INTERVIEW: THE VINYL PRESENTS AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CASSADEE POPE!!

TV: You recently released a record back in October called Thrive, which by the way is AMAZING, how did you manage to take three different genres (Modern Pop/Rock/Country) and make them just work so well? What was the writing/recording process like for this record in particular vs past writing/recording sessions?
CP: Thank you so much! I think those three genres work together so easily for me because I have this history within the rock world, but I also have developed a pretty pop and country writing style. With the production leaning more and the songwriting leaning pop/country, it just ended up going that direction naturally. Writing and recording this record was very different because it was done during a pandemic. So all the writing sessions were over Zoom and we all got tested and wore masks for the recording of the live band. I also cut vocals at my producers house which made things much more flexible and low stress.

TV: You released Stages back in 2019 which was more country sounding , and released Thrive in October of 2021 which is more along the lines of Modern Pop/Rock with a pinch of country, what made you want to lean more towards the Pop/Rock sounding record vs Country?
CP: I’m so proud of stages and everything it accomplished. I was just in the headspace of wanting to do a more country/ pop record at that time. I did more sessions with primarily country songwriters and my producer did mostly country records. For Thrive, I went with a rock producer (Nick Wheeler from All American Rejects) and had Karen Fairchild co-produce to keep that country element in tact. The decision to go this more rock route was made because I had time to think about what really sets me apart. The stillness of 2020 made me reflect on the journey I’ve been on my whole career and how I have an opportunity to tap into my past in a new and modern way.

TV: When you’re in the creative process of a record, how do you try to make it personal and relatable without trying to put your whole life on blast?
CP: I try to go into songwriting with no fears. Any time I’ve ever feared sharing too much about a part of my life, the song ends up feeling very vague and watered down. If I’m not comfortable sharing certain aspects of myself at all, I just won’t write about it. I also try not to fear if people will be able to relate or not. I just share what I go through and feel and hope people find comfort in those things along the way.

TV: What inspired the record name Thrive?
CP: The song “Thrive” is what inspired the album title. I have to give Karen credit for that, honestly. She’s the one who felt like that song was a sort of staple for the record. I also feel like I’m thriving by being my most authentic self, so in general the album title felt very fitting.

TV: Was there anything you took/learned from past writing/recording sessions and used it for this record in particular?
CP: I feel like I’m discovering a new trick or learning something new each time I write or record. But this time around I got to use a few pieces of knowledge that were under my belt already. Like any time you hear a “gang vocal” part, that’s basically 10 of me but singing in all different tones and personalities. Also, picking the best microphone for my voice was time consuming and super important. I like when a mic adds warmth to my tone which is something I’ve only just learned the last couple of years. As for songwriting I knew I wanted to mix it up and write with rock and pop writers as opposed to all country writers.

TV: So you had Nick Wheeler from All American Rejects and Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town as producers/advisors on this record, how did that work so magically especially with them being from two different genres? What did they bring to the table that made it just work?
CP: I love how they both are not just from different genres, but from different stages of my life. Nick and I toured together in 2009 when I was in my old band so we have that common ground. Karen has been such a mentor for me in more recent years since I’ve been in Nashville. Together, they both represent who I am today and they both brought such unique things to the table. Nick has an incredible ear and really knows how to make a record feel like it’s playing in a massive arena. He understood all my references and knew where I wanted things to land sonically. Karen was always adding references that were left of center but totally worked for the song. She also sang harmonies on more songs than the one she was featured on which added a really nice, raspy edge to vocals.

TV: You also got to work with Stephan Jenkins from Third Eye Blind on the track Mind Your Own, what was that like and what made you want a male vocal on that track?
CP: It’s always been a dream to work with Stephan and I was shocked he said “yes!” I had just sang some harmonies for a song on their new record called “Funeral Singers.” I thought what better time to ask if he’d return the favor. Crafty, I know. He was super communicative and gave me an amazing vocal track to splice into what was already there. We had to work together remotely because of COVID.

TV: So back when you were on The Voice, how do you think being on the show has influenced/helped you as a Singer/Songwriter?
CP: Being on The Voice helped me a lot with endurance. I was singing constantly on that show and being pulled in a million directions. It really taught me how to pace myself and try and stay calm when things get hectic. We had an amazing voice coach named Trelawny on the show, too. I still use the vocal exercises she taught me to warm up before shows.

TV: If you had to choose a song off your latest record, what song would it be and why? 
CP: I would choose “Same Old Brand New Me.” I think it really encapsulates where I am in my life and also sets up the record in a very comprehensive way. I’m blending where I come from and where I am today in my music and the result is me being the same old brand new me!

TV: With the new lifestyle we all had to adjust to, how has Covid affected you personally? Did it give you that needed downtime to really sit and reflect on who you want to be as an artist or just time to catch your breath and do things that a busy schedule could have effected?
CP: COVID definitely made me reflect on so many things. It’s how I came to the decision to do this kind of music. But it also challenged me to find worth in myself, not in my career. It forced me to look deeper and see the positive things about myself that have nothing to do with music. I did enjoy some of the downtime, even though it was a sad time in the world and still is. My boyfriend and I got creative with date nights at home and binge watched too many shows to count. The dogs of course loved every minute.

TV: You’re currently gearing up for your headlining tour, what are some expectations you have for this tour and what cities are you looking forward to the most? (** Side note, Hey Monday was actually my first concert I went to back at Recher Theatre in Towson MD and I am SUPER excited to get to see you again in Baltimore)
CP: Wow I can’t believe we were your first concert! So cool! I’m very excited to play Baltimore for sure. Boston is up there as well because the crowds are usually insane there. I expect the tour to feel very nostalgic because I’m playing the little rock clubs I used to in Hey Monday, and the songs in my set lean more rock. I’m really excited to have some production as well which I’ve never had on my own headlining tours before. The show will feel more epic and dramatic with lights!

TV: How do you handle pre-show jitters? What are some things/rituals you do before taking the stage?CP: I don’t get too jittery before shows thankfully. But if I do for any reason, deep breaths are what I focus on. It stabilizes your heartbeat and makes you instantly calm. I also always do vocal warm ups and that gets me feeling nice and loose for the stage.

TV: Can you give fans a little insight on what they can expect on this tour? What are some of your favorite songs to play live?
CP: Fans can expect to hear songs from every era of music I’ve ever put out. I’ll be playing things from Hey Monday records, my EP from when I first went solo, and even something that I might release in the future that I want their opinions on. I love playing anything from Thrive since it’s mostly high energy and the newest songs in my catalog. I love throwing a cover in to my sets as well, and the one I’m planning on playing will definitely appeal to our emo hearts.

TV: As we conclude this interview, anything you would like to say to your fans?
CP: I’m just so grateful for the fans who have stuck with me all these years. Whether it be from the Hey Monday days or The Voice…. They’ve supported me on this journey. There have been a few different musical styles I’ve done and I’m just blown away at the loyalty from those fans that have come along for the ride. To new friends coming onboard, I’m so excited to do this thing with you!