12 Questions With Cassa Jackson
12 Questions With Cassa Jackson
Already known for her towering voice and instantly relatable songs about relationships, Cassa Jackson has truly stepped up a level as 2022 comes to an end. Her previous single “Right Girl, Wrong Guy” took her to Radio 1’s airwaves and resulted in a New Noise feature from Wonderland, while her current UK arena tour as guest to Blue has led to her being discovered by a whole new audience.
Having hit London’s O2 recently with Blue, Cassa now shares the new track “Fame Looks Good On You” as a reminder of her talents to the thousands of fans who have seen her perform at the first seven shows of the tour. Cassa wrote ‘Fame Looks Good On You’ with its producer Kevin Malpass. “Fame Looks Good On You” has been an explosive set opener throughout the tour. The opening keys and Cassa’s storytelling lyrics suggest it’s heading firmly into singer-songwriter territory but then it takes off with a mammoth, arena-sized hook and a quickfire rush of pop-punk melody.
NSG: Good morning Cassa and how are you? What have you been doing today and how’s that going?
CJ: Hey! I’m good thank you! We are in Glasgow today for the penultimate show on the tour so we’ve just got off the bus and had lunch with everyone. Now I’m about to get ready for soundcheck and then we’re all having a Christmas dinner later which I’m excited about! It’s such a great vibe on tour everyone is so friendly, I don’t want it to end!
NSG: So let’s start at the beginning. Where did you grow up and what was it like?
CJ: I grew up in Surrey and it was awesome. I adored living in the countryside. I went to a school called Hurtwood House which specialised in theatre and the arts so that definitely made me want to be a singer as I loved performing so much at school!
NSG: I’ve just been listening to your song “Fame Looks Good On You” and I love it, can you tell me a bit more about this song? Like where did the idea come from and is it about anyone specifically? lol
CJ: Thank you I’m glad you like it! It’s so fun opening my set on tour with it every night as it’s so sassy. “Fame Looks Good On You” is primarily a song about the aftermath of a breakup when you and your ex go in different directions and follow separate paths. They might have new relationships, seem to take on new personality traits or perhaps even become famous. Whatever the changes, this song explores how it feels when you no longer know the person you once loved or even have any links to their life. The line ‘Where’s the boy I knew?‘ epitomises the sense of confusion often experienced in the years after a significant relationship ends, especially in the world of Social Media where another person’s life is always available to view from afar.
NSG: What has this year been like for you as an artist? Has it been hard keeping momentum after the pandemic?
CJ: It’s been so wonderful to be able to get back out on tour and perform again, having been deprived of any live gigs for so long during the pandemic! Performing is my favourite part of my job so I’m happy to be back connecting with fans.
NSG: Do you think it’s harder for women to break the industry than it is for men, or even as a solo artist as opposed to a band?
CJ: I definitely think it is still quite a male-dominated industry. I read in NME recently that only 13% of UK festival headliners are female which blew my mind. I was however lucky to play a few festivals this year including the Isle of Wight Festival. So hopefully I will be able to be part of the solution to the problem.
NSG: If you’d had to have followed a different career path what would it have been and why?
CJ: If I’d followed a different career path I probably would have ended up working in Madrid in the film industry as I did that during my year abroad when I was at university and loved it. I loved studying languages and so would have definitely wanted to work abroad.
(Cassa Jackson)
NSG: Who or what have been your biggest influences?
CJ: Miley Cyrus has definitely had a big influence on me as she is such an iconic performer. And in terms of songwriting, Julia Michaels is second to none. Her lyrics are impeccable and the way she crafts her songs is genius.
NSG: How is your December tour going and what are you enjoying about it the most?
CJ: This tour has been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Being on the tour bus has been a real treat and hanging with the guys from Blue is so fun. I have learnt so much from them about performing as they all enjoy every moment. I love dressing up every night in different outfits. The best part is singing my sassy songs to thousands of people and finding out that many people of different ages are relating to them. Some fans have called them female empowerment songs which gave me a sense of validation.
NSG: What do you feel has been the most defining or memorable moment of your career to date?
CJ: I think playing the ‘02 arena‘ 5 times has got to be a highlight! There are a few others though. Selling out my first-ever headline show at ‘Omeara‘ in London was unforgettable. Also my song “Right Girl, Wrong guy” being played on Radio 1 represents a major career milestone.
NSG: If you could sit down for dinner with any three people from history, past or present who would they be and why?
CJ: Hmmm tricky question. Hard to choose, but I reckon, I would pick Madonna, Michael McIntyre and David Attenborough. What an amalgamation of people that would be! Great music, lots of laughter and putting the world to rights. Also as Madonna is the queen of pop and the highest earning female artist ever she would be very interesting to chat to.
NSG: What’s your best advice on finding happiness and living a fulfilling life?
CJ: I think surround yourself with kind people who make you feel good about yourself and bring out the best side of you. I’m lucky to have a very supportive network of family and friends. Also, get a dog, they never let you down!
NSG: What is 2023 looking like for you?
CJ: 2023 is going to be the biggest year yet! I’m starting off by releasing my EP ‘Right Girl, Wrong Guy’ which is a collection of songs detailing going through the different stages of a breakup. Then later I’m going to start releasing some happy songs!! First time for everything!
NSG: Thank you so much for your time, we wish you all the luck in the world! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
CJ: Thank you! I’ll leave you with what I say at the end of my set every night on tour. If you’re listening to my songs and relating a little too hard: DUMP HIM!
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