Minnesota-born and Tulsa-based singer-songwriter Casii Stephan is an indie-pop musician and emerging on the scene, her music has stood out for its emotional depth and unapologetically honest lyrics. Often compared to the likes of Florence Welch and Fiona Apple, Casii’s music defies easy categorization, weaving together elements of soul, rock, and folk-pop.
Casii’s journey into music wasn’t always a given. Growing up, she was shy, almost afraid of her voice. It wasn’t until she began writing songs on the family piano at 16 that she discovered the power of music as a form of expression. This discovery set her on a path that would eventually lead her to Tulsa in 2014—a move she initially thought would mark the end of her musical aspirations. However, thanks to the encouragement of a friend, she continued to write and release music, a decision that would prove to be transformative.
Her songwriting is unflinchingly honest, tackling complex emotions and societal issues with a fearlessness that sets her apart. Casii’s lyrics often push back against negative societal norms like sexism and ageism, challenging the listener to reflect on their own beliefs.
Now, with the release of her latest single, “Without A Box,” Casii Stephan continues to showcase her unique space in today’s music landscape. The song, which is the final single of her forthcoming EP Relationship Status, is a folk-pop masterpiece that reflects her growth as both a songwriter and a person. She confides, “This song is about realizing 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.”
Being described as “gorgeously emotive,” this folk-pop foundation is no different and is enhanced by her soulful vocals and a lush, layered arrangement that draws the listener in from the first note. It’s a track that lingers long after it ends, a testament to Casii’s skill as a storyteller and a musician.
Looking ahead, Casii has plenty more in store. She recently traveled to the storied Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to work with producer Ben Tanner, known for his work with Alabama Shakes and St. Paul and the Broken Bones. The sessions have yielded what promises to be a deeply compelling EP. The body of work titled Relationship Status is a concept project that demonstrates the ups and downs of relationships, ultimately arriving at the realization that these statuses do not define us.
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Words: Izabel Rose