Cas Cleo has always found solace in songwriting. From the age of eight, her introspective lyrics and gentle vocals became the foundation of a sound that now blends Dream-Pop and Indie-Rock into a deeply cinematic experience. Now based in Nashville, she continues to refine her artistry, using music not just as an outlet but as a form of storytelling that resonates far beyond her own emotions.
Growing up, Cas Cleo was immersed in a diverse sonic landscape. Her motherâs Celtic music, her fatherâs love for blues and rock, and the early 2000s pop influences of her neighbor all played a role in shaping her musical instincts. These contrasting influences allowed her to develop a sound that is both ethereal and grounded, rich with nostalgia and raw emotion. But songwriting, for Cas, has never been about following trendsâit has always been her way of working through lifeâs complexities. Instead of journaling, she writes music, transforming fleeting moments of introspection into songs that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable.
For Cas, inspiration arrives like a wave, unpredictable and consuming. Songwriting isnât something she forcesâif a song doesnât come together naturally within an hour, she steps away, trusting that her best work flows when itâs meant to. Her process is unorthodox; she never makes demos, preferring to let her initial ideas form in the studio rather than overthinking them beforehand. She and her producer work quickly, capturing the essence of a track in long studio sessions before layering the details that make each song special. She believes that the first instinct is often the right one, an approach that keeps her work organic and emotionally raw.
Her latest project, Retrace Everything, released on June 14, 2024, stands as an evolution of her sound. While her previous work often leaned into melancholic ballads, this EP pushes into new territory with more uptempo, fully realized compositions. One of the standout tracks, born from an experience with a fleeting but meaningful relationship, explores the feeling of âright person, wrong time.â Unlike past songs shaped by heartbreak and disappointment, this one carries a sense of acceptanceâa moment captured and memorialized in art. The lyrics, âmemorialize you in my art,â encapsulate the way Cas processes emotions through music, choosing to document rather than dwell.
Cas Cleoâs music isnât just about melody and lyricsâitâs an atmospheric experience. Inspired by the likes of Daughter, Mazzy Star, and Hope Sandoval, her music carries a cinematic quality that transports listeners into hazy, dreamlike worlds. She gravitates toward cool colors, misty visuals, and nighttime aesthetics, elements that align with the overarching themes of nostalgia, longing, and self-discovery that define her work. Even when her songs feel deeply personal, they remain open to interpretation, allowing listeners to find their own meanings within them.
Her ability to connect with fans goes beyond streaming numbers. Songs like Graves have sparked countless messages from listeners who found solace in her lyrics, whether processing breakups, divorces, or even loss. One fan once approached her in a coffee shop to tell her they had learned all of her songs on guitarâa moment that reaffirmed the impact her music can have.
Balancing artistry with personal life is a challenge, but for Cas, the two are inherently intertwined. Music is ever-present, whether sheâs in the studio, working at a coffee shop with friends, or unwinding with one of her other passionsâstudying Vedic astrology or skiing, a lifelong love since she was two years old.
With upcoming shows in Athens, GA, and Nashville, and dreams of touring in the near future, Cas Cleo is carving out her own lane in the indie music world. Her journey is one of constant evolution, and with each song, she continues to retrace the paths that brought her here, leaving a lasting impression with every note.
STREAM CAS CLEO NEW RECORD: in case you forgot