We were lucky to catch up with Caitin Cusack recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Caitin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
My parents raised me to be kind and instilled in me the importance of serving others. My Mom had a big personality and strong leadership skills – but she also had a quiet warmth that invited others into her world. In conversations, she could make someone feel like they were the only person in the room. She was a great listener and encourager. I like to think I got those qualities from her and that I use them in my daily life, and also in my music.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Michigan musician Caitlin Cusack’s life took a profound turn following a life-changing brain injury and the loss of her parents. Amid the challenges of her recovery, Caitlin discovered healing through songwriting and a sense of purpose in sharing her music to help others navigate their own adversities.
Caitlin’s award-winning music is known for having catchy, singable melodies with vivid storytelling accompanied by piano. Her solo performances can touch hearts while her full band can entertain audiences of all backgrounds with an array of original and popular music ranging in styles from pop to rock.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
On my 26th birthday, I got a concussion that turned my life upside down. It triggered chronic pain and migraines that made it literally hurt to play piano and sing, caused me to lose my jobs, and stripped away life as I knew it.
On my 27th birthday, my Mom unexpectedly passed away from a cancer we discovered only two weeks prior. This was three years after my Dad passed away from battling the rare disease Multiple Systems Atrophy.
The depth of these losses was unbearably dark. But it led me back to music.
As I worked through my brain injury rehabilitation, I started to put my brain back together through songwriting, It helped me heal and brought me joy and purpose. Now I hope sharing my music will bring joy and light to others – even in the darkest times. I know now – the darkness doesn’t last forever.
On my 30th birthday, I released my debut single – “I’ll Be Okay” – an anthem of hope that represents the uphill battle I’ve faced with brain injury and grief, The following year, I released my first EP “Quiet My Mind” that features meaningful songs written during my recovery journey.
My newest release, “The You Carry Me Project” features songs written in honor of my parents, as well as three music videos made in my hometown. It received the Jammie Award for “Best Pop Album” by WYCE Radio in 2025. I was also awarded the Varnum “Against All Odds” Jammie – recognizing me for continuing to create music amidst adversity.
While I still deal with symptoms from the brain injury that at times are debilitating, I continue to push forward in the hopes that my music and story can help someone else navigating difficult times.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
There are so many rewarding aspects of being a musician! I’ve spent my whole life learning the skills needed to be a musician. I find joy in the learning. I find reward in the creating of new music, even further in producing and arranging it into something more. Performing that music live and sharing it with others fosters connections I may not find otherwise – and I think that’s the ultimate reward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.caitlincusackmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlincusackmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caitlincusackmusic/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlincusackmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@caitlincusackmusic
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/caitlincusackmusic
Image Credits
Photos by Mod Bettie, Chelsea Whitaker Photography, and Rachel Siemen.