Masterpiece Between Foreign Lands| Posted February 24, 2022 What You Need To Know: CASS is an independent self-taught musician, producer, engineer, and talented individual all wrapped into one creative soul. Born as Cassandra Kandra, a native of Zimbabwe, she’s spent most of her life as a resident of New Zealand. CASS studied at the New Zealand School of Music and ARISE Ministry School before establishing a foundation as a well-rounded artist in 2017 at the age of 22. Her first album, Genesis, was released in 2017 after being handcrafted in the confines of her own bedroom. One of the positives of a constantly evolving world of technology tied to the music industry. The second album, Not For Sale, quickly followed her debut a year later in 2018. Both albums received numerous awards, recognition, and merit echoing back to the innovative genius CASS is known by.
CASS’s signature cannot be boxed into any specific genre or style, as it’s an infusion of R&B, hip-hop, EDM, and international grooves. With CASS defining love for instrumentation early on in life (age 11), such influence has transformed her art into playful moments only a visionary can manifest. Her latest album, Diaspora, is a sonic journey throughout diversity, empowerment, culture, and a healthy love for our Savior.
What it Sounds Like: To honestly define all the soundscapes captured on the album, one would need a written medium similar to a short story. CASS captures the essence of two worlds collided between the cultures of Zimbabwe and New Zealand sprinkled with the influence of American artistry. Song selections are smothered with woodwinds, electric guitars, strokes of piano keys, and extensive use of all members of the percussion family. Two singles were released leading up to the album, “Clouds” and “Foreigner.” “Clouds” was an immersion of natural sounds behind powerful bass and high hats. The track highlights CASS’s vocal range and smoothness of her transitions between concepts. “Foreigner” spotlights her devout faith and believers’ position on this earth as foreigners in a foreign land empowered by God awaiting our heavenly call home. The guitar riffs go crazy on this track, pay attention.
Only a handful of featured artists join CASS on the album including V. Rose, Aklesso, Uzuhan, Cortes, and Eris Ford. All dope creatives with their own fingerprints on the CHH space. Other highlighted tracks include the vulnerable and raw pair of songs, “Two Letters” and “Alabaster” featuring Eris Ford.
CASS has defined her own lane in a smothered space of monotoned repetition. Her art adds a refreshed perspective of beauty defined in artistry through the medium of musical expression. CASS sets the bar high for aspiring artists to follow, a blueprint to call her own.
Spiritual Highlights: CASS affirmed her faith at the age of 16 handing her life over to Jesus. Ever since that moment, God has consistently shown her calling of creating music as her gift to the world, especially those in need. She’s been quoted saying her obedience to God and her calling is the motivation behind her artistry. Also, whatever obstacles CASS may face are used ultimately as a tool to help and encourage others while personally growing in her own faith walk.
That being said, her faith and testimony are scattered throughout each song of Diaspora. The refrain on “Foreigner” accents the strength found in God. “God got me (Got me, got me) // Who can really stop me? (Stop me, yeah) // Seraphim army (Uh-huh) // Who’s gon’ stop me? These lyrics remind me of the message found in Psalms 84-9-12.
The song “Desperate” puts me in mind of a modernized worship track. CASS repeats how she’s “in desperate need of a Savior” throughout. She continues with her yearning for the imprint of Jesus on her life regardless of the situation. Quite transparent, raw, and cries from the soul.
No worries from her fanbase on this album about being vocal about faith and God’s calling on Cass’s life. Diaspora overflows with her personal testimony, biblical themes, and how faith is navigated from her own perspectives.
Best Song on the Record: This album is one of those rare gems where any of the 12 songs could be deemed a favorite. Each is relatable, personal, artistic, and has a certified vibe. Therefore, it was difficult to pinpoint a single standout. However, “Priceless” featuring V. Rose tugs on a few strings of my heart while my head endlessly bops to the beat. Woodwinds and brilliant strokes of ivory keys drive the track behind rim shots and running high hats. The content expressed lyrically from CASS and V. Rose touches emotions deep down. Believers must realize we are who we are due to the sacrifices of Christ. His endless love, protection, servitude is all examples worthy of worship. I love the infections of CASS’s voice adding additional spice to the delivery. The two ladies flow seamlessly together creating a memorable track.
Final Word: CASS provides the culture with the recipe for timeless music. Music that possesses meaning, emotion, cultural relevance, and a connection with listeners. Diaspora represents how residing in both Zimbabwe and New Zealand has shaped CASS into the best of both cultures. What CASS is able to create through production, artistry, and a tag-team effort with Chris Howland has been beyond exceptional. The album will be on constant rotation for weeks to come.
Stream Diaspora on Spotify or purchase the album on iTunes.
to add lyrics if not listed.
