We recently connected with COUS and have shared our conversation below.

COUS , 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.

Music and performing have always been in my life in one form or another. I was in the school musicals/plays growing up and played a few gigs when I was in high school and college. I went to college at CU Boulder and after graduating did the whole 9-5 desk job life for a couple years in the completely unrelated field of African safari tourism (photo safaris only – conservation > hunting). I co-founded and played in the electro-soul project No Touch during this time as well. Once I started playing more shows and then released my debut EP ‘Peripatetic’ under Cous in late 2019, I just felt like this is it for me. I realized I wanted to go after a career in music, which in hindsight was impeccable timing considering what the next couple years would hold. Since then I’ve been nurturing and working on Cous. It’s a tall and sometimes intimidating ladder to climb in the music industry, but I’m incredibly fortunate and privileged to be along for this ride through all the ups and downs.

COUS , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Cassie Wilson, but I go by the moniker Cous. I am a Denver based Americana/indie-folk singer-songwriter. My story as a musician started when I was just a youngin’. My mom used to take me and my sisters to a bunch of musicals and plays growing up; that’s where my love for performing really started. The energy that is so tangible and captivating in a live performances just swallowed me up. No shame, I think I learned every song and dance in the musical Cats by the age of 5. I taught myself piano in elementary school by stealing my sisters lesson books then just kind of Youtube’d my way through learning guitar in middle/high school.

I’ve been in a few different projects, but I started Cous about 2 & 1/2 years ago. I’ve released an EP and 2 singles thus far under the project. It’s given me the opportunity to play some incredible venues alongside killer artists. A huge show I’m looking forward to this year will be my debut at Red Rocks on October 3rd with Caamp and Futurebirds. To say I’m excited is an understatement. It will be a real full circle moment for me having grown up 10 minutes away from the venue and seen countless shows there.

I am currently working on my debut album which I am extremely excited for and proud of. It will be released in late 2022. Instrumentally and vocally, it’s really grown from the style of my first EP and is more full bodied and dynamic than my previous work. I’ve had the pleasure of building it with my cousin, close friend and wizard of a musician/producer Matt Vinson (The Wonderfool, Caamp bassman), who I’ve had the honor of recording ‘Peripatetic’ and “Hazy Daisies” with as well. He is nothing short of the best of them and I can’t wait for people to hear what we’ve been cooking up!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

A really rewarding aspect of being an artist is when a song or performance genuinely resonates with someone. Some of my music is just story telling, but other songs are really first hand lived experiences put into melodies. If I can help someone jump back to a certain time, place or emotion, it’s humbling to experience that human connection and mutual understanding.

Also, as a female in the music industry I hope to be an encouragement to the other females out there interested in picking up an instrument or pursuing music. You may spend hours in your bedroom fumbling through writing and learning songs but when you get it, it’s the most rewarding feeling. You’ve got nothing to lose but a whole lot of ‘what ifs,’ so go for it!

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

One thing that comes to mind in the music realm is showing up for openers at concerts. We are blessed (fingers crossed) to be having live music happening in full force again. When you go to see that band you’ve been waiting to see, show up a bit early and catch the openers set. Headliners chose who gets to open for them so they themselves are trying to support that opener. You may just find your new favorite band and be a big piece of that artists growth!

Additionally, be that friend who is always sharing new music or concert recs. Tell someone you just met about this band they should be listening to. Share songs on social media. In this age were there is so much music out there and available on all these platforms, being a music ambassador can go a long way. Also, Bandcamp is a great way to support artists! They still take a cut but more money will go to the artist compared to many other streaming platforms.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cousmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cousmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cousmusicofficial
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHeKaYuOBasNms1VllCPeEw
• Other: Bandcamp: https://cousmusic.bandcamp.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6JLhxc1TLlQQ9RieDIOZRQ?si=NAPi-pOwRx-9GBJLVur1uw Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/cous/1481225007

Image Credits
Chris Weir, Juli Williams