Interview done by: Waverly Coleman/Catherine Hooper
Cassie is no stranger to turning heads. When she first stepped into the music scene in 2006, the beautiful Connecticut native caught our attention with her breakout hit “Me & U”. Outside of music, Cassie has always been able to remain in the spotlight whether it is from acting, modeling, or being a trendsetter (we all know she was the first to rock the shaved side mullet and is the best to have done it thus far!). As if she loves giving us whiplash, Cassie catapults back to the scene with her new mixtape Rockabyebaby, a complete departure from her debut album. Edgier and more mature, Rockabyebaby definitely proves that she maintains the ability to turn heads by just being herself. We had the opportunity to have a candid conversation with Cassie about her first mixtape, her new sound and her favorite places to shop in L.A.
Who/What inspired your sound for Rockabyebaby?
I think I was naturally inspired by a sound that we developed when we recorded the “Numb” record and we put Ross on it. It just set a tone. I really liked that sound and wanted to stay in that. I feel like I’m just inspired by the hungry kids around me. We’re all super hungry and we all just want to make great music.
You said “it’s not pop, it’s not R&B, it’s Cassie”. Do you think your decision to do it your own way will inspire other female artists?
I hope it does. I think, anybody in the industry, especially females are successful because they paved their own way, and they made their own sound. Or they did something different that everyone else wasn’t doing. I hope this shows that I have worked towards making sure that I am 100% percent….150% has my stamp on it.
Has criticism influenced in anyway your desire to make music your own way.
Yea. I’ve gone through different periods and different styles. Everything for a reason, and I really had a great time making the records I’ve made, for an album really, I’ve made hundreds of records. It finally made sense to do something else. I don’t know. I’m happy with it and it’s a good thing to pave your own way but even better to prove people wrong. I try not to pay attention to the negative comments. I just want to know what my fans think about it.
How does it feel to release a mixtape in a male dominated mixtape scene?
When I decided I wanted it to be a mixtape and we started calling it a free album which was confusing to people (they didn’t know if it was a real album or if it was just a free album). I did some research to see how mixtapes move and how many come out a day. Over 20. I said “A DAY?” So I went on DatPiff and I saw that there were all guys on there and I was like “How am I going to stand out?” I was worried but it worked out. I think the fact that it is different and has so many elements of style…from Wiz to Too Short to Meek. Meek’s numbers are crazy! I looked at things like that. It’s definitely a male dominated situation but we succeeded!
How are your male supporters responding to the mixtape?
I’ve talked to so many guys and it’s going really good! Guys like it cause it has my voice on it and it’s softer, but then it has some features that won’t make them feel like a sissy. (laughs)
Who are you listening to right now? What other artists do you have in heavy rotation?
I like the ratchet music (laughs). Like RIP! (LAUGHS) I’m totally into the “RIP” remix. I’m getting into Wayne’s album. {Cassie loves “Wowzers”, I love “Trigger Finger”]. And I was in Miami and they have this crazy style. I don’t have names, just the music on my computer.
The Paradise video, that was filmed in which part of LA? How involved are you when it comes to video treatments?
That video was filmed in South Central. OMG I am so overly involved. From styling, to hair and makeup, what the girl behind me is wearing (laughs). EVERYTHING! I created my look with my stylist for “The Boys” video with Nicki Minaj. When it came to the “Paradise” video, I really wanted to be myself. In my natural environment, with people I really do hang around (Problem, Jeremih, Da Internz) while we just chill on the stoop. Well, not really on the stoop but we’re chilling. I’m super, super involved and I think that is really the only way that you can talk intelligently about your shit.
You have mentioned before that you would like to shoot videos for a majority of the tracks on Rockabyebaby. What do you envision a video like “Bad Bitches” looking like?
I am setting the bar really high for myself! (laughs) You know, I’ve always envisioned “Bad Bitches” with all different types of girls. Bad model bitches. Bad bitches that race cars. I don’t know, I want to embrace all different types of women. Real girls. I want us to be free and sexy.
A lot of artists are deeply connected to their hometown and sometimes we see that in their lyrics or videos. Tell me more about New London, CT.
More recently, I don’t think anything is connected to New London. My parents are in the same house that I grew up in since 6 months old; they’re still married. I went to private school because I was modeling in high school . I’ve been working since I was 12. My life was well structured, even though I was in entertainment, they still wanted me to be a kid. I had a really nice childhood with my brother. I try to go back every 2-3 months.
[Cassie asked her fans what their favorite songs were. Fan favorites: "I Love It", "Paradise", "Addiction". Our favorite and Cassie's: "BAD BITCHES"!]
Since we’re a LA centric publication, we have to ask you a Los Angeles related question. You’re known not only for your music but also your style. What is one of your favorite boutiques or even “off the beaten path” places to shop for new clothes?
I’m very much an Opening Ceremony girl. I shop at Curve on Robertson. I love Church Boutique. Joyrich and WildStyle. Church has high end pieces but it’s all one of a kind.
[Speaking of fashion and style, Cassie also has her own line of rings currently in development.]
With over 1 million views and 300,000 downloads, Rockabyebaby is a guaranteed headbanger for the guys and will definitely get the ladies’ necks jerking. Her mixtape is available for free download on DATPIFF.COM
