Hiya Cas thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today, grab a brew and take a seat.
What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
Ever since I was young I was attracted to music and it made me happy in times where I wasn’t. I had a rough time growing up and music was the happy factor always around me to cheer me up. So obviously I wanted to be part of that and I started singing as soon as I could.
Introduce us to you and your musical history?
I am Cas, a Dutch singer songwriter who started professionally back in 2020. Right before the world stopped for some time. My first single was about overcoming insecurities because that’s what I felt; Insecure. I was always let down in some way when it comes to music. I didn’t think I was good enough, although I loved singing so much.
In 2022 I released my first album. An autobiographical album that I didn’t think I was able to create. But meeting my producer Arron Storey convinced me how capable I actually was and that we could do this together. So we did.
2023 brought us an OGIMA award for song of the year (Kelly) from that same album. It feels unbelievable still. We have worked so hard for it and it’s great to be seen in the industry. It also made me start my own radioshow on www.xrpradio.co.uk. I would love to showcase unknown talents from across the globe like some others did for me. Pay it forward!
This year will be the year of new collaborations and my EP Neon Nights, and we also started working on album number 2!
What was life like for you before music?
Life before music isn’t very different from my current life. I still work a daytime job in accounting software, but my nights are now filled with writing and music. I did give up playing in musicals. I love the singing part, but the acting not so much. Luckily I can make my own decisions.
What was the first song you heard that steered you into a music path?
That would be something of Celine Dion, and if I have to guess it’s either: Where does my heart beat now, or the soundtrack of Beauty and the beast!
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
I feel like I am finding my niche, dancey pop, but I know that I can do so much more still. I love exploring new genre’s or bending them a bit. Considering I do close to everything myself and that I only started in 2020, I can definitely not complain!
Whats the biggest thing you have learned from someone else in the industry?
How to create press releases and how important they are. Wording can make a true difference!
Tell us Two truths and a lie about you?
I love to perform live, I’m a true game nerd, I tend to do too many things at the same time.
If you could wish for one thing to aid your career what would it be?
If I ever get the chance, it would be awesome to have a manager to invest financially. I have big dreams and that usually means big costs. Especially when you do everything on your own without proper connections. But let’s start with someone that shoots social media footage for me. It’s hard to do that by yourself 😉
Do you ever worry about people taking things the wrong way or cancel culture? Discuss….
Being present on social media means being extra carefull with everything that you post. English is not my native language and although I’m getting by just fine, I did post some slurs that I wasn’t aware off. Luckily people didn’t cancel me, but educated me instead. That seems the humane thing to do, unless you keep doing it over and over again.
Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories? If no why not?
No, I don’t have the time or energy for that. Let me focus on my music instead.
What was the worst experience on stage?
The worst experience for me was forgetting part of my lyric. It means that everytime I go on stage this feeling haunts me. Making me insecure again.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about?
I love singing but I don’t like performing live. I mean, I can sing, but I hate the stress being in front of people gives me. It just terrifies me.
What makes you stand out as a band/artist?
With so many different artists I feel like it’s close to impossible to really stand out. I like to think my voice stands out because of it’s unusual tone, and how I stay true to myself.
I hear you have new music, what can you tell us about it.
My new EP is quite eclectic! This was a period where I tried to discover which music I would like to create next and I am loving the result. Let’s Go! Is a pop anthem as a sequel to my debut single A Better Me about looking back to these insecurities and being happy to have experienced that because that means I have learned and my future seems brighter because of that. Dream Within A Frame is about my love for travelling the world and Takeaway Love is interesting. That song is about my younger years where I hooked up quite a lot, treating men as take out food. So basically it’s about filling the void of love with one-night stands!
What was the recording process like?
The recording process was a challenge but it all happened in a relaxed setting. Mainly for Takeaway Love because those high notes were no problem at all until I started recording. I recorded all vocals in my home studio so that was great.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
I guess the biggest learning curve is listening to feedback from professionals. In the past I was not open for that and everything had to go my way. Sometimes that pays off, but sometimes it is better to listen to feedback and do as you’re told. I am getting there step by step.
Would you change anything now its finished?
Definitely. I love this EP and it’s amazing! But I guess every artist would change some things about a song after a while because your taste changes and so does your personality. People usually don’t know how many times we sang and heard a song in the creation process. And that’s not even counting performances.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
I have noticed so much negativity online and I absolutely hate it. Why can’t we be nice? Why does everyone want money? Especially those damn promotors who “love your music” but want money to play it. Independent artists are struggling and have no money. And if you really like it, play it anyway. That’s what my radioshow is for. We don’t require any form of payment and if I like it, I am playing it.
FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK // X // INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE
MORE RGM NEWS HERE