Cassandra Allen

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Interview with Cassandra Allen.

Published on 3/31/2007

By Artistopia

Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why? I realized I wanted to become a music artist at the age of 18 when I found myself hungering for music that I was not hearing in the nightclubs or on the radio. Q. Most music artists have that special someone or thing that influenced their decision to do music. Did anyone or something in your life play a major role in influencing you to go into the music business? My father played a major role in influencing me to go into the music business. He told me I can do anything I want to do and no matter what I do, he would be proud of me. Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why? A dj named Larry Levan was a major influence of my style. Listening to Larry play was amazing – he could play any type of genre and have a crowd dancing at all times. I realized it is okay to branch out and tap into all types of music that spark my fancy. Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition? I stand out from the competition because I have a quirky music style that is a mesh of various genres – I have created songs that draw from multiple styles at one time and become a unique style that revolved around love and passion. Q. Music industry professionals are quick to say that being an artist means to gracefully fit a marketable niche in the industry. If you were offered an opportunity that asked you to be something you are not, would you do it to get your foot in the door? I believe we all do things that we don’t always represent us. They key is to do most things that do represent you. I would do something that I am not to get myself in a door that offered opportunities that represent who I am – outside of harming others or supporting non-truths. Q. Making music is one thing, selling it is another. What types of strategies do you use in promoting your artistic work and getting it heard by the proper professionals? I listen to the competition and support their endeavors – this creates allies. I involve my family and friends in music decisions and promotions – this creates ties that bind and trust. I sign up at all music sites that promote my styles of music – this creates exposure. I talk about my music as if it is a full-time job and not a hobby – this creates interest and shows commitment. Q. In regards to wheeling and dealing, how important do you feel business knowledge is to making it in an industry filled with much heartache? The business side of music is just as important as the musical part, if not more. It is important to know how to negotiate in order to succeed in the industry. A great record will reap little or nothing if business plans are shady. Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists? Be true to yourself. Never give up. Stay committed, focuses, and pure as possible. You are for sale, but not on sale. Q. Most successful artists are involved in charitable organizations that stand for a cause that hits close to home. In that regard, once you reach success, what charitable cause(s) would you like to be involved in and why? I am currently involved in a chartable organization promoting youth sports. The funds collected at sports functions go towards programs that support highly advanced community resources and educational programs. As I continue to succeed, I hope to venture into more programs that help our youth be their best. Well, we thank you for taking the time to interview with us and certainly wish you the best in your music career endeavors. There you have it ladies and gentlemen, an inside look into the mind of an independent artist struggling to bring their hard work to fruition in an industry where perseverance and thick skin means survival. No one said it would be easy.



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Interview with Cassandra Allen.