CASSIE MARIN: “BE YOUR OWN BEST FRIEND”
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Growing up amidst the rise of technology and social media is often draining and tiresome. The constant comparison to others, negativity, envy, and instant-gratification can easily consume one’s energy and make for a disheartening life experience. Not to mention - the constant surveillance we’re under while consuming technology. It’s easy to forget just how eerie it is that we are being watched just as much as we watch other people. Miami raised/LA-based Cassie Marin has taken this into thought and has consequently released two singles titled ‘Everything You Could Want’ and ‘Busy Body’ which are critiques of what it is like to grow up in the age of new technology, always being watched as well as watching.
Having grown up a passionate gymnast and piano-player, exceptional athlete Cassie Marin has honed in on her musical side by releasing an album, EP, and several singles.
Marin spent much of her youth in Miami, FL, practicing as a gymnast with ambitions of competing in the Olympics. After her gymnastics career was cut short at the age of 13 due to a serious accident, she sought comfort in her passion for music. Cassie has used the same tenacity and determination that fueled her Olympic aspirations to the music industry, teaching herself how to produce and write songs which she states helps her feel powerful and independent.
“Everything You Could Want” and “Busy Body” are uniquely resonant and enlightening tracks describing what it’s like to feel stalked and paranoid as a result of the internet and social media, specifically. With lyrics like “Tell me why you stay up at night just to watch me online” and “Where is the feeling you search for outside of yourself?” Marin leans into melancholic synths as she asks her audience to engage in deep reflection which can arguably be extended to scenarios outside of the daunting hole that is the internet, making for a much more existential experience when listening to Marin. Her lyrics may also be interpreted as a cautionary tale, reminding us to always be aware of our surroundings and presence on both the internet and the real world.
Now, Marin is hinting at a possible EP or full length album as well as a tour. With her creative process being what she calls “unpredictable” and stating, “I rarely ever have references while writing my own music”, it’s exceedingly indisputable that Marin’s future and very topical projects are going to be warmly embraced by those who resonate with her message - which is most of us.
Blueprint Zine:
Who are you and what inspired you to start making music? Does your former passion for gymnastics continue to affect/inspire what you do now?
Cassie Marin:
Hi! I’m Cassie Marin and I’m a singer, producer, multi instrumentalist and songwriter. I’m originally from Miami, Florida and now live in Los Angeles, CA. I started playing piano at age 3 and my love for music grew from there. My mother is a classical pianist so she taught me piano when I was younger. Gymnastics was something my parents never really supported me doing; I was encouraged to stick with my ballet classes and piano lessons, but my passion for gymnastics definitely taught me to believe in myself even when others didn’t, and to pursue something I wanted badly enough.
What is your new single ‘Busy Body’ about?
“Busy Body” came to life as a freestyle about social media and the paranoia of being watched. I made it with my friend Devon Corey. It all came together pretty quickly. I was just in the moment. It felt like the song wrote itself.
How did you get into music production and have you faced any challenges being one in LA?
I got into music production after working with producers since I was 15. To be totally transparent, I was inspired to produce for myself after being sexually harassed by multiple producers I was collaborating with during my late teens. I was fed up and just learned to do it for myself, which was an incredibly powerful experience for me.
Has the pandemic helped your music-making and what do you do when you’re not feeling inspired?
I grew up homeschooled so the pandemic felt somewhat familiar to me. I think it was a great period of self reflection and creativity for me. I’m very excited to see things opening up again. I usually seek out nature or spend time with animals. I think that getting away from technology and noise is always beneficial.
Best advice you’ve been given?
Best advice I’ve ever been given is to be your own best friend.
Written for Blueprint Zine
