Having worked and played keyboards alongside some of the top musicians and recording artists in various music genres for more than two decades thus far such as Prince, Pink, LeAnn Rhimes, Sheila E. and Kurt Carr, just to name a few, New York-born and current Los Angeles resident Cassandra O’Neal personifies pure professionalism, incredible musical creativity, and sonic diversity that has consistently pleased millions of ears all around the world through her collaborations.
Now, as the owner of her brand new company ‘CassyO Productions,’ look out for yet more amazing, genius, and eclectic musical contributions from this mega-talented and gorgeous Capricorn for the ‘now’ and the future!
We at PURE SOUL MAGAZINE were blessed with the opportunity to briefly interview Cassandra during her off-time.
PSM: Outside of Prince, who are your music heroes?
Joni Mitchell, Herbie Hancock, Oscar Peterson, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Diane Warren and Burt Bacharach.
PSM: Why are you passionate about the art of creating great, quality music?
I am passionate about making good music because it’s all I’ve known how to be. My parents were both musicians, and were that way since I can remember. When I was coming up in the ranks, I made sure I surrounded myself with people who were not only better than me, but were passionate about their craft. You can’t touch people if it doesn’t touch you – the writer – first.
PSM: Which artists would you love to collaborate with in the near future?
Sting, Norah Jones, India.Arie and Katy Perry, just to name a few. I would also love to work with LeAnn Rhimes again down the road.
PSM: What can we anticipate from you going into 2K14?
Expect more good music!….I will be starting to do my own shows….My first solo project, ‘The Life Stories’ EP will debut in 2K14….Also, I will be inching closer to completing my degree in Jazz performance….2K14 promises to be a great year for me, through the grace of GOD!
PSM: What’s the most important advice you can give to a musically creative young lady who aspires to become a success professionally?
I would start out by saying is to KNOW YOUR CRAFT. Study as much as you can about which area you want to musically go into. Then I would say to branch out and seek knowledge of ALL genres of music, because it helps to know how to play, sing, or compose music in as many genres as you can. Lastly, I would say to learn to develop a thick skin. Females are sensitive. (Trust me, I know. *Laughs*)…You can’t always be in your feelings when someone critiques your work. Take it and smile…If it’s good advice, apply yourself with it, and keep it movin’.
PSM: Which 10 artists, living or deceased, epitomizes the essence of PURE SOUL from your perspective as a music fan?
Curtis Mayfield, James Brown, Prince, Michael Jackson, Bessie Smith, Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack, Elton John, Ray Charles, and India.Arie.
www.CassandraONeal.com
www.twitter.com/CassyQTKeys
By: Ross Guity aka R.G. Major