Meet Strawberry Cassette
Where are you from and what is your background?
“I'm originally from Irvine and came down to San Diego for school in 2017. I've been in Oceanside since 2022 and it's been lovely. Music-wise, I'm a full descendant of Disney pop rock. It has morphed into a few different things depending on the project or the EP I'm working on. I've previously made very floral pop, but at the moment it's all been pretty rocky. “
How did you come up with the name "Strawberry Cassette" and what is the story behind it?
“Finding a home in a new name took so long and was such an arduous process. After bouncing ideas back and forth with my collaborators for a long time, I went to look for inspiration in a book that meant a lot to me. The book is set in the 80s and the presence of cassette tapes is strong. Adding ‘strawberry’ should've been a no-brainer as I don't know anyone who loves strawberries more than me, and yet it took a second to put the two together. I think of the ‘strawberry’ in the name as my presence in the project, and the ‘cassette’ as a reminder to bring collaborators in to help make this into an eclectic mixtape that is both so fun and more musically diverse.”
You recently released an album in February called “coming of Age.” what has been your favorite part about this process?
“The recording process was so many different things. Last year in general was a hectic year and with that, we spent the year working on songs on and off. However, my favorite part of the process was that I had people to send my songs to for feedback and hype. In the past, I've been alone during the recording/production process, and now I get to share the joy of finding a new synth or adding a new harmony with people who appreciate it.”
Do you have a favorite song on your album? If so, can you tell us a bit about it?
“I have different favorites at different times, but ‘Choking’ is one I always come back to a lot. It came out of an improv session with my boys Khuê and Daniel, and it's about the anxiety of friendships ending. One of the main inspirations for the song came to me the night before my friend was about to move across the country. I went to his house one last time, after saying no multiple times because I'd been filled with anxiety. Driving away from his place, after having had such a lovely time, I just held close the feeling that all those nights I'd said no were now gone. I couldn’t go back in time and say yes to all the times I said no.”
What has been the most challenging part of creating this album?
“I don't know if this was the most challenging, but mixing for cars is always such a challenge. It's not the sexiest part of the process to talk about, but it does take a lot of trial and error.”
What has inspired or influenced this album the most?
“The presence of Daniel and Khuê has helped shape this sound thoroughly. Both of them lean rockier than me and it influenced so many different curves and tones of this record.”
If you could describe your new album in three words, what would they be and why?
“The title of the Album, ‘Coming of Age,’ is a descriptor in itself. We started this project in 2018 so it's been a long time coming. I wrote many of the songs at 18 or about being 18. Artistically, this album embodies youth and growing into an adult. That's where I feel musically right now and what this project is reflective of.”
Where can fans catch you guys outside of making music?
“All over Oceanside, usually with my dog eating burritos or running by the water. Hopefully, soon we can catch each other at a show.”