How Cassels Use Their Music as a Force for Good - A Candid Interview
The Youth of Today An interview with Cassels
They are young, they are loud, they are angry. They are Cassels, a two-piece band from Oxford, UK, that makes music for misanthropes and malcontents. In this exclusive interview, we talk to the brothers Jim and Loz Beck about their musical journey, their views on the world, and their hopes for the future.
The Youth of Today – An interview with Cassels
Who are Cassels?
A brief introduction to the band
Cassels are a band comprised of two brothers - Jim Beck (guitar and vocals) and Loz Beck (drums). They started making music together when they were kids, inspired by their dad's record collection. They moved to Oxford from Chipping Norton in 2014, where they quickly gained a reputation for their raw and honest songs that tackle topics such as politics, mental health, and consumerism.
Their musical influences and style
Cassels describe their music as "genreless", but they have been compared to bands such as Fugazi, Slint, Pixies, and Nirvana. They cite a wide range of influences, from punk rock to hip hop, from folk to jazz. They are not afraid to experiment with different sounds and structures, often switching between loud and quiet, fast and slow, melodic and dissonant. They have a DIY ethos, recording and producing most of their music themselves.
Their latest album and upcoming projects
Cassels released their third album, A Perfect Ending, in September 2019. The album is a concept album that explores the idea of human extinction from various perspectives. It features guest vocals from Matt Caughthran of The Bronx, Steph Carter of Gallows, Nervus, The St. Pierre Snake Invasion, and more. The album received critical acclaim from publications such as Kerrang!, DIY Magazine, and Louder Than War.
Cassels are currently working on new material for their fourth album, which they hope to release in 2022. They have also been collaborating with other artists, such as Jamie Lenman, Gender Roles, False Advertising, and John from God Damn. They have also been playing live shows across the UK and Europe, supporting bands such as Idles, Single Mothers, Meat Wave, and Muncie Girls.
What are Cassels' views on the current state of the world?
The challenges and opportunities for young people today
Cassels are not shy about expressing their opinions on the issues that affect them and their generation. They are vocal critics of the government, the media, the education system, the economy, and the society at large. They believe that young people today face many challenges, such as unemployment, debt, inequality, racism, sexism, homophobia, climate change, war, and terrorism. They also believe that young people today have many opportunities, such as access to information, technology, culture, and diversity. They encourage young people to question everything, to think for themselves, and to take action for what they believe in.
The role of music and art in social change
Cassels see music and art as powerful tools for social change. They use their music as a way of expressing their feelings, thoughts, and ideas, as well as raising awareness and inspiring others. They also support and promote other artists who share their vision and values. They believe that music and art can challenge the status quo, create dialogue, build solidarity, and spark movements. They also believe that music and art can provide joy, comfort, and hope in times of despair.
The impact of the pandemic and the climate crisis on their lives and work
Cassels have been affected by the pandemic and the climate crisis in various ways. They have had to cancel or postpone many of their shows and tours, which has affected their income and exposure. They have also had to adapt to new ways of working, such as recording remotely, streaming online, and collaborating digitally. They have also witnessed the devastating effects of the pandemic and the climate crisis on people's health, livelihoods, and rights. They have also seen the positive effects of the pandemic and the climate crisis on people's awareness, solidarity, and action. They have tried to use their platform to spread information, support causes, and donate funds.
How do Cassels connect with their fans and peers?
The importance of community and collaboration
Cassels value community and collaboration highly. They consider their fans as friends, not customers. They interact with them regularly on social media, email, and live shows. They also invite them to participate in their projects, such as submitting artwork, lyrics, or videos. They also collaborate with other artists who they respect and admire, such as musicians, filmmakers, photographers, writers, and activists. They also support and endorse other bands who they like and relate to.
The benefits and drawbacks of social media and streaming platforms
Cassels acknowledge the benefits and drawbacks of social media and streaming platforms. On one hand, they appreciate the opportunities that these platforms offer for reaching new audiences, sharing their work, getting feedback, and staying connected. On the other hand, they are aware of the challenges that these platforms pose for artists' rights, revenues, creativity, and mental health. They try to use these platforms wisely and responsibly, without compromising their integrity or identity.
The best and worst experiences they have had as a band
Cassels have had many memorable experiences as a band, both good and bad. Some of their best experiences include playing at festivals such as Reading & Leeds, 2000 Trees, ArcTanGent, Handmade Festival; touring with bands such as Idles, Single Mothers; meeting their heroes such as Frank Turner; getting positive reviews from critics; receiving messages from fans; winning awards such as BBC Introducing Artist of the Year; signing with labels such as Big Scary Monsters; releasing albums; making videos; doing interviews; etc.
Some of their worst experiences include breaking down on the road; losing or damaging equipment; getting sick or injured; playing to empty or hostile crowds; dealing with technical issues; facing criticism or backlash; struggling with finances; coping with stress; etc.
What are Cassels' hopes and dreams for the future?
Their personal and professional goals and aspirations
Cassels have many goals and aspirations for the future, both personal and professional. Some of their personal goals include traveling more; learning new skills; staying healthy; spending time with family and friends; having fun; etc. Some of their professional goals include making more music; releasing more albums; playing more shows; reaching more people; collaborating more; growing more; etc.
Their advice and inspiration for aspiring musicians and activists
Cassels have some advice and inspiration for aspiring musicians and activists. Some of their advice include: be yourself; be honest; be original; be passionate; be persistent; be open-minded; be respectful; be humble; be brave; be smart; be careful; etc. Some of their inspiration include: other artists who they look up to such as Fugazi, Rage Against The Machine, Bob Dylan etc.; other activists who they admire such as Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, Martin Luther King Jr., etc.; other sources of motivation such as books, films, podcasts, etc.
Their vision for a better world and how they plan to contribute to it
Cassels have a vision for a better world Cassels have a vision for a better world and how they plan to contribute to it. They envision a world where people are free, equal, and happy. A world where people respect each other and the planet. A world where people are not divided by borders, classes, races, genders, or religions. A world where people are not oppressed by governments, corporations, media, or ideologies. A world where people are not exploited by capitalism, consumerism, militarism, or terrorism. A world where people are not threatened by climate change, pandemics, nuclear war, or extinction.
Cassels plan to contribute to this vision by using their music as a force for good. They plan to keep making music that speaks the truth, challenges the lies, and inspires the change. They plan to keep supporting and collaborating with other artists and activists who share their vision and values. They plan to keep engaging and connecting with their fans and peers who join their cause and community. They plan to keep learning and growing as individuals and as a band. They plan to keep living and loving as brothers and as humans.
Conclusion
Cassels are more than just a band. They are a voice for the youth of today. They are a reflection of the times we live in. They are a catalyst for the change we need. They are Cassels, and they are here to stay.
FAQs
Q: How can I listen to Cassels' music?
A: You can listen to Cassels' music on various platforms such as Spotify, Bandcamp, YouTube, SoundCloud, etc. You can also buy their CDs or vinyls from their website or from their label's website.
Q: How can I see Cassels live?
A: You can see Cassels live by checking their tour dates on their website or on their social media pages. You can also buy tickets from their website or from the venues' websites.
Q: How can I contact Cassels?
A: You can contact Cassels by sending them an email at casselstheband@gmail.com or by messaging them on their social media pages such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
Q: How can I support Cassels?
A: You can support Cassels by buying their music and merchandise from their website or from their label's website. You can also support them by streaming their music online, sharing their music with others, following them on social media, subscribing to their mailing list, giving them feedback, etc.
Q: How can I join Cassels' community?
A: You can join Cassels' community by interacting with them and with other fans on their social media pages such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. You can also join their Discord server where you can chat with them and with other fans about anything related to Cassels or not. 71b2f0854b