What is your name?
Cassie Boettcher. Boettcher is like “betch your bottom dollar.”
What is your genre of music?
Sad girl singer-songwriter songs usually written in 6/8 time signature. (My producer Gene and I were joking about the last part earlier… I never realized it until we played through a few tunes. Guess I subconsciously like that tempo.)
Give us a little bio about you.
Los Angeles based, Milwaukee born girl who loves sad songs, breakfast food, and speaks Japanese.
What made you go in to music?
I sang in a lot of choirs growing up. I listened to a ton of music, especially in my teens, and I would just naturally gravitate to songs that told stories. Songs that made me feel like I wasn’t alone. My high school choir director, Mr. Goede, said something to me that has resonated with me forever, “music brings people together,” which is the truest thing in the world. It heals us. We connect to each other. Music is the best.
Are you signed?
No, but pursuing a publishing deal is an interest of mine.
You have a new your single set to release, tell us more about the single.
I just released my first single off the album, He Feels. I wrote it about 5 years ago and never thought it would get released. But the producer I worked with, Mark McKee, thought it was a good tune and that it was worth recording. So we did and it’s one of my favorite tracks.
What is the meaning behind the single.
It’s mostly about a relationship that never happened because the guy I was into wouldn’t admit how he felt. Even though I could just tell. Sometimes as girls we can just tell, you know?
Describe the track in two words.
Heartbreak song.
What was the writing process like?
Quick. When I write a song alone, I tend to write it all in one sitting. I get so in the zone that I just want to get it all out there while I’m feeling it.
What was the recording process like?
Super fun! Fast. We got the vocals down in only a few takes which was awesome.
Who did you work with on the single with?
Producer Mark McKee. He’s an amazing musician and did guitars, piano, and so much more. We had a drummer, Kiel Fehrer, come in to do the drums. He worked on 3 tracks on this record and he’s super talented and knows just what a song needs.
You also have your EP ‘More Than That’, tell us more about the EP.
It’s my baby. I’ve never been more excited to put something out there. I was thinking about how vulnerable, and sometimes scary, it feels to put songs out there, when I realized that this is what we do as storytellers. But these tracks and experiences don’t define me. They just make up a part of me. And I’m so much more than that.
Who did you work on the EP with?
A few different producers here in Los Angeles. Gene Micofsky, Mark McKee, and Wayne Miller. Josh Valle and Kiel Fehrer contributed as well. All amazingly talented and great people that I can’t recommend more.
Describe each track in two words.
He Feels: Broken heart
Someone Else Was Here: Another girl
Wasting Away: Giving up
Song for Lucas: Playboys… ugh
…Baby One More Time: Britney Spears
Do you have any shows coming up or a tour in planning?
I have a March 15th record release show at the Hotel Cafe in Hollywood. Hoping to tour later this year as well!
If so where will you be heading?
My friend Sadie Hart and I have been planning a little west coast tour this spring. My friend Jeff Brown and I have been wanting to do Europe forever as well, but that might be closer to next year.
What else can we expect in 2019?
More tunes. Writing for the next record. Recording later this year if all goes well. Shows. Making people sing along every time I play “…Baby One More Time.”
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any upcoming artists?
I’ve been writing with a lot of great artists here and am hoping to keep doing so. Would love to release some of the songs we’ve written.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? And who would they have to contact?
Yes! Contact me directly via my website.
Do you play any instruments?
Guitar. Sometimes I act like I can play ukulele and piano but I’m really not good.
Who are your influences?
Colbie Caillat & Jason Reeves, Ingrid Michaelson, Sara Bareilles. Right now I’m super into Ruston Kelly, Phoebe Bridgers, Ben Rector, and the new Maren Morris album.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Usually when driving, in the shower, when taking a walk. Driving is the main one. Traffic in LA sucks.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 years?
Making music. Being in Los Angeles, my favorite place in the world. Probably still pining after boys that I can’t have and writing songs about it. Hopefully I’ll own a small fluffy dog at that point.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I’m a freelancer in entertainment in Los Angeles. I’m currently working for the Japanese movie studio Toho and it’s a blast.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more into the music scene?
Probably “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson. I had this huge Kelly Clarkson phase in my life where I was super into her. I’ll always be into Kelly’s music, who isn’t? That song was the first one I learned on guitar so it’ll always be special. I still remember buying the physical sheet music to learn the song. This was before stuff was online. I feel old.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
It’s so cliche, but I remember sitting down and talking with my mom while in high school. I was so conflicted and confused about everything, but she would just tell me to follow my heart and do what I feel is calling me. She’s the best listener I know, gives the greatest advice, and always knows what to say. That’s a main reason why I chose to pursue a career as a creative. My parents have always supported and encouraged my craziest dreams and they’re the absolute best support system in the world. Plus they put up with said Kelly Clarkson phase.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Do your thing. Do what you feel called in your heart to do. Write what you want to write. Eff the haters. I said the full f-word in the interview the other day. I never do that. Whoops.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“If it’s not a firm yes, it’s a no.” This has never not been true in my life.
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
My hometown of Mequon, Wisconsin is the best. Virmond Park is one of my favorite places. When I was in high school and college, my friends and I used to climb down the hill to the beach and dip our toes in Lake Michigan and then go eat Chinese food at a restaurant close by. I would also go there to write from time-to-time, as, for a year I studied at a university a mile away.
You’re coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first?
Home! Then probably to Trader Joe’s while still in my pajamas.
2/ Who do you see first?
My awesome roommate Alexis.
3/What do you eat first?
Thai food at my favorite spot in LA, Love2Eat! Or my roommate and I probably get Indian delivered.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Myself, a capo, red lipstick, business cards, and to get a beer at the bar before I go on stage.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
audrey rodriguez
March 18, 2019 at 9:28 pm
You go girl!!!! You’ll make it happen because you are sooooo talented! Love you to the moon and back!