that happened at the time of creating. I plan on doing a few. Artist are #1 human. We have views just like anyone else.

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

CASSIE:

I dont have kids so my music is my kids. I have this feeling of pure refreshment when I complete a track. If NOBODY hears it or likes it im going to be fulfilled. It’s a bonus that the public rocks with me too. I pray I maintain this feeling. I NEVER want to hate music because of my experience as an artist. I will leave before I hate music!

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

CASSIE:

It’s interesting because when I started writing music in 08’ i was writing poetry. It was a hard transition because i had to minimize my words. My poems where lengthy lol. I tried writing with others but it didnt flow. The vibe gotta match. For The Heart Has Eyez album AJ made each track in the session. Some of the tracks are freestyles like Sess, Blue, Do What I Want, Air, 85. I typically come up with the hook first. Most of the time im not sure what im talking about until after the song is made lol. It always come together like magic.

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

CASSIE:

being accessible for the public. Im private AF lol. The balance of that is hard because i dont want to give EVERYTHING I am outside of my music. I feel like If I give too much to the world i will lose myself. I want my listeners to know me through my music not like we homies lol. If we meet one on one you will get me but not on social media. It’s ALWAYS surface on social media!

10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

CASSIE: having people come up to me at events i do telling me how they rock with me and feeling the genuine love. Artist like me LOVE that! Support is needed at EVERY level.

11. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?

CASSIE: lol. So in my reality I dont see it. I’ve realized we make things real. I understand valid points but if you cant make a valid argument on why you dont like my art im not hearing nor seeing you!

12. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?

CASSIE: so i LOVE creating. Studio time is like going to church for me. It’s a beautiful feeling. I’ve become more comfortable with performing so it’s fun to connect my music to my listeners but the studio is EVERYTHING!

13. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?

CASSIE: My music is alive and I understand my listeners will create their own relationships with it. I would love for my supporters to know the way my songs were conceived. I will in the future do something to let everyone know the tea lol.