Cassandre McKinley
By Alex Teitz
Cassandre Mckinley is a Boston-based jazz singer-songwriter. Cassandre interprets covers from smooth and sensual to bold and daring. She is also not afraid to sing her own music. Her latest CD is Stay the Night and can be found at cassandremckinley.com
FEMMUSIC: Describe your songwriting technique?
CM: Mostly, it’s important I write about something I believe in, something I’ve had experience with. I start with a simple melody and after listening to it, humming it thousands of times over, a memory or a moment I’ve experienced will instantly come to mind. Once the visual meets the melody, the lyrics come naturally.
FEMMUSIC: What was the biggest challenge making your current CD?
CM: Creating a project that would identify with each and every listener. Stay The Night is an album that is meant to tease, mellow, excite, relax…. I wanted the album to be like a good sexual experience…. slow and easy one minute – fun and free the next.
FEMMUSIC: What was the best experience making your current CD?
CM: The “magic” that was created in the studio. There were moments when each of us were performing from another place, almost unconscious. When we would listen back, the takes were unbelievable! Herb Pomeroy would open a tune setting the perfect mood and the rest of us opened up and let it go!
FEMMUSIC: Who have been your musical mentors?
CM: from an overall musical stand point, Marvin Gaye is my biggest influence. Other influences include Dinah Washington, Nancy Wilson, Al Jarreau, George Benson, Cat Stevens, Shirley Horn and Judy Garland. Each of these artists has helped shape my style as an artist, vocalist, writer and performer.
FEMMUSIC: What one thing have you learned that has helped build you audience?
CM: I’ve learned that the only way to build your audience to speak to them through your music. Tell them a story – about yourself. Open up to them and they will open up to you.
FEMMUSIC: What one thing would you like to change about the music industry?
CM: I wish very much that the music industry was about the music. Not what the musicians look like, who was wearing what to the Grammys, how many records were sold, etc. It’s all very artificial, which is why the music has become the same in many respects.
FEMMUSIC: As a woman in the music industry, have you been discriminated against?
CM: Sure. I’ve had some experience with being treated like I’m just another “chic singer”. It’s nothing new and is an obstacle you learn to deal with. The bigger challenge is not allowing it to confine you or “define” you.
FEMMUSIC: What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?
CM: Don’t rush in. Time and experience are the most valuable assets you can offer to your audiences and to your music. It’s important not to introduce your music to the world until you’ve had some time to nurture it. You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
FEMMUSIC: What are your plans for the future?
CM: I plan to continue making music simply and honestly – to never to be satisfied – and to share whatever gifts I may have with the rest of the world.