Casii Stephan: From Shy Beginnings to the Soulful Stage

Casii Stephan, a Minnesota native, has transformed from a shy, reserved individual into a powerhouse of indie-pop meets soul-rock brilliance. Now based in Tulsa, OK, she has carved a niche for herself with a voice that NPR boldly describes as “gorgeously emotive” and draws comparisons to the likes of Florence Welch and Fiona Apple, all while embracing a writing style reminiscent of the legendary Carole King.

But Casii’s journey to musical acclaim wasn’t always paved with confidence. Growing up timid and uncertain about her voice, she found solace and expression in songwriting at the age of 16, tinkering on the family piano. When she made the move to Tulsa in 2014, it seemed like the end of her musical aspirations. However, a friend’s encouragement sparked a revival, leading her to continue writing and release music in 2016.

Since then, Casii Stephan’s star has risen, adorned with numerous songwriting accolades, headline tours, and performances at prestigious events like SXSW and Folk Alliance showcases. Billboard and American Songwriter have showered her with praise, recognising the authenticity in her craft.

What sets Casii apart is her fearless approach to songwriting. Her lyrics delve into the depths of her emotions, challenging societal norms such as sexism and ageism. She takes on the mantle of a cultural disruptor, rejecting the notion of “playing nice” as a woman. Through her music, she not only deconstructs her own beliefs but also extends an invitation to listeners to embark on their own transformative journeys.

In her latest single, Casii Stephan takes on the challenge of interpreting Leon Russell’s timeless classic, “A Song for You.” Recorded in a single take at The Church Studio in Tulsa, founded by Russell himself, Casii’s rendition is nothing short of soulful, evocative, and seductive. Reflecting on the experience, she shares, “I believe this song is one of the greatest when it comes to best-written love songs. It’s also just not an easy song to cover.” Recorded in a single take (Take #4), the imperfections become the beauty, mirroring the acceptance described in the song between two lovers.

Casii Stephan’s musical journey is not just about hitting the right notes; it’s about embracing imperfections, challenging norms, and creating an authentic connection with her audience. As she continues to evolve, there’s no doubt that Casii Stephan is not just a singer-songwriter; she’s a voice of change in the indie-pop meets soul-rock landscape.

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