Cassandra Coleman Talks about Love, Loss and Musical Expression

Words by Megan Eppolito

The newest powerhouse, Cassandra Coleman, graced the Tito’s stage of Austin City Limits (ACL) on Friday of Weekend 2. Indie/Alt had the honor of sitting down with the Nashville-based singer to talk about her experience at the festival and what her music means to her. For new listeners who are just discovering her music, Coleman describes her sound as indie-pop and gets compared to musicians between Fleetwood Mac, Maggie Rogers, and Adele. “I don’t feel worthy of any of those [musicians], but I feel like it’s the easiest way to help people narrow in because they have so many genres these days,” says Coleman. Some even compare the singer to Florence and the Machine. “I feel like I’ve been referenced with her too. I think the red hair and the fact that we both perform barefoot, and she has a really strong voice. To me, every person anyone [references me with], I’m honored.” 

She gained increased recognition after her collaboration with producer Jack Antonoff. Antonoff co-produced her debut single “Coming of Age” alongside Scott Krueger. Antonoff’s band Bleachers served as Coleman’s backing band for the recording at Electric Lady Studios in New York. The release of the song helped launch Coleman signing to Warner Records. Following her single, she released her debut EP End of Your Love, which built momentum for live shows, including festival performances. She credits Antonoff for kickstarting her journey to ACL. “It was Jack hearing ‘Coming of Age’ that was a big moment for me. Once people knew that Jack wanted to work with me, maybe in some ways that attached some level of credibility,” the singer says. “I think it is really magical when you stumble upon the right person because it can help you create in a way that feels honest and true to who you are, and that’s what makes it grow.”

Coleman gained inspiration to pursue music through creative expression and internal emotions. “I feel like emotions are so bottled up within me that the only way to spill out is through music,” Coleman says. “I feel like I’m often not good at articulating what I want to say, and music helps me express those emotions that are hard to say out loud or put into words.” 

Reflecting on End of Your Love, Coleman states that the project embodies moving into a new era. “A lot of the songs are about endings and having peace with the end,” says Coleman. “All of those endings for me were in my past way of life, past experiences that held me to a version of myself that doesn’t resonate with who I am now.” She wants listeners to feel seen through her music and find a connection with it. She also wants listeners to know more music is on the way. “I’m talking about endings; I think that implies beginnings are coming as well.” 

The opportunity to perform at ACL Tito’s tent has brought a sense of excitement and momentum. For the Nashville-based singer, festivals are hit or miss. With many overlapping artists on a lineup, it can be hard to know what to expect with the size of the crowd. The ACL turnout did not disappoint. “We were blown away by the response we had and the amount of people there,” the singer explains. “We had a great time. It’s always beautiful to be a part of festivals. I love the thrum of energy that’s pulsing through the air and knowing everybody is a lover of music. Knowing I get to be a part of the festival that gives music is a gift.”

Coleman’s favorite song is the title track of her EP “End of Your Love.” It stands out for the singer because of the vulnerability it carries. She expresses that the track holds significant meaning. Coleman aims for listeners to find connection with her music and know that they are not alone. “I struggled with the feeling that I am not worthy of the love I’ve been given.” The singer explains. “I think there are a lot of people who struggle with that feeling. I just hope [listeners] feel seen through [the music] and know that there are a lot of people who struggle with feeling like they are unlovable. We know in our heart of hearts that it’s not true, but it’s okay to voice that. We are so quick to have answers to everything, and sometimes people just need to sit in that emotion and that sadness. They don’t need a solution. To me, End of Your Love [expresses that] I’m not trying to find the solution for the listener. It’s sitting in that. It’s so powerful to be honest.” 

Coleman looks forward to her upcoming headlining tour. “I would love to meet people in person, find the faces behind the people who have helped make this dream a reality, to get [music] to be my career that I get to do now,” Coleman says. She is also working on a new EP that fans can look forward to. “I just so happen to be sitting on songs that I’m excited about.” Keep Cassandra Coleman on your radar for new music and tour dates. 

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