Getting Real & Raw With Cashma As She Discusses Her Journey And Latest Album: Sophisticated Mess

 

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With a dedicated fanbase of people across the globe and over two million streams for her music thus far, Cashma is quickly becoming an artist to watch.

Cashma’s latest EP Sophisticated Mess, which was released in November is the result of embracing all sides of herself. As the fourth album for the songstress, you see the artist challenging herself to be raw and vulnerable with her feelings. 

In the early part of 2022, she released Purple Apartment – the third installment of her purple trilogy wrapping up the trio of albums, the final release sees the artist challenging herself to be raw and vulnerable with her feelings. Working alongside producer Mike Kalombo of Kalombo Records. Purple Apartment is the result of having her own place to live authentically and to focus and craft her music. Coated with a nostalgic 80s flair. Silky, soulful vocals, shimmering synths, and vibey, hypnotic melodies provide the foundations for the album, with Cashma showcasing her velvet vocal tone and ability to pen indulgent R&B anthems.

We had the pleasure of interviewing with Cashma about growing up in Georgia, the defining moment for doing music, favorite inspirations, advice for aspiring musicians, and more.

Growing up in the small town of Barnesville, GA, as the only child, and being biracial, what were some of the challenges you faced in your early childhood?

Growing up in a small town I think has it’s perks. It forced me to be creative. There wasn’t much to do so I created it. I spent a lot of time in my room listening and singing along to music of the early 2000’s. It was my paradise. Growing up biracial I got two beautiful different families that loved me. They didn’t always understand but I think they tried and that’s all you could really hope for in situations like that.

It’s been talked about in many instances; how being biracial can make it difficult for those individuals to fit in because you’re essentially a part of two worlds, two cultures, and two different viewpoints of this world we live in. So how were your experiences as a youth in finding your identity?

Yes, I love that you speak on this. Growing up I felt like I had to code-switch a lot of times in order to be accepted. I retreated to music cause there I felt more me. Through that, I eventually found my voice and was able to show up in spaces as the spectrum of things that I am.

You’ve released two albums this past year Purple Apartment (which was the end of a trilogy) and Sophisticated Mess, the former takes its namesake from the color that feels like your overall aura and well your first apartment. The ladder comes from your emotional range, where some days you feel sophisticated and super confident; other days you feel messy like you don’t have it all together. Can you tell us your process for creating a name that captures the body of work you’ve created for that specific album?

I’m an album girl. I’ve released four so far and it’s something I become immersed in. I want my albums to be a time capsule to whatever I’m going through at the moment. It heals me and celebrates the journey. I’m lucky to have producer Mike Kalombo who has produced all of my albums be in the same rhythm with me and knows exactly what I need to convey the story.

According to Spotify, the most streamed track from Sophisticated Mess is ‘Groovy Love’, it’s funny when you drop an album because everyone has their own personal favorite. What was your favorite song from this album?

Yes! I enjoy watching everyone have their favorites. My favorite would be “Before I Let Myself Down” at the moment. It’s the most vulnerable I’ve been on a song and really speaks to my deepest self.

Your albums are described as having a nostalgic 80s flair. Silky, soulful vocals, shimmering synths, and vibey, hypnotic melodies. How much influence has this era had on the formation of your music? If any.

Music from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s is just about 90% of what I listen to. Something about it really speaks to me so I bring elements I love and mix them in with my vibe.

Growing up as kids there are a select few who know exactly what they want to do for the rest of their lives, while others go through many different avenues before they find their calling. So has music always been your career plan?

(Laughs) Yes, six-year-old me used to go around telling family I was going to be a singer when I grew up. I’m sure I was annoying (laughs again) but I was determined. I’m still in shock that I do this. I’m thankful.

What was the defining moment you realized you wanted to do music?

Listening to R&B CD’s of the early 2000’s on this CD player my parents got me. Along the journey of finding your own place in music to live authentically and put music out that is unapologetically you. Can you tell us how difficult if at all that was/is in the music industry?

I’m blessed to have found my music-making partner Mike Kalombo on my first EP and we’ve been building our sound ever since. I think that’s what matters, the art. In my opinion, the industry can be a one size fits all type of thing that makes you go through the same doors as everyone else. Many of those doors we don’t care for; so we create our own.

The Fox Magazine is all about inspiration, through past interviews I discovered that Sade is one artist that has inspired you the most. How has the Nigerian-British singer helped to form you musically into the artist you are today?

She’s simply amazing to me; the whole band.

I believe a great artist doesn’t inspire you to be like them, they inspire you to be more like yourself. So listening to the band helped me realize I was enough as an artist. That I could simply be me and the right audience would resonate.

As people over time and with experience, we change, we grow, and we transform. How much has your style changed since you started doing music?

I’m more sure of myself nowadays. I take pride in my songwriting and the ability to paint what I see in my mind better.

What motto, quote, or words to live by, do you use to stay motivated when you aren’t feeling inspired?

“When you’re winning keep working like you’re losing.” – Mike Kalombo

What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I love cooking. Making meals at home for myself and friends is such a hobby of mine.

What’s your best advice for aspiring musicians?

Create. It doesn’t have to be good in your opinion but let it come out because it will help you create the next thing.

What’s next for you? Should we be expecting any new music projects and if so what will they be about?

Right now, I’m enjoying all the work that went into my new album Sophisticated Mess. I want to stay in and enjoy this moment for a while.

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