Combining honeyed vocals and poignant lyricism with vibrant, hook-laden synths, Cassicus has penned a classic love song that is wrapped in modern pop sensibilities. Lamenting a lost love through his years on the road, Ben showcases his expansive vocal range, sounding akin to the likes of LANY and Twin Shadow in the process. Talking about the single, Cassicus elaborates, “the reality for musicians is very much a double edged sword. Musicians are happiest when they are working, but with their work comes sacrifice in their relationships due to absence. Often, as a musician, all you can do it chalk these periods up to a life lesson, to at least find a positive in situations that can seem anything but.”
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Cassicus about the latest music, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I have a serious penchant for synthesisers and instantly memorable melodies, so I gravitated towards electronic pop music kinda naturally. Additionally, my life as a drummer has had an inevitable influence on how I write. Drummers are always looking for patterns in music – it’s just the way our brains are wired – so this craving for making sense of things has a huge impact in how I think creatively. I’ve worked with artists of all shapes and sizes – when you’re a session musician you almost have to wrap yourself round their way of thinking and learn to empathise with them quickly in order to get a great performance. So I’ve absorbed a lot of creativity from the artists I’ve worked with as a result of this, too.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
Less than a month! It’s a new experience being on the ‘other side’ for the first time – instead of working for the artist, I am the artist. It’s a strange concept to get my head around but I’m really enjoying the journey.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
My experiences as someone who has lived, breathed and worked in music for ten years are where I draw everything from. The heartache, the partying, the difficult decisions, the relationships, the relentlessness. As for motivation, releasing music is something you have do for yourself more than anyone. It’s therapy. If you do a good job, some people will like your music, but a lot of people won’t; the worst thing to do is see that as a failure. Even just releasing one song is a victory in it’s own right – you’re already the winner.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
I felt it was time I threw in my two cents on it all. The music just poured out of me when I got into the studio as lockdown commenced in March. Combining this creative outpouring with how lonely the studio environment can be was a transcendental experience – you go so deep into your own head that you dig up things you didn’t even know where there.
What was the last song you listened to?
Moving On by Roosevelt. He’s an artist I really dig. Huge fan.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I have to touch things to understand them fully. With vinyl, the ceremonial and social aspects of listening to music are so enhanced – this is when I’m most excited to hear music.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I use Apple Music. It just feels a little fresher to me, although Spotify have way better resources for artists to their teeth into.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
The biggest challenge is how the process of creating music has had to change in order to accommodate attention spans. Writing a pop song now, you need to be getting hooks in as quickly as possible. People won’t wait and you don’t have time to build into a song. Personally, this is a challenge I relish – I dig short pop songs with hooks all over the place – but I can understand how this can be really grating for some artists who gravitate toward longer-form songs.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
I live for live shows, so I’ll be planning one as soon as venues begin to open back up. I’m working on my streaming rig as I speak though!
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
I’m an Insta guy – @CASSICUSPOP
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
“Never destroy when you can create.”
I want to thank the incredible team of people who contributed their talents to my debut release. Ben Hammond at Reel Recording Studio for the mix, Matt Aston for rinsing TORN with his bass chops, my girl Lauren Marsh Photography for the promo shoot, and Brockley Studios for the studio space.
