Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra Cole.
Hi Cassandra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in California and moved all over the country. These experiences definitely enriched my songwriting and allowed me to use this platform as a security blanket.
I started writing poetry at the age of 6 and found my way to the stage as an actor and a vocal performer. Struggling with depression, I felt alone and unseen. I was different which was hard to fit in and led to being bullied. I can see now why a group of girls would squish gum into my curly locks. We are all broken and in search for acceptance, but it still hurt.
Through music, I can connect with myself and other people in ways that are healing and vulnerable. A line I live by is, “you have to get out the bad to piece together the good.”
I moved to Minnesota from Boston and took a break from music to start a family. I absolutely love being a mother to two sets of Twins!
About 5 years ago, I jumped back into the music scene. I found myself in an acoustic duo with Jason Hafer. He moved to Portland where we continued our musical friendship. He produced my debut album, “Steps” where we pieced all of the instruments together separately during Covid.
Writing this album kept me alive during the darkest times of my life. I have stage 5 endometriosis which has led to at least 6 surgeries and a battle with infertility. Also, my husband is a recovering alcoholic and during his journey to sobriety, my father-in-law went missing. We still haven’t found him. I needed to just take one step at a time to try and crawl out of so much darkness.
My album was released last May with the help of Sara Horishnyk and Scott Herold from “Rock the Cause” record label. They believe in me and my music. I am honored to be an artist included on the label’s roster.
“Rock the Cause” donates a portion of the profit to a charity of my choosing. My focus is mental health.
I cannot wait to see what the future will hold. Success is the act of trying, failing, learning and reaching attainable goals. My hope is that my heart shows through my music and helps other people feel seen.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road but an enlightening one. I am not an amazing guitar player but use my instrument to write. This has made it challenging not being able to perform solo and to find the perfect blend of a band. Recently, I have found my people and we perform regularly all throughout the cities.
I just have no idea what I’m doing?! The industry keeps changing and I always feel so green. The only thing I know to do is to keep going. I work really hard and relish in small victories.
Matty Amendola has been an amazing mentor to me. I won a national contest with my song, “Caught Up” and enabled our introduction. He has an insane musical background and has achieved what most of us dream to. He has taught me that our idea of success is a lie. He helped me set up a small studio in my basement and to formulate a plan for my career.
Jason Hafer, is also my voice of reason. He helps guide my musical babies and turns them into full productions. He is extremely technical and is able to articulate what I hear in my head to other musicians in a way that makes sense.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a songwriter, visual artist, actor, athlete, and mother. I specialize in songwriting that showcases life’s rich tapestry – and refines each thread, creating a canvas that gives a look into my soul. In my latest release, Steps, I write about the human experience.
What sets me apart is my authenticity. I am incredibly open and direct about my story and willing to hear yours. I have a unique sound and I stay true to my core as an artist.
Rolling Stones in France included me in their playlist and wrote an amazing review of my single, “Shattered.” This was a dream and another accomplishment I am proud of.
In 2019, I wanted to create a local space for artists to collaborate and perform – Thus, “The Hive” was born. “The Hive” is an ever-changing group of all female and non-binary artists. Founded with Laurel Hay, this group is meant to focus on the creative songwriting, instrumental prowess, vivid vocal harmonies, and community effort and power of artists from the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. The group features at least two new musicians for each live show. Genres and sounds vary depending on the current collaboration of songwriters and musicians.
I am most proud of my ability to take risks. Sometimes in life you cannot understand the beginning until you reach the end. I work really hard and push myself to break through that “shell.”
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The Minnesota Music Coalition has been an amazing resource. They not only offer performance opportunities but also support and mentor.
Also, the “singer songwriter challenge” on Facebook is a wonderful opportunity to enhance your writing. Every week you are given a prompt where you write an entire song and post a video on their page performing.
I love my Bible app and listening to music that fuels my spirit such as “Koryn Hawthorne” and “Stephanie Gretzinger.” This helps combat my depression and to stay grounded in the day to day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cassandracolemusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassandracole.me
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cassandracole.me
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/CassandraColeMusic
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1lcP2Yxj1OcpILnuMbHacC?si=pAMcScqFQQ2nzSuKbs-lqw
Image Credits
Darin Kamnetz
Mike Madison (bumpopera)
Ian Hanson
