After dropping her sassy breakup anthem The Guy I Never Dated in June, rising pop artist Cassa Jackson takes us back to endless summer nights with the release of her latest EP, Summer With U. In contrast to her previous single, which earned her two Radio 1 Future Pop plays from Mollie King, Cassa finds herself in a different phase of life – a happier era where she explores a new relationship with carefree excitement.
“Summer With U is about meeting someone new and the anticipation for what lies ahead,” she explains. “These are fun, happy songs about the start of a relationship when the sparks are flying.”
Containing three brand-new tracks, Summer With U incorporates Cassa’s love of reggaeton with a hint of Latin pop through a sexy, laid-back beat and verses sung in Spanish. “When I first decided to write the EP, I was on holiday in Spain, so I was imagining being there,” she says. “I got a first in my Modern Languages degree, and I realised since doing that and becoming a singer, I’ve never used my languages, so I thought it was about time I should!”
Starting with the title track, Summer With U paints the perfect romantic day, whereas Tranquilo and Naked take the fever-pitch up a notch with smoother, seductive vocals that could last long into the night – think beach parties, exotic drinks, and golden sunsets.
After playing her first sold-out headlining show in London, Cassa Jackson is cementing herself as one to watch. Here, we caught up with her on the new EP, her love for sangria, and celebrating romance over an epic summer.
Thank you so much for chatting with us – how are you doing?
I’m good, thank you! It’s been a busy summer of festivals and my headline show, but I’ve loved it!
Can you tell us a bit about how you got into music?
I started writing songs at school. I was in a relationship that wasn’t going well, so it was like my therapy, writing down my feelings. I sang some songs at the school concert at Hurtwood House. My teacher entered me into a songwriting competition, and after performing at the final, I asked to perform at an event at Wembley Arena, so my third-ever gig was pretty epic!
You studied Spanish and French at university – what did you love about those subjects?
I loved everything – learning about the cultures behind the language and the way the language works. I was able to live in Madrid for six months during my degree, and it was there that I fell in love with reggaeton music. I also really enjoyed learning about the history of France, Spain, and other Spanish-speaking countries.
Touching on The Guy I Never Dated, did you ever imagine it’d be as successful as it has been?
I wrote that song about a situationship I had been in. The story is very personal and specific to me, so when I posted it on TikTok, I was surprised how many people related to it. I’m pleased my music has been able to help people realise they deserve better treatment than a situationship where you have to question if someone really likes you.
Congratulations on your new EP, Summer With U! Can you tell us a bit about the EP, the title track, and the sound you’ve gone for?
Thank you! I am so excited to have some happy songs out in the world! The title track Summer With U is about meeting someone new and the anticipation for what lies ahead.
How has your music evolved from your earlier tracks to Summer With U?
My songs are like my diary, and up until now, my songs have been the soundtrack to my less-than-perfect love life, but these songs mark a change and a new era in my life and music. I finally know my worth, and these songs are about meeting someone who makes you feel like the best version of yourself and treats you right. It’s a celebration of all that is good in a relationship.
It really feels like a ‘summer anthem’ EP! What’s your ideal setting to accompany this EP… I’m thinking of a beach bar, good cocktails, dancing, sunsets…
I totally agree! My guitarist said this EP is the soundtrack to a summer’s day. The first track, Summer With U, is for waking up and having coffee in the sun. The second track, Tranquilo, would be perfect for a rooftop bar, salsa dancing with a glass of sangria. The final song, Naked, is for partying into the sunset on the beach with cocktails as things get a little more risqué!
What’s your summer drink/cocktail of choice?
When I wrote Summer With U, it was rosé as the lyric says – I imagined the two of us sitting in the park, sipping rosé til it’s dark. The reality is I actually prefer sangria! Or I’m partial to a spicy margarita now, too!
You chose to sing parts of Tranquilo and Naked in Spanish. Why did you add that element to the songs?
When I first decided to write the EP, I was on holiday in Spain, so I was imagining being there. I also got a first in my Modern Languages degree, and I realised since doing that and becoming a singer I had never used my languages, so I thought it was about time I should!
Could you tell us about the inspiration behind Tranquilo and what Tranquilo means? It has very sexy, laid-back Latin pop vibes, which I love!
Thank you! When I got an email from Dan, the guy I wrote Tranquilo with, saying he wanted to write together, he signed his email off in Spanish and said he lived in Madrid. When we were in the studio, I told him I wanted to write a song inspired by my love of reggaeton music, which we did! The song is about being with someone who is chilled out, laid back, and loves you for who you are.
You co-wrote Naked with Tom Wigley. Can you tell us more about that track?
Yes, Tom and I went to uni together. We actually wrote this song while we were there. We did Spanish together, and once we graduated, we decided to change the second verse to Spanish – which was harder than you’d think because you can’t just directly translate from one language to another. I love working with people I’ve known and trusted for a long time, and Tom, aside from being very talented, is one of those people.
This EP centres around a new relationship. How did your boyfriend react to the tracks?
He was happy that I finally started writing songs about him! He said he loves being the muse!
Your music is authentically autobiographical. Is it nerve-wracking being so open? Have you ever had any comments from the people that your songs are about?
I think songwriting should be completely honest, or people can see through it. People say my songs are relatable because I don’t hold anything back – they’re literally my diary. I know that when I release these songs, they’re helping people get through what they’re going through in their relationships, so it doesn’t scare me. I have had comments, but mainly good ones. The people that the songs are about all know they are about them. The guy from The Guy I Never Dated even messaged me saying he thought it was a banger, which I found quite amusing!
Out of all of your songs, which one for you was the most personal and why?
My song Dear Mum. I wrote it for her birthday, and although it is very personal to me and her, I decided to release it – people seemed to really relate to it. It’s now my third biggest song, and I’ve had so many messages from people thanking me, which warms my heart. My mum has been my rock throughout everything. I finally sang it live to her for the first time ever at my headline show, and it was quite an emotional moment!
Touching on social media, I feel like platforms like TikTok are great for upcoming artists, but there are drawbacks. What has your experience with social media been like since your following grew?
Personally, TikTok has been really great for me. It allowed an unsigned artist to reach millions of fans just by sitting in my car and singing songs I wrote in my bedroom. I don’t know where I’d be if it hadn’t been for TikTok. You’re right though, it does have its drawbacks. It’s important to remember social media isn’t always 100% real – it’s really a highlight reel of people’s lives. Negative comparison and doom scrolling are to be avoided!
You’ve toured with some big names. Which tour have you learned the most from?
I think the tour with BLUE taught me the most. We were on the tour bus with them, which was not only great fun, but I also got to chat with them about their journey and navigating the music industry. They gave some great advice, and watching such seasoned experts perform every night taught me a lot!
Your summer 2023 looks epic! Can you tell us more about the festivals you’ve performed at? Which has been your favourite?
It has been epic! My favourite was Oceanfest. I was on the main stage with my band, and it was a beautiful day with the most stunning view from any stage I’ve ever performed on, overlooking the ocean in Devon. The crowd loved it, and I met fans afterward, which was lovely.
You headlined your own show at The Grace at the end of August – how was that? Were you nervous at all?
I did! I wasn’t actually that nervous because it was a sold-out show, and I knew that every person in the crowd had bought a ticket to sing my songs with me and have a good time. Unlike supporting, where you have to win over a crowd, I knew everyone was rooting for me, so I was just excited to be in a room with everyone. It didn’t disappoint, and the energy was electric.
Do you have a memorable fan interaction?
The first time someone properly cried when they met me was surreal. It was at Mello Festival, and she saw me perform the year before, but she was so overwhelmed when she met me this year that she teared up! I’ll never forget that! Either that or when someone had my name and lyrics permanently tattooed on their arm!
After such a whirlwind summer, how are you feeling about Autumn? Do you have plans to wind down, or is it still a bit hectic?
I’m excited to spend more time in the studio and write more. I’ve done so many gigs recently, which has been awesome, but I’m looking forward to having some chill time. I’m also going to South America with my boyfriend, which will give me some content to write about!
Can we expect more new music soon?
I’m working on an album that I’ll probably release next year! Keep your ears peeled!
