The talented singer and author, Cae Lashawn, known for her incredible versatility across musical genres, is inviting us on a personal journey. Join her as she shares the inspirations and life moments that shaped the beginning of her amazing musical career.
What inspired you to pursue a career in R&B music, and how did you first discover your passion for it?
When all you can think of day and night is music, why not pursue a career in it? I’ve done many things in my life and pursued many different professions, but one thing is for sure, and twice for certain, I am ALWAYS drawn back to music no matter what I do. Like many others, I was born with a gift. I truly believe that we aren’t blessed with our gifts for no reason. I discovered I could sing at around 4 or 5 years old. My mother would always play the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s R&B/Soul every time we rode in the car so I learned a lot of the songs she’d play rather quickly. You know back then, we had cassette players in the car so I would just rewind them over and over again until I could sing them straight through without missing any of the lyrics. Discovering my passion for it….now that was a completely different ball game. I never really discovered that I had a true passion for it until I was about 8 years old. That’s when I performed on stage for the very first time. And ever since then, there’s been nothing that could keep me from it.
Can you share some insights into your creative process? How do you go about writing and composing your songs?
For sure! My creative process is definitely a process lol I have to feel everything that is happening. Everything from the beat to the lyrics to the melody. If I don’t feel it, I don’t believe it’s going to be any good. It can’t just be something that rhymes and just sounds good. It has to be relatable. It has to be real. Most times, I’m writing in relation to something I’m experiencing or have experienced. Or maybe even something someone close to me has experienced. And I’m a poet, so it makes it a little easier for me to get my point across when I do write.
As far as writing and composing my songs, I guess you can say I’m a bit “old school”…I’m a “pen-and-paper” type of girl. I don’t even know if artists still do that anymore lol Everything is so technologically integrated, but I feel more at home expressing myself in ways that I know keep me grounded. Just give me a few pens, a couple of notebooks, my favorite headphones, and a good blanket and we’re in there! lol
R&B has a rich story. Who are some of your musical influences within the genre, and how have they shaped your own style?
R&B has been embedded in my DNA!! It’s been a part of every obstacle I’ve ever faced, every broken heart I’ve ever experienced, and a part of every grieving process I’ve ever healed from. A lot of my biggest musical influences are those that have really pushed me to get where I currently am through their own stories that have been inspiring to me……Fantasia Barrino, Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Prince, Summer Walker, SZA, The Queen Muva Erykah Badu, Tems, Boyz II Men, D’Angelo, Ari Lennox, Lucky Daye, Anita Baker… I mean I could really keep going. But almost if not all of these artists are truly my favorite. I don’t have just one. They all have such a unique sound that there’s no mistaking them when you hear them on the radio or even live and in person. They have inspired me to hone, craft, and embrace my own sound. I don’t sound like Beyonce or any other R&B artist you hear out here and that’s the goal. I bring something to the table and to my sound that no one else has…I bring ME.
Your recent single has gained significant attention. Could you tell us about the inspiration behind that song and what message you hope listeners take away from it?
Heartbreak was definitely the inspiration behind this song lol Initially I would cry for days about it and then I had to remember who I was. Like, “Girl…what are you doing?! Pull it together!!” So it was a message to me about me. It’s about being okay to not be okay, but only for a little while. Heartbreak doesn’t last forever, but there’s always a lesson in the process. After you learn the lesson, pull your big girl panties up and keep it moving. Live in the truth of who you are and what you’ve been through. It will make you stronger. It will make you more self-aware. It will make it clear that you are the ‘ish’ and that no one can take that from you. Everyone doesn’t deserve your energy or to be in your space. What you give is priceless. It can’t be measured. That’s the message.
In the competitive music industry, what do you believe sets you apart as an emerging R&B artist, and how do you plan to continue growing your unique musical identity?
I’ve been so focused on my own goals and pushing beyond my limits that I can’t really tell you what sets me apart from other artists. For me to tell you the differences between myself and them would mean that I’m checking for them and that I see others as competition. The only competition I see and the only competition I have is being better than I was yesterday. Or the week before or even the month before. I’m only in competition with myself. We are our own worst enemies so I have had to shift my mindset from competing with others to solely competing with my own demons and flaws in order to be better. I am constantly and consistently evolving. Not just for myself, but for those who support me as well. I can’t promise you that you’ll get the same version of me tomorrow that you got today. My creative processes are always different. New ideas flowing. Crazy ideas at times lol Sometimes….well most times, I work better under pressure. As long as I have the creative space to actually create and bring my visions to life, I will continue growing and evolving my own unique musical identity.
Collaborations are often a key part of an artist’s journey. Are there any artists or producers you dream of collaborating with in the future?
Oh, would I?! Yes, of course! I definitely believe in the power of manifestation so I am manifesting collaborations with Meg Thee Stallion, Cardi B, Lucky Daye, J. Cole, Lil’ Wayne, Drake, Jazmine Sullivan, 21Savage, Coco Jones, Usher, Da Baby, and Missy Elliot just to name a few. As far as producers, I would love to work with Timbaland, Bongo & Rance, Kato on the Track, Babyface, Teddy Riley, Rodney Jerkins, Jazze Pha, The-Dream, Swizz Beats, and Bryan-Michael Cox.
Can you describe a moment in your career that was particularly challenging, and how did you overcome it?
The most challenging thing for anyone to do when pursuing a career of their dreams is just starting. That’s where I struggled. There was so much doubt and so many unwarranted opinions of others that I, temporarily, allowed those things to allow me to sink into giving up before I even lifted my foot off the ground to try. F.E.A.R (False Evidence Appearing Real) is a really burdening emotion and an extremely heavy load to carry. But it’s an unnecessary load. That’s where belief in MYSELF had to outweigh every ounce of doubt that I ever felt and that I ever allowed to penetrate my conscientiousness. I know I wasn’t gifted with the ability to sing to just sit on it and do nothing. I knew it was given to me for a reason. I had to figure out that reason and I have to push myself as far as I can go with it. Even if that means that I am my own cheerleader. Sometimes, you just have to stop thinking and overthinking and just do it.
The music industry is constantly evolving. How do you see the future of R&B music, and how do you plan to adapt to these changes?
I see the future of REAL R&B definitely making a comeback. I always say that R&B didn’t die, she was just placed in the hands of some of the wrong people lol She had her heart broken for a while and she had to mend some things before she made a comeback. R&B will continue to evolve in the artists that know what to do with her, and how to treat her. Those are the ones with soul, with life experiences that can give our listeners something to relate to. And just as R&B will continue to evolve and adapt, I’m going to evolve and adapt right along with her. By living life and connecting with those that need it most. By stepping outside the box and creating new ways for my fans to feel, experience, and relate to my songs.
Many emerging artists use social media as a platform for self-promotion. How do you leverage platforms like Instagram and TikTok to connect with your audience?
I use my social media platforms, not only for self-promotion but as an opportunity for my supporters to connect with the real me. There aren’t many artists who do that nowadays. I’m just as transparent in real life, as I am in my music lol I keep some things private, but for the most part, I like to show my supporters that I’m a REAL person. I cook and clean and pay bills and go through tidbits of drama just like y’all do lol I have hardships and good times and I experience life too. They’ll go through my life as an Independent Artist with me and experience some of my personal life experiences as well.
Finally, what’s next for Cae LaShawn in terms of upcoming projects or milestones that your fans can look forward to?
Honestly?! Just look forward to me getting on y’alls nerves a lil’ bit lol Seriously though, I’m just getting started. This journey is far from over and I have so many pots to stick my hand in. On the music side, I’ve been silently working for a while now….perfecting my craft, dotting my I’s, and crossing my T’s, but believe me when I tell you that it’s about to get real loud!! I never like to limit myself to one or two things. I’m a Pisces AND I’m hyper independent so I’m running about 4 or 5 projects right now that are ALL near completion and I’m not stopping until I see them through. I’ve lived a lot of my life making others comfortable and happy, but now…now it’s my turn. All you have to do is stay tuned
