CASANDRA created her own serene universe with the release of her EP ISLA TRANQUILITA. This Friday, she added onto the dimension with her single “HOURGLASS,” where she holds onto a hope that is more of a constant choice than a natural instinct. Drawing us in slowly, “HOURGLASS” feels like a natural return to this world. With soft vocals and relaxing guitar strings, CASANDRA expands the universe that she started.
CASANDRA is a Miami-born artist that is now based in Los Angeles. Since she was young, she relied on her inner world and imagination to create. She’s been making music for a decade, honing her sound to create a unique romantic and hopeful atmosphere. Her songs are often bilingual with English and Spanish lyrics, as she draws inspiration from her Cuban heritage.
ISLA TRANQUILITA is derived from a word her late great-aunt would say to her when she was overwhelmed: “tranquilita.” For the artist, this was a gentle reminder to breathe. A difficult period in the artist’s life where she encountered health issues and found healing in her art prompted the project. ISLA TRANQUILITA serves as a refuge, a paradisical island where anyone can retreat in stressful times.
The opening track “TRUTH SERUM” begins with slow played piano notes, followed by the artist’s determined voice singing, “Honestly, I’ve been thinking now.” This establishes what will follow as a veritable introspective approach. “PERMANENT MISTAKE” uses metaphoric songwriting to draw the tranquil landscape, with the quiet yet rhythmic sound following through. “WANT VS NEED” dives deeper into the psyche as she explores the dichotomy of conditioning versus genuine desire.
CASANDRA’s duality doesn’t just come through when it comes to lyricism. Her soundsphere dances between R&B, alt-pop and electro. The diverse dimension can be observed on “EXPLICIT,” which follows the quiet progression of the album but shows electro elements that elevate the track. “SOLUTION” also embodies the bright production and intimate storytelling. The title track “ISLA TRANQUILITA” comes to terms with everything that happened. It’s the catalyst in letting go of the weight she’s been carrying.
The EP is only the beginning, as a full-length ISLA TRANQUILITA album will release on July 24. All Too Creative caught up with the artist ahead of the release!
ATC: How did you decide on “TRUTH SERUM” being the opening track?
CASANDRA: “TRUTH SERUM” was written sort of like a confession, and I felt that opening with it put the truth up front so that afterward we could explore together with nothing to hide.
ATC: Having a moment of tranquility is at the core of this EP – what brings you peace?
CASANDRA: The things that bring me peace on a daily basis are nature, my dogs, music, tea and mindfulness. On a life-journey scale, the truth.
ATC: You have a specific aesthetic. What do you look for when searching for the looks that will represent your artistry?
CASANDRA: It’s always back to the foundation of how something makes me feel. When I create music there’s a feeling, and that feeling often has visuals or an aesthetic attached. So, the process is about connecting to that feeling and silencing out any noise around it.
ATC: What atmosphere do you seek to build with this EP?
CASANDRA: A paradisiacal retreat, where the sun and the water are just the right temperature and nature gently offers you exactly what you need. A haven of trust.
ATC: How would you describe the evolution of the narrative line throughout the EP, from the first track to “ISLA TRANQUILITA”?
CASANDRA: It is up to listeners to decide what peace and paradise looks like for them—for me, it is the beach and the forest. The sound of ocean waves and the taste of salt.
ATC: Is there a sound, element or instrument that speaks to you when it comes to production?
CASANDRA: Atmospherically, the harp is often present. I’m obsessed with the sound and texture it embodies. Also the element of water.
ATC: How has your Cuban heritage impacted your perspective on your artistry and music?
CASANDRA: Creating from a real place within me is what I treasure most. My heritage, my lineage, my own journey, and all that I carry in my blood are all there. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what has been most impactful when everything is part of the same body.
ATC: Who would you recommend your music to?
CASANDRA: My art is for all, but it is especially meant for outsiders among outsiders, loners among loners and rebels among rebels. It’s for humans like me who might not really be humans at all.
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