by kendall nicole yakshe
photo courtesy of cassie dasilva
Cassie Dasilva’s music is a stanchion where transparency, catharsis, and grace can coexist together. A lyrical powerhouse with a knack for empowering femininity and transpicuous storytelling, her single “middle child” is an honest depiction of Dasilva’s relatable experience feeling like her voice goes unheard at times — which only motivates her to speak louder and more confidently within her angsty melodies and fun instrumental atmosphere. With much in store, Cassie Dasilva is an artist for all pop music lovers to follow in her journey.
Congratulations on the release of your recent single, “middle child!” This track follows up the release of your previous song, “part of the club.” Looking back, when did your passion for songwriting begin to blossom, and when did you start to get comfortable with your writing process?
Cassie: “Thank you so much! It’s been an exciting year so far!
I loved reading and writing from a super young age. In the second grade we had a short story writing assignment and my teacher really made me feel special about my work. She singled my project out and had me work on it in my extra time. She laminated and bound it as a book and even put it on her book shelf. It meant a lot to me. I started to love writing poetry for school projects (and at home in my fuzzy pink notebook), and I even won a few writing contests. I think that the encouragement from my school teachers at such a young age was the positive encouragement I needed to feel confident in my writing skills. I eventually started putting my poems to music — around 13/14… and that was it… I was hooked. I still tend to do things lyrics first just like I did then. It’s my way of getting my thoughts out and processing my emotions.”
Where did the message of “middle child” come from? What was your inspiration?
Cassie: “I wrote ‘middle child’ as a bit of a summary of who I am and how I came to be that person. I was going through a list of all the things that make me me — the good, the bad, and everything in between. I’m a middle child — feisty and outspoken because I’ve always had to fight to be heard. I’m an Aquarius — independent and creative and existential. But those things have been held against me at times. I wanted to take back the power from people who had ever made me feel insecure and really own how they made me into this person that I’m growing to love. The song’s got a bit of a bite to it.”
How would you describe your style and musicality in under five words?
Cassie: “Unapologetically honest & introspective angst pop. (Don’t count the & please!!)”
Being from Canada, how did music play a role in your upbringing? What music were you most drawn to growing up?
Cassie: “I grew up playing piano in a very musical household. My parents loved music and there was always music playing in our house. The Beatles, Shania, Eva Cassidy, Cher, Carole King, The Rolling Stones, Celine Dion. That’s the stuff that sticks out from my younger years. My own personal musical exploration went through many phases — from Spice Girls to Hilary Duff, to Sum 41 and Metric (thanks to my older brother). I’m also a proud day one Swiftie.”
The music videos for your singles “We Might Break Up” and “I Don’t Trust Anyone Anymore” were entirely female-made. What was that experience like, and how has female camaraderie impacted the creation of your music?
Cassie: “I love working with women. It’s always a super empowering experience which is why I’ve continued to focus on that. This new project is produced by Hill Kourkoutis, and my new videos are directed by Kate Harrison who has done all my videos. I know that the only way to change things is to be a part of that change and to make space for women — even when it’s sometimes hard to track them down in an industry that tries to hold them down. I just feel my most comfortable and have so much fun when I’m in a safe space with other women who also feel safe. It’s a cool thing to see, and you can see it reflected in the art we make.”
Any upcoming plans for touring?
Cassie: “I am really looking forward to playing these songs live and would love to hit the road… stay tuned!!”
Can you share any information about future releases?
Cassie: “I have some more music up my sleeve for this year… maybe another single? Maybe an EP? Only time will tell! But get ready for more songs!! I’m so excited to be back releasing music and can’t wait to share everything else I’ve been working on!”