Pronouns: She/He/They
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Website: https://cassidyandrews.com/ 
Community: Brooklyn Community Kitchen

Cassidy is known for her debut EP, "Through the Dark," released in October 2016. Her music, characterized by intricate production and honest songwriting, takes listeners through a haunting, dreamlike experience. Cassidy's performances, often accompanied by her electric guitar, acoustic picking, or piano playing, are well-received in intimate New York City venues. She's recognized for her witty onstage banter and the authenticity found in her music. Cassidy continues to share her passion and creativity through new singles and engaging live performances.

In addition to her music career, Andrews passionately leads a non-profit community kitchen in North Brooklyn, uniting a vibrant network of local queer volunteers, supporters, and allies. Together, they dedicate themselves to addressing neighborhood needs and providing meals for locals, weaving a fabric of care and community support.

During our interview, we uncovered several fascinating insights into her world. Continue reading to delve deeper into her journey and discover what makes her tick.

Ice Breaker: If your creative process was a reality TV show, what would it be called and why?  

This question is great! The first thing that comes to mind is "Every Night, Brooklyn." My songwriting process involves playing and writing on my acoustic guitar every night in my cozy little Brooklyn home. If we're talking volunteer work, it also happens that I'm chopping, recipe planning, or coordinating most nights. It's a practice!

Inspiration: What's the most unusual source of inspiration you've ever had for a project or piece of work?

Wow, let me think. When Trump was president, I sort of became obsessed with the environment and all the Indigenous wisdom specific to North America because I was appalled at how he was governing this place. The unusual thing is it made me think of "Home on the Range," the children's song, and for a year or two at most shows, I'd make a melancholic arrangement of that- its lyrics "Have I stood here amazed, and asked as I gazed, If their glory exceeds that of ours" talking about the stars, rocks, and the land being inherently good and wonderful, without and sometimes despite us humans. The song is about loving your home and nature, and even though it was a weird choice, it gave me a powerful reminder of what we are fighting for instead of against.

Challenges: How do you combat the dreaded 'creative block' and keep the ideas flowing? 

I confess that I don't struggle with a "block" often because of the nightly practice and because I teach music. Usually, if I'm stuck creatively with a project musically or food justice-wise, the answer is to collaborate or ask for help from another creative.

Words of Wisdom: What’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self at the start of your creative journey?

To be grateful for any chance to share, connect, and grow even on the feeble giraffe-legs of being a new performer on stage.

Fuck, Marry, Fear = A Dragon who’s a drag superstar, Freddie Mercury's Mustache, A Mermaid who's a karaoke queen

Marry Dragon, Fear the mustache, and Fuck the mermaid!

Work-life balance tip of the week ✏️

Starting your day with intention can significantly impact your sense of balance. This week, challenge yourself to establish a "Mindful Morning" routine. Before diving into your creative work, take a moment for yourself—be it through meditation, journaling, a short walk, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee in silence. This practice helps set a calm, focused tone for the day, empowering you to approach your creative pursuits with clarity and purpose while ensuring you're taking care of your mental and emotional health.

Have 10 minutes to spare? Try this quick meditation practice to refresh and center yourself.

Article of the week

Queer Creativity and Digital Spaces: Expanding Visibility

The digital age has unlocked unprecedented opportunities for queer creatives to showcase their work and connect with global audiences. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and specialized online galleries have democratized access to art, allowing LGBTQ+ voices to be heard louder and clearer than ever before. These spaces not only serve as venues for artistic expression but also as critical platforms for advocacy, community building, and cultural exchange.

The Role of Digital Communities

Online communities have become lifelines for queer artists, providing not just exposure but also support and solidarity. These networks offer resources, mentorship, and a sense of belonging, helping artists navigate the complexities of the creative and professional world while staying true to their identities.

The Power of Collaboration

Collaboration has emerged as a key theme, with artists across different mediums and geographies coming together to create multidisciplinary works that challenge traditional narratives and explore the nuances of queer experiences. These partnerships have enriched the artistic landscape and fostered deeper understanding and allyship within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community.

In essence, the fusion of queer creativity and digital spaces is reshaping the art world, making it more inclusive, vibrant, and dynamic. As we continue to navigate this digital landscape, let's leverage these opportunities to amplify queer voices and celebrate the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ creativity.

Looking for a curated list of digital communities to dive into? Robin Hunt has crafted a fantastic article detailing some top picks. Check it out here!

Empowering quote of the week 💪🏾

Resource of the week

Description: 
Queer|Art is dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ art and artists across generations and disciplines. Founded by filmmaker Ira Sachs in 2009, it focuses on creative and professional development, public presentations, and awards, including mentorship programs, exhibitions, grants, and prizes. Queer|Art encourages intergenerational and interdisciplinary dialogue, providing artists with tools, resources, and networks to thrive. For application details and more information on the opportunities offered, visit their website below.

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