We recently connected with Casii Stephan and have shared our conversation below.
Casii, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I never thought a creative career was possible for me. It wasn’t until someone believed in me that I thought there was even a chance. As time moved on and I got therapy and started to believe in myself, I had more confidence in stating that “Yes. I would like a creative career and it’s okay to want that.”
Casii, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a singer-songwriter based in Tulsa, OK. I write from the depth of my emotions. I hope my lyrics are honest and universal with a bite and a little bit of hope mixed in. I write as a pushback on the ideals of sexism and ageism in the culture and within my own head.
I also love to perform around the country. I tour regionally through the Midwest, West, and South and have played showcases at SXSW, Folk Alliance, Independent Music Awards, and the We Found New Music Showcase in LA.
I’ve been profiled in Billboard and American Songwriter for my recorded work and songwriting.
I hope to keep growing as an artist, performer, and creative.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
This is a multifaceted one. There’s a lot within the music industry ecosystem that doesn’t pay the artists well. Touring is one example. You either get a venue that recognizes what you bring to the table and pays your most or all of the door. Or you get a venue that decides it gets more than half of the door and if they’re really greedy, they get part of your merch sales too and we don’t see any part of bar sales. It’s a little messed up. I know this won’t change overnight, but I believe awareness of what’s going on is a good first step.
If you do want to support your local artist, buy the ticket, buy the T-shirt, or if you can’t afford that, share on socials. It all adds up and matters.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Nothing beats the feeling of performing a song and having someone come up and say “That’s my story.” I feel like I’ve done my job as a songwriter and got my gold star for the day. Lol.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.casiistephan.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/casiistephan
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/casiistephan
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwoZAY8zLXEpaMDzkbK5vww
Image Credits
Fivish