From battling personal demons to co-writing a Eurovision hit, Cassyette journey through the Darkness has carved out a new path in rock music

Over the past four years, Cassyette has emerged as a force in the music world, blending genres like rock, emo, screamo, and nu-metal into a raw and emotionally charged sound. The Brighton-based musician, born Cassy Brooking, faced a tumultuous period that would shape her debut album. The sudden death of her father in 2020 triggered a spiral into substance abuse and deepened her struggles with bipolar disorder, all while her music career was taking off. These life-changing experiences found their way into her music, creating a dark yet powerful narrative that resonates with listeners.

Cassyette’s debut album, titled This World [Expletive] Sucks, is a collection of 15 intense tracks that reflect the chaos she endured. “It all just spewed out,” she says, describing how the songs were born from both manic highs and crushing lows. Tracks like “Sugar Rush” explore the thrill of addiction, while “Porcelain” delves into the fragility of life. With unvarnished honesty, Cassyette weaves her pain and anger into every note, creating an album that feels both cathartic and unrelenting.

Growing up in Essex in the mid-1990s, Cassyette was a convent-educated clarinet student before discovering the rebellious world of rock. Bands like Paramore, Korn, and Black Sabbath became her lifeline as a queer teenager in a strict religious environment. The sense of release she found in music was intoxicating, and it wasn’t long before she channeled that energy into her own work. After studying songwriting at university, she began her career as a club DJ, where the electronic textures she played would later influence her music. During the pandemic, her fierce performances on TikTok, including gale-force screams covering Lady Gaga, gained her a dedicated following.

Cassyette’s early singles, like “Dear Goth” and “Prison Purse,” caught the attention of music legends like Debbie Harry and Liam Howlett of The Prodigy. As her star continued to rise, she performed to packed crowds at Glastonbury and Download festivals and even toured with Bryan Adams. Despite the seemingly odd pairing, Cassette found a connection with Adams, who became a supportive figure in her life.

In 2024, Cassette co-wrote the song Doomsday Blue for Irish singer Bambie Thug’s Eurovision entry. The gothic, horror-inspired performance was one of the contest’s standout moments, earning sixth place and solidifying Cassyette’s reputation as a genre-defying artist. Her success in Eurovision, combined with glowing reviews for her debut album, has positioned her as a trailblazer in the rock scene.

Analysis:

Political Perspective:
Cassyette’s rise in the music industry highlights the ongoing challenges faced by artists who push the boundaries of genre and content. Her music, which delves into themes of mental health, addiction, and grief, resonates with listeners who may feel alienated by mainstream narratives. In a broader political context, Cassyette’s work can be seen as part of a cultural shift toward more inclusive and diverse voices in the music industry. By embracing her identity and experiences, she challenges traditional norms and encourages others to do the same.

Social Perspective:
Cassyette’s journey reflects a growing societal acceptance of discussing mental health and personal struggles in public forums. Her openness about her battles with bipolar disorder and substance abuse resonates with fans who may be going through similar experiences. In a society that often stigmatizes mental health issues, Cassyette’s music serves as a form of solidarity for those who feel alone in their struggles. Her willingness to confront these issues head-on in her lyrics contributes to a broader conversation about the importance of mental health awareness and the need for supportive communities.

Racial Perspective:
While Cassyette’s music does not explicitly address racial issues, her presence as a queer artist in the rock genre contributes to the ongoing diversification of the music industry. Rock music has historically been dominated by white, male artists, and Cassyette’s success challenges this norm. By bringing her unique perspective and experiences to the genre, she helps to broaden the representation of voices in rock music. This, in turn, can inspire other artists from diverse backgrounds to pursue their own creative visions in a genre that has not always been inclusive.

Gender Perspective:
As a female artist in the male-dominated world of rock, Cassyette’s success is significant. Her powerful voice and unflinching lyrics defy traditional expectations of how women should present themselves in music. By embracing the darker, more aggressive aspects of her sound, Cassyette challenges gender norms and redefines what it means to be a female rock star. Her music speaks to the experiences of women who refuse to conform to societal expectations, making her a role model for young women in the industry.

Economic Perspective:
Cassyette’s ability to navigate the commercial aspects of the music industry while staying true to her artistic vision is a testament to her business acumen. In an industry where artists are often pressured to produce commercially viable music, Cassyette has carved out a niche for herself by blending various genres and creating a unique sound. Her success on platforms like TikTok and her ability to connect with fans on a personal level have also contributed to her growing influence. As the music industry continues to evolve, Cassyette’s approach to building her brand and engaging with her audience could serve as a model for other artists seeking to balance artistic integrity with commercial success.