Check out our interview with indie pop singer-songwriter Cassidy.
Embracing vulnerability, she finds influence in raw emotional experiences including heartbreak and existential life crises among other dark moments. Cassidy is known for her undeniable catchy melodies and addictively relatable lyrics, speaking directly to the listener like the words coming from their own minds. Her signature soulful vocals intertwine with moody, bass-filled beats creating a unique mix that is refreshingly new yet feels familiar.
Following her debut singles “Sex and Wine” and “Lying”, Cassidy returns with a touching emotional ballad. Entitled “The Devil”, the track was written a few years back on a piano with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and a broken heart. The single is autobiographical detailing the singer’s own heart wrenching experience with love and heartbreak. Featuring simplicity instrumentation, three-part harmonies and poignant lyricism, “The Devil” accentuates the hollowness of the emotional experience she faced.
Follow Cassidy @sassidyr
Hi Cassidy, please tell us a little about you?
Hey Naluda Magazine! I am a Canadian singer songwriter, currently based out of Berlin. I love all things artistic and making my poetry come to life with a simple melody!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Ambitious, loyal, romantic
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I started singing and dancing when I was super young so performing has always been the center of my life! Eventually I went to college in New York for musical theatre and performed with a German company for 4 years. It was really lovely work and I enjoyed it a lot but I was always missing doing my own music and my own creating so at the beginning of 2020 I decided to finally record my own music.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Raw, relatable, catchy
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I am influenced by many artists but specifically power house women in the industry. Some of my favourites are Lady Gaga, Adele, Demi Lovato, Carrie Underwood, Janis Joplin, Donna Missal and Stevie Nicks. I have been writing music since I was a kid, and with growth comes more intimate experiences and as my writing style began to elevate I suddenly had a book full of songs and memories, and moments that I knew I needed to share. It’s an amazing thing to be able to sing other peoples music and live their experiences through song but I got to the point where that wasn’t fulfilling me and I was ready to share my personal experiences and music.
Do you play any instrument?
I can play piano and guitar
Do you ever get nervous?
Sometimes! But honestly not really, I would say more excited energy. There is nowhere I feel more calm then on stage.
Tell us about your new single “The Devil?”
I wrote The Devil 3 years ago with a piano, a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and a broken heart. I originally didn’t want to release it because of how personal, and raw this song is to me. However, after some amazing feedback from friends and family I realized that this song is more relatable then I initially anticipated. When we began recording The Devil it was definitely the most organic process of all the songs. I think because the lyrics are quite visceral for me that it made the whole process very emotional but healing at the same time. It was important for me to have the lyrics and vocals be at the forefront of the listeners ears which is why we decided for a more simplistic instrumental and added the three part harmony to accentuate the hollowness of the emotional expression in the performance
What’s the story behind the song?
This was a song I wrote in my darkest moments in the middle of the night through tears and wine stained lips. It started more as a personal thought looking in the mirror when I compared my ex to the devil and how the devil lets everyone into hell. So if the devil doesn’t even want me then who ever could? In that moment I knew the best way to begin healing would be what I always do and put it into a song. The lyrics came easily and so did the piano line and I was finished by the time the sun shone through my window. I want to say that after writing the devil I felt healed and free but unfortunately this song stuck to me for years as a reminder of my worthlessness. It feels amazing to be past that emotional turmoil and to listen to this song with pride and gratitude. Music is healing and therapeutic for me and I hope my music can be that for others as well
Did you had plans/concerts planned and cancelled because of COVID? If so have you done any online concerts or interaction with your fans?
This is all so new to me, I recorded my music right before COVID got bad so I unfortunately haven’t had the opportunity to do any live shows yet. But I am so excited for 2021 and to hopefully be able to get out and do some lives.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
Musically, definitely would be to eventually go on tour, my heart just dances at the thought of being able to perform every night for people that really want to listen and have found a home in my music.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
It is so rewarding getting messages from people about how my music is helping them or really hitting them. I always strive to have a song bring the listener to a reaction so to hear that my goal is being fulfilled is always so lovely and rewarding. I don’t know if it’s not rewarding but I get really frustrated with myself pretty easily. I am a bit of a perfectionist and if I have an idea for a song and I can’t create it immediately I get a little disappointed.
What’s next for Cassidy in the last months of 2020?
I have 2 more releases coming up and am really hoping to get back into the studio. I have a song I’ve been working on called Coffee that I cant wait to record!
What is you favourite song? And why?
Blue June by Wild Rivers. I cried the first time I heard it and feel emotional every time I hear it
Any loves other than music?
Traveling and food! Ive been lucky enough to travel to over 60 countries and it was an incredible opportunity to learn more about the world and all the different cultures and cuisines.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would want to see my grandmother again. I used to paint her nails and I would love to have the opportunity to sit with her, drink tea and paint her nails once again
Best advice ever given?
If they wanted to, they would. I wish I had listened to that advice a bit earlier
How’s a typical day in your life?
My life looked pretty different pre-COVID but since the first lockdown it has been a lot of home time. A lot of coffee, cooking, writing, recording and spending time with my dog. Its pretty isolating but I always try and find the light in any situation
Name one your strengths?
I am really good at forgiveness. The only thing I have found from holding onto grudges or pain is more and more pain. It has been a journey but I think it is one of my strongest attributes today.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Lazy morning, smoked salmon on toast with lemon and flakey salt, a vanilla scented candle and a cracked window so the air is just the perfect amount of crisp!
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Anything from Wild Rivers, Waitress the musical or Demi Lovato
What is your own definition of happiness?
A glass of wine with my love, knowing my family and friends are safe and healthy and the ability to do what I love
Do you support any charities?
I follow Moveon.org and try and sign every petition I can, and donate when I am able.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Black bean soup and Caesar salad
And your favorite cheat food?
I don’t really like calling food “cheating” but my favourite technically unhealthy food would be pizza
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Definitely arrogance or rudeness
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Successful in all regards, career, relationship, financially, spiritually.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Simple, basics, gold jewelry and knits
What do you think of Social Media?
I think its very important and a great way to be one on one with fans, friends and family. However, I think there is also a limit. I spend a lot of time on my phone making connections and meeting new people so I have a timer on all my most frequented apps.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / TikTok
Quote: “Your value doesn’t decrease based on someones inability to see your worth”
Movie: Shutter Island
Travel Destination: Singapore, Koh Samui, Paris, montreal, Hong Kong
Sports Team: Calgary Flames
