Formula Indie Sessions – Interview with Casshan
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
Besides cultural melodies like “Happy Birthday” songs etc that I know subconsciously effect us all… I think my first conscious memories with music were really videogame soundtracks, and anime soundtracks. Games like “The Legend of Zelda”, and “Chrono Trigger” had music that I revisit to this day. Even “Star Wars” theme music. Film played a big part also.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I really have an extreme passion for writing that extends into music. Literature has always been my first love.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
Neo-Human Casshan seeks refuge in deep space amidst his unending quest to liberate humanity from the tyrannical army of robots controlling the world. Due to his nature of being solar-powered, he naturally seeks close proximity with the Sun, and explores new; potentially more hospitable worlds for subjugated mankind.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music
before?
Hip-hop that is intentional, soulful, and evocative – it’s made for the listener to discover how deep their capacity to feel goes.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Simplify complex concepts, and to use formulaic approaches in aiding the creative process, not to become enslaved by them.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process? iPhone notes, and google docs.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
“Things Come n Go” by TuesdayNightSwim. It’s a very honest song, and I’ve had the hook cross my mind countless times in life – “how the fuck I’m s’posed to be great?”
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
I’ve learned to make the music meet people where they are. A good teacher can communicate to students of various education levels, and still provide value. I would hope that my music encourages someone who is thinking of committing suicide to live for just one more day. If they play an inspirational song that I’ve made everyday, maybe I can convince them to live for a few more days until they feel more optimistic. Maybe I can buy them some vital hours.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work? To never surrender, and that feeling means you’re a human, so the robot hunter won’t need to come for you.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far? Make your message more palatable. Nobody enjoys taking multivitamins. The gummy versions are enjoyable, though.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at? My dream is to collaborate with Square Enix, and Studio Ghibli on music.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why? That’s difficult. At this moment I’ll say Thom Yorke, although there are many. I love his approach to songwriting, it’s extremely expressive as well as emotional. He has a way of compressing complex feelings, and ideas into ghostly; alluring melodies all while making powerful statements. My favorite Radiohead album is “Myxomatosis”. I am a huge fan of dystopic literature, and when I played the songs “2+2=5”, and “Sit Down. Stand Up”, I was absolutely blown away.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Instagram @iamcasshan, linktr.ee/casshan, all streaming platforms, too.
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
My dream is to collaborate with Square Enix, and Studio Ghibli on music. I would like artwork from Yoshitaka Amano. I would love to collaborate with Lupe Fiasco.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way? I want them to know that I have left everything on the table, and that my pockets are empty.
