Renowned singer/author Cae LaShawn, whose versatile voice spans genres, invites us on an intimate journey through the inspirations and experiences that have defined the start of her musical career.
Can you tell us about your musical journey since you started performing in 2011, and how it has evolved over the years?
Yes! My musical journey has definitely had its ups and downs. I usually don’t write, record or sing unless I really feel it. That’s one of the reasons why I love being an indie artist so much. Is because I’m not forced to create when I don’t feel it. For the most part, it has evolved from into a place of intentionality. Even when I don’t necessarily ‘feel’ it, I think about what someone else may be going through and I’m able to start writing. Being an indie artist is surely not for the weak, on either the creative side or the business side. But it is an everlasting process. I can say that I am thoroughly enjoying the experience of it.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and who are some of your biggest musical influences?
I have always loved singing, but the inspiration in actually pursing music I have to credit to my grandmother, Ms. Harriet Thomas and Cleveland’s own R&B phenomenon, Avant. It’s one thing to just love singing, but it’s a whole different ball game to dive into the full music game. Had it not been for my grandmother pushing me to embrace my gifts and then being able to actually sing with and share my gifts with Avant himself, I’m not sure if I ever would have. The music game is absolutely a beast in itself, but I know I can face it and conquer it having the motivation I’ve been given, my work ethic and my discipline. As far as my musical influences, I would have to say I contribute them to the likes of Avant, Victoria Monet, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Etta James, Fantasia Barrino, Jazmine Sullivan, Erykah Badu, and even Ari Lennox and Summer Walker. These women have paved the way and continue to influence me in everything that I do both personally and musically.
Could you share some memorable moments from your performances at private parties, intimate concerts, and small events in Ohio?
Absolutely! There was a performance that I did, where I was requested to sing Fantasia’s 2004 release “Baby Mama.” I relate to some songs in a personal sense and this is one of them. I felt certain parts of this song so strongly that I began to cry during my performance. And as I looked out into the audience, there were a number of women crying too. I connected with them during that moment, not only from the lyrics of the song, but what they meant for a lot of us, and they connected with me. That was definitely a moment and a feeling I won’t forget.
Your upcoming debut album, “Heart On My Sleeve,” has generated quite a buzz. Can you give us a glimpse into the themes and emotions you explore in this album?
Of course! The emotions on this album are crazy lol “Heart On My Sleeve” is just that! Everything I have ever gone through with relationships and family and fake friends I have put into my music. I am literally wearing my heart on my sleeve and saying what most don’t want to. The theme behind it is giving a “I-don’t-need-my-lick-back-because-you’re-going-to-hurt-more-without-me” type of vibe. We all go through things in life and the “Lick back” culture is something fierce in this generation. A lot of us are cancelling folks out, but we’re not acknowledging the trauma and the damage left behind, so I do speak on those things in my music.
Being a Cleveland native and later moving to Columbus, Ohio, how have these two cities influenced your music and your artistic journey?
Wow! Yes, Cleveland has influenced me in a way that I never imagined it could. I never realized until just recently how many greats have come from my hometown. Not only from a musical aspect, but a personal aspect as well. Knowing that artists like Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (of course), Tracy Chapman, The Dazz Band, Bobby Womack and Kid Cudi have hailed from the same place as me, it gives me more hope and faith that I can make my mark in the music world too. Cleveland has been known and labeled a lot of things, but I don’t believe it gets the proper recognition in terms of cultivating great artists. I feel as though Columbus is the same. There are a lot of great artists here and they are greatly influential in what I am striving to do in my musical and artistic journey because seeing for myself how hard they work at their craft, makes me work just that much more and harder at mine. It makes you hungry
Your music is often described as a blend of R&B, Soul, and Neo-Soul. How do you infuse your unique twist and signature melodies into these genres?
I’m always trying something new. I feel like if it doesn’t stand out, it won’t be heard. And I have to feel it. Not just hear it. When I run a song back or when I’m writing, if it doesn’t make the hair on the back of my neck stand up, it’s a ‘no-go’. I’m not just delivering something to make your feet tap or your hips sway. I need you to tap into the lyrics and really hear what I’m saying. I need to touch your heart and relate to what you’re going through. That’s what R&B is about for a lot of us. Soul and Neo-Soul is an added bonus of that. They’re eclectic influences that set the tone for that R&B that we crave from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. I had to tap into who I am in order to find my own sound and incorporate them into these genres. I’m always changing, evolving and progressing. So I enjoy being able to create various vibes that I know people will love.
Can you share some of the challenges you’ve faced as an independent artist and how you’ve overcome them on your artistic journey?
There are always challenges you’ll face as an independent artist. The way I look at it, is either I’m going to allow myself grace, pull up my big girl panties and keep going or I’m going to allow myself excuses to quit and give up on my dreams. I’ve faced it all throughout my artistic journey…doubt, fear, lack of support, lack of discipline and motivation, exhaustion and financial stretching. The reality of it is, as an independent artist, you have to do it all. You wear multiple hats. It is hard work. You sacrifice. You sacrifice time with family, sleep, and fun, among other things, but the journey is well worth it.
What do you hope to convey to your audience through your music, particularly in terms of relatable, soul-engaging experiences?
What I hope to convey to my audience through my music is that they are not alone. That we are all human out here living life that truly is “lifing” for everyone at the moment. I understand the heartache, the frustrations, the sadness that we experience sometimes. A lot of us are ‘SGs’……..we’re ‘Sensitive Gangstas’ so we won’t show our emotions or even think to reach out and tell anyone what we’re going through, so through my music, I’m doing that for them—for us—all the Sensitive Gangstas lol We all have a soul and it needs touched and soothed sometimes no matter how much we hate to admit it. It’s okay to not be okay… That’s the message. We don’t have to be tough all the time. Hurt people, hurt people and sometimes even the best of people get the short end of the stick. We can’t be afraid to keep going, though. To keep loving, to keep striving or to keep being ourselves because we’ve been hurt. I just hope for people to “feel” when they listen to my music.
How has your personal life, including experiences with love, family, and life’s ups and downs, shaped your songwriting and lyrical expression?
My personal experiences in life have definitely given more meaning to my songwriting and lyrical expression. I started out in my songwriting with poetry. That’s essentially what a song is, is a poem. But my life’s experiences have given my songwriting more depth. So I’m not writing a song and recording it “just” because it sounds good. I’m giving something to my listeners that is actually relatable. Something that will let them know and make them feel like, “Oh okay, girl, I know what you mean. Say that -ish!” Most of the world uses music as an expression when they aren’t quite sure how to feel. When we’re sad, when we’re happy, when we’re celebrating, and even going through heartbreak…we use music as a cure. As a means to express and relate to how we’re feeling in that moment. From heartbreak to family trauma and drama, I’ve felt it all. So I’m excited to share my music that has been shaped by my experiences.
Are there any collaborations or dream projects you’d like to pursue in the future?
Oh my God, yes! I would absolutely love to work with Missy Elliot, Timbaland, Usher, H.E.R., Erykah Badu, Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, Bruno Mars and the list goes on. There are so many greats that I would love to collaborate with, but I am manifesting that I will. So be sure to look out for me.
Be’n Original
