Casii Stephan – Folk Pop at its finest

Single – Without a Box

Release Date – 9th August 24

Review by Linda McDermott

Minnesota bred, and Tulsa based singer-songwriter Casii Stephan releases the folk pop track “Without A Box” which is the last single from Casii’s upcoming EP, ‘Relationship Status,’ set for release later this summer.

Casii grew up shy and afraid of her voice until she started writing songs on the family piano when she was 16. She moved to Tulsa in 2014 with the intent to give up her pursuit of a music career, however with a little encouragement from a friend, she continued songwriting and started releasing music in 2016.

Talking about this latest single she says, “this song is about realising that life doesn’t stop and end with our relationship statuses. We don’t need them to define us. As a song, I’ve written out my need to know and control the future. I love to know things. I want to see how the story ends before it starts and in life, you don’t get that. You have to let go and be willing to start over. Life was never meant to be lived in a box.”

The song begins with a delicate piano melody, setting a tranquil and contemplative mood. As the first notes have me relaxing, her voice enters gracefully, blending seamlessly with the piano. Her singing is characterised by a smooth and controlled delivery, making it seem effortless and natural. The distinctive tone of her voice is captivating, possessing a rich and warm quality that draws me in. Each note she sings is clear and precise, showcasing her vocals.

Her voice weaves through the melody with a hypnotic quality, creating a connection. The slow pace of the song allows each musical element to shine, from the subtle tones in her voice to the delicate rhythm in the background. As the song progresses, her vocals maintain its smoothness and control, enhancing the emotional impact. The song’s beauty lies in its simplicity and the heartfelt delivery, leaving a lasting impression.

Casii writes her songs honestly, from the depths of her emotions, with lyrics that pushback on negative societal norms like sexism, ageism and “playing nice” as a woman. She uses writing to deconstruct her own beliefs with an underlying hope that things can change, inviting listeners on their own journey.

The forthcoming EP will take the listener on the emotional journey of going from one relationship status to another and finally landing on the realisation that these statuses do not define you. The other songs on ‘Relationship Status’ are more up tempo than ‘Without a Box’ but will give you an insight into Casii’s personality and the way she song writes.

Videos

Average Man https://youtu.be/fYQT5U5h7ZM?feature=shared

Can’t Handle Me https://youtu.be/0M100mTAVxg?feature=shared

Website www.casiistephan.com

Instagram www.instagram.com/casiistephan

Twitter https://twitter.com/CasiiStephan

YouTube www.youtube.com/casiistephan

Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@casiistepha