Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: “I grew up with a strong connection to music, largely thanks to my neighbour, who played the piano. I would often visit her house just to play her piano, and over time, my mom noticed my growing interest and enrolled me in lessons. I began learning classical piano, but I always felt drawn to creating my own sound. I loved improvising and experimenting on the keys. My musical influences also come from my childhood memories of watching VHS tapes with my grandfather. He used to play music by artists like Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson, and those songs left a lasting impression on me. One particular song that stood out was Karyn White’s Superwoman. The way that song made me feel—emotionally charged and deeply connected—shaped how I believe music should resonate: it should evoke emotion and connect on a deeper level.”
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Cass DiFonte”?
A: “I plan to use social media as a platform to share my journey—not just as an artist, but as a mom of three girls. I’m balancing work, studying at Berklee Online, and pursuing my dreams while also maintaining a healthy lifestyle through my gym goals. This busy, multi-faceted life provides me with constant inspiration to write songs that encourage others to pursue their dreams, no matter the challenges. I believe my story will strike a chord with many who are juggling similar responsibilities, and through that connection, I aim to grow my fan base. My message is simple: don’t be afraid to reach for your dreams, no matter where you’re starting from.”
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: “Right now, the artists who inspire me the most are Victoria Monet, Charlotte Dos Santos, and Olivia Dean. Both Victoria and Charlotte are incredible musicians who manage to craft beautiful tracks while also being mothers, which really resonates with me. I admire their ability to balance their creative work with family life. I’m also drawn to Olivia Dean’s smooth vocals and down-to-earth personality. She has this way of making listeners feel like she could be their best friend. These are the qualities I hope to bring to my own music—creating a genuine, relatable connection with my audience.”
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Fly Like A Bird.”?
A: “When I co-wrote ‘Fly Like A Bird’ with Jason Aguja, a talented multi-instrumentalist and producer from LA, I wanted the song to appeal to those who feel weighed down by responsibilities, like birds with clipped wings. The song is about acknowledging those struggles, but also about empowerment—encouraging listeners to break free and take flight. It’s a reminder that we all have one life to live, and we shouldn’t let our voices go unheard or our dreams be held back.”
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: “I would describe my sound as ‘sophisti-pop.’ It’s a fusion of pop with influences from soul and jazz, creating a refined, melodic vibe that’s both accessible and emotionally rich.”
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Fly Like A Bird”?
A: “Collaborating with Jason on the writing was an absolute pleasure. He’s an incredibly talented and easy person to work with, so that aspect was seamless. However, recording posed a unique set of challenges. Living in an apartment with three kids and not having a dedicated home studio, I had to be resourceful. I had to identify a time when the house was quiet, and find a space with sufficient sound isolation. As a result, I ended up recording my vocals in the bathroom during the early morning hours to capture the best possible sound.”
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: “The message of my music is about empowering listeners to pursue their passions and take flight with their dreams. My goal as an artist is to inspire others by showing them that it’s possible to achieve success while balancing various aspects of life—whether it’s work, study, raising a family, or nurturing a music career—all while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If I can do it, I believe others can too.”
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: “Michael Jackson is my dream collaborator. I have an immense admiration for his extraordinary musicianship, and the way he was able to create music that touched the world. I would love the opportunity to work with him, not only to learn from his creative process but also to witness how he approached crafting music that had such a global impact.”
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: “My advice is to stay authentic in your songwriting by sharing your unique story. Focus on creating high-quality sound that reflects your true self and connect with others. Consistency, dedication, and staying true to your vision will always set you apart in this industry.”
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: “I would tell my younger self to trust your instincts and not be swayed by the judgments or opinions of others. Stay focused on your own path and believe in your abilities. You are better than you think you are.”
