Before we dive in, we’re excited to introduce Sofar Voices, where we spotlight different members of the Sofar community — or the Sofam, as we like to call it. In each edition, you’ll get to know fans, artists, crew, curators… you name it. If they’re involved in creating the Sofar magic, they’ve got a story to tell, and we’re here to share it. Enjoy!
Cassianne’s journey with Sofar started behind the scenes in London, where she first joined as a crew member and quickly became a fan of both the talent onstage and the team making the magic happen. Eventually, she stepped into the spotlight herself—bringing her fearless, genre-blending sound and undeniable presence to Sofar audiences across the city. Whether she’s MC’ing a show or performing a track off her upcoming album, Cassianne brings a sense of joy, power, and truth that’s impossible to ignore. From a birthday performance at one of Europe’s biggest festivals to an unforgettable wine-glass-drop moment during a Sofar show, Cassianne’s story is all about embracing the unexpected and showing up as your truest self.
Tell us about your connection to Sofar!
I was a crew member first, and I became a huge fan just by witnessing the talent and the dedication of the crew behind producing and organizing every show to perfection. I became a fan of both the crew and the artists alike. It’s not an easy task to curate events that people want to keep coming back to time and time again. Seeing how the audience leaves feeling elated every time I MC and knowing they feel like a part of the event brings me so much joy.
I then started performing with Sofar, and being able to connect authentically with a crowd of people is such a beautiful experience. Sofar allows artists to be their authentic selves, and that is all an artist could ask for.
Love how your path with Sofar has unfolded—being part of the team and now inspiring from the stage. Describe your sound in one sentence.
My music is eclectic, a fearless fusion of raw lyricism, hypnotic rhythms, and genre-blending soundscapes that challenge norms, ignite emotions, and celebrate authenticity; my music creates rebels.
That’s incredible! Since you’ve lived in a few different places, what’s something that truly surprised you when you moved to London?
The biggest culture shock was how expensive it is. I knew because people told me, but I didn’t know—lol. Another shock was how vast London is. It’s massive! I love exploring, going on little walks, and discovering hidden gems—secret streets, hideaways, or a mom-and-pop restaurant nestled in a corner. It’s a magical place. Living here feels like being in my little show, like The Good Place or The Truman Show—only it’s the matrix, and I’m fully aware I’m in it but enjoying it nonetheless—haha.
Love that you’ve turned the city into your adventure. What advice would you give someone who’s trying to rebuild their life and career in a brand new place?
Just do the damn thing because you’ll never know unless you take a Leap of Faith—title of a track off my next album, lol. But also, make sure you have some savings first because, unfortunately, we live in a world where cash rules everything around us—yeah, dollar dollar bills, y’all.
The music world gets labeled as competitive a lot—what’s been one of your biggest challenges as an artist?
Gatekeepers! I don’t think the industry is competitive at all. I think the music industry tricks us into believing it is by letting in only a few and making it seem inaccessible. Then they dangle record deals and celebrities in our faces, giving us something to aspire to. But true lovers of music know that everyone is different and unique in their way. Even if artists are inspired by others, we each have our own beautiful interpretations of what music sounds like, feels like, and how it’s expressed—uniquely to us.
This renders the idea of competition null and void because true competition only exists when people are doing the same thing—like in sports, where the goal is to win by running a race or playing a game to reach the same target. But music, art, and creativity? They are all vastly different depending on the individual and the only goal their is, is the one we set for ourselves to grow and evolve into better versions of us through our art. Or at least I hope so.
Yet, because the music industry is driven by money, it tricks artists into thinking they compete with one another, fighting for a nonexistent “top.” Not me, though. I just want to create. I’ve always wanted to create. And I do create music that touches lives, liberates people, and allows them to be free in who they are. Music that lasts lifetimes and breaks through generations.
This is such a powerful perspective. Love the way you framed music as a space of freedom and evolution. Has there been a moment in your journey where you thought, “This is why I do this”?
Yes! When I performed at my first big festival in Lärz, Germany, with my band, it was at Fusion Festival—one of the most incredible places I’ve ever experienced. It was pure magic.
I was booked to perform twice on my birthday. I opened the day at 2 a.m. with a crowd of over 700 people who were going wild with me, and then I closed the day at 11 p.m. with just about the same number of people. Everyone was free, being themselves, allowing themselves to be fully immersed in the music. It was magical.
Funniest or weirdest thing that’s happened at a Sofar show you worked or played?
The funniest moment was at my Sofar High Key show at Buffini Chao Deck. I called an audience member, who was talking while I was performing, up on stage with me. I started singing to him, and the moment I locked eyes with him, his wine glass slipped right out of his hand and shattered… all while I was in the middle of singing a new track called Delulu—lol
Iconic! And finally, if you had to describe Sofar in three words, what would they be?
Fun, Encouraging, Freeing
Thank you, Cassianne, for sharing your story, your truth, and your joy with us. Your energy is magnetic, and we’re so grateful to have you as part of the Sofar fam. Excited to see where your journey takes you next!
