the spotted cat
The newest single by Canadian, by way of South African artist, , is on the simpler side of EDM. Calvyn Cass is statuesque in appearance, with an impeccable physique and an unforgettable aesthetic. He blurs the line of gender identity, in a way that hasn’t been done since the 70’s or 80’s, with a modern ambience. The fact that there is so little known about Calvyn’s early life, is arguably paramount to the construction of his public persona. His mystique is seemingly a part of his magic.
The newest offering from Cass, is entitled “Enemy Number One.” It’s a love turns to war saga, that Calvyn delivers in such a way that makes sadness seem fabulous, until you almost entirely disregard the former. The singer is self-assured to the point of being vulnerable, which portrays his almost surreal image, with the perfect amount of complexity. Calvyn Cass is the type of performer that makes an immediate impression, and only expounds upon that over a gradual timeline. Even in an era of converging identities, he is poised to stand out.
“Enemy Number One,” evolves as a piece, the more you listen to it. Upon first hearing it, I felt it was solid, if not overly memorable. After the first couple listens, is when you start to hear more of a brooding take on EDM, thanks in part to Cass’s impressive baritone register. The track is imbued with just enough pop seasoning to be accessible to radio, but not excessive enough to instantly lose flavor. Honestly, the material itself is rather middle of the road, but it’s Cass’s performance that renders it noteworthy.
In the description of the video for “Enemy Number One,” Calvyn posts an inspiring message. “Life is hard for all, and harder for some,” was a line that particularly resonated with me. His journey sounds to be one of a very personal nature, as he describes self-medicating as a means to not just an end, but essentially a loop of despondency. It’s easy to imagine not only an artist like Calvyn Cass, but the human being behind that, as one who has had bouts with self-loathing. Regardless of how the world is becoming a place of acceptance, it can never truly compensate for the lonely reality of being an outsider. Therefore, the symbolism of Calvyn’s work is brimming with profundity.
It’s tempting to become enmeshed with hyperbole, when it comes to describing an artist, like Calvyn Cass. In many ways, he is a throwback, who is dutifully comfortable in the present. Hopefully, audiences will understand how enthralling it is to get caught up in the excitement of discovering a performer with multiple layers. Capturing people’s imagination seems like such a futile task at this point, that many of us are quietly and somberly accepting it as an irrevocable side effect of evolution. Regardless of the existential turmoil that we seem to currently find ourselves, maybe, just maybe, we can one day return to creating ourselves, instead of constantly defending ourselves. It would appear then, that Calvyn Cass, has the right idea.
Rachel Townsend
daily pop news
When you listen to Calvyn Cass, you are intrigued, but not necessarily aware of just how eclectic he is. When you look at him, you want to look at him, more. Calvyn Cass is one of those individuals, you have to see to believe. Even after seeing him, you may be in denial over his virtually surreal elegance. In Calvyn Cass, we have a Singer/Songwriter who is more than capable of capturing the imagination of the general public, than anyone we have seen in some time.
Calvyn Cass is a newcomer to the EDM scene, but seems to have something of an old soul, coupled with a highly evolved appearance. His new single, “Enemy Number One” is by his own description, about not becoming that enemy to yourself. It’s not farfetched to assume that even in modern times, someone as liberally expressive as Cass, has encountered some sort of alienation. Therefore, his confidence and optimism becomes even more inspiring. To see someone living so freely, and inordinately, without an agenda, is refreshing to say the least.
“Enemy Number One” is the next in the string of singles that Cass has released over the last couple years. He’s succeeded in making each one feel like an event in and of itself. You get the sense that everything Cass does is laced with methodology and sophistication. He commands your attention, without insisting upon himself. Much like, Bowie, Cass feels like a hypnotic space alien, with a knowledge of humanity that was acquired through time travel.
As a track, “Enemy Number One” is simple but effective. We get a dramatic piano intro, and then Cass takes over, and navigates us through heartache, and ultimately, redemption. I see fire and I smell smoke/it burns the words you wish you wrote. Cass separates himself from the EDM break room, with a penchant for lyricism and a flair for the dramatics. He emotes with a silent gallantry, and then sings like a theater major, obsessed with Pop Music.
In the video for “Enemy Number One,” we see Cass in a dimly lit, smoky style setting. At first sight, he looks like the love child of Tilda Swinton and Daniel Johns. It’s almost impossible to articulate just how seamlessly, Calvyn eclipses gender identification, with seemingly no effort. He was absolutely born to play the role he has created, and that is likely because, it isn’t a role at all. If there is one quality that soundly sets Cass apart, it’s his authenticity.
It was a true honor to review Calvyn Cass, if not for his music, than for the man, himself. There are so few risks being taken in the modern musical landscape, that complacency is becoming the predominant theme. With Calvyn Cass, there is no winking at the camera, but instead a fixed and self-guaranteed glare. He’s the type of artist that reminds us that the best way to make yourself, is to BE yourself. Even if you have to overcome your own worst enemy, in the process.
Jodi Marxbury
Daily dose
At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, Calvyn Cass is one of the most unique figures to emerge, in the EDM world in some time. Currently based in Canada, Calvyn is the personification of androgyny. To say, Calvyn Cass is a striking figure, is a severe understatement. He has a tremendous physique, and a tantalizing sense of fashion, along with piercing eyes, that never seem to flinch. It’s quite likely, the world of music has never seen anything quite like, Calvyn Cass.
Looking over Calvyn’s website, I was unable to find much in the way of any bio. It seems his music career is still somewhat in its infancy. His newest single, “Enemy Number One,” is currently available across streaming platforms. Cass classifies his music as EDM, which is mostly accurate, but it seems as though it will ultimately be more appealing to the 25 to 39 demographic. You could actually argue that Calvyn overshadows his music, with his mesmerizing presence.
The message behind “Enemy Number One” is to not allow your circumstances to lead you into self-sabotage. So often, we can fall victim to self-fulfilling prophecies, and manifest our own limitations. You said I dimmed your lights/every time you tried to shine. There are also some vague and in some cases, transparent references to alcoholism, and how Cass, at one point struggled with addiction. There is a certain poignancy in Calvyn’s lyrics, as well as bold honesty.
Musically, “Enemy Number One” is flawed, but not broken. There are a couple of blemishes with the final mix including some run on issues, throughout the verse. The mistakes aren’t glaring, but they do have slight potential to take you out of the moment. Thankfully, Calvyn Cass’s voice, is enough to compensate for any compositional shortcomings. Calvyn is a strong singer, with a distinctive quality to his voice, that can take you to emotional crescendos, with each passing chorus.
Though marketed as EDM, “Enemy Number One” is more likely to make you want to saunter, than dance. The song is considerably deep, and advocates self-acceptance and reflection. Calvyn Cass has the talent and vision to explore multiple genres, which will be crucial to his development as an artist. Cass doesn’t seem to lend himself to categorization, and the EDM genre could eventually prove to be somewhat restrictive to him. Freedom of expression is certainly a major theme in Cass’s work, and you see a raging fire of creative inspiration in his eyes.
“Enemy Number One” is likely to appeal to audiences that extend past the EDM genre. It’s something of a sleeper track, that becomes more attractive, the more you encounter it. Calvyn Cass, pours himself into the performance, and emerges with something flattering and memorable. He is without question, an artist to watch as we march into the new decade. As for now, Calvyn Cass is here to remind us that although we all have enemies, you should try to stay focused, on number one.
Emily Knudsen
IN STYLE YAHOO
Canada's chosen son Calvyn Cass is a whirlwind of creativity that knows no bounds. The purple-minded artist keeps releasing music on his own terms, writing and producing singles that are different from the average and focuses on delivering music with important messages for his fans and music lovers. The song is titled ''White Flag''. Calvyn defies society, stereotypes and his critics by using life experiences surrounding culture and matters of the heart as the main sources of his inspiration.
“Unique Artist Calvyn Cass Delivered a New Summer Smash With White Flag on April 28th”
His past song ''Me, Myself & I'' inspired by colourful artists like Bowie, Grace Jones, and Prince, who are still honouring the same name as they did in the past. “These artists chose the path less often traveled in an industry so cut throat. They represented a part of society mostly ridiculed and persecuted. They used their spotlights to shine light on gender identity and how fashion can alter perspective. A man with makeup, long hair and in pink who identifies as a man is seen as feminine and camp. Take the same man, but his hair short, no makeup, put him in a suit with no change to how he walks, talks and identifies; people will always feel more comfortable with that societal norm. We all know it and know people who defy the norm, but we still can’t seem to make them feel fully comfortable.
I know people who feel comfortable with themselves but there are public scenarios that just shouldn’t exist in this modern world that don’t.” Calvyn continued with that saying, “I love fashion, I love beauty, I love experimenting with my appearance. Each time I do it garners attention that I enjoy but sometimes that makes me feel like going home and hiding from the world. If enough of us normalize it then anyone can be whoever they want to be without the fear that can often surround that.”
WONDERLAND MAGAZINE
“Offering a narrative on the universality of internal struggles, the singer unveils his new track.”
We have all been through those intense emotional breakdowns. And, even while surrounded by friends and family, they can feel isolating and world-shattering. Well, singer Calvyn Cass is here to let you know that you are not alone with his new track “White Flag”. Featuring a production-heavy bass, the singer manipulates his vocals to offer a true reflection of the highs and lows of emotional torment. Ranging from monotone to emotive, the song takes us on an introspective journey through the singer’s personal experiences that he shares in the hopes of allowing listeners to relate to him, all the while referencing back to the pop genre – which he cites as his biggest inspiration.
“Even in the darkness they aren’t alone,” explains Cass when asked what message he was trying to convey to those who hear his song. “Stuff will always happen that will make you, me and them feel like no one will understand and life is against them. I want them to hear the song and remember their quiet battles don’t have to be fought alone. There are people in their corner waiting to catch them when they fall and love them more than they realise.
Photography by Cheyenne Shamei
Accompanying the soul-baring tune comes its avant-garde visuals. While Cass is wrapped up in a heavenly white ensemble and a pearl necklace we hear the introduction play, but, much like the song, we are then transported to an alternate world, one in which the singer is clad in a PVC bodysuit and a spiked-red collar as the intense sounds of the chorus set in.
Having acknowledged the feeling of being different from an early age, it is clear that Cass has always been destined to channel his individuality into the creative and impactful work that he does. And, with the events of the pandemic inspiring the singer to return to his craft, we can expect more emotional pop tunes from him very soon.
Photography by Cheyenne Shamei
THE 360 MAG
Singer-songwriter, Calvyn Cass, has begun dominating the music song with lyrical tunes to the beat of self-love and acceptance. The hit single, “Me, Myself, & I”, explores complicated relationships and self-acceptance winning over insecurities. Here at 360 Magazine, we had the chance to have a Q&A with Calvyn. Read on to learn more about Calvyn Cass and his upcoming new music, WHITE FLAG.
Q- Could you tell us about the creative direction behind ME, Myself & I?
CC- ME, MYSELF & I was one of the first few songs; the third to be exact. It starts with the hook, but it definitely brought up old feelings. I started writing about feeling hurt by someone I loved, and it ended in being def reflection story. The video shows that with me performing to myself in all my different layers. It’s probably the fastest I ever wrote and recorded a song. From starting to put pen to paper with the first line to finishing recording the demo was probably an hour.
Q- What would you like fans to take away from ME, Myself & I along with the video?
CC-I think the main narrative is that is ok to embrace all feelings but not let them define you. You can look at yourself and be like, “it’s not all about you” and own the way you were but move on from it. On the flip side my new song coming out April 28th is WHITE FLAG and that’s about identifying navigating how to be there for others in the way they need you. It’s a song about someone I love having an internal battle that made them reactive to me. In that moment I felt that I could either be reactive myself in response or step back, realize this is not about me and just give love. Sometimes it’s hard to watch someone you love to behave in a destructive way, but you can’t force someone to see something they aren’t ready to see. You just gotta let them know you come in peace and that you’re there when they are ready to let you in.
Q- Who was your biggest musical inspiration in writing ME, Myself & I?
CC- I have to admit I struggled with this in the beginning. I have always had this immense pressure to associate myself with other artists in order to justify my music. When I wrote that record, I kept thinking of Beyoncé and her record from her first album. I have always been a Destiny’s Child fan and I loved her record, but I know it’s been done. More than trying to find inspiration I found myself avoiding doing what’s been done. She’s an icon and I think what got her there is doing her thing and owning it. I think I look to artists like Bey who have paved their own musical lane as career inspiration. I’m just gonna keep doing my thing. Some people will love it, but others won’t, and I’m cool with that now.
Q- Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
CC- So many artists for so many different reasons. I love Lil Nas X because he represents what I am hoping to achieve as an artist. I think we would make insane music together. Miley is a powerhouse and if I could be on a record with her, it would be a wet dream. Demi is having this journey unfold before us all. There are so many parts of that journey that are familiar in one way or another and the message is something I would be honored to be a part of. Olly Alexander who recently starred in “It’s A Sin” is seemingly embarking on the next chapter of his career embracing his identity more. If I could be apart of any of these artistic moments that I believe will help change and shape the world I would count myself lucky as hell.
Q- Did your move from South Africa to Canada influence your music at all?
CC- I see the cultural shift I experienced at a young age as a stage in my life that shaped me. It was probably my least favorite time of my life. I was this small, effeminate boy when I moved. In South Africa I struggled fitting in with the hyper masculine molding boys are expected to be. In Canada I saw it as a chance to start over without anyone knowing my past struggles. That didn’t go as planned because I was then the weird immigrant who spoke differently and had a very different perception of the world. In each circumstance I tried fitting in and when it didn’t work out, I had to step back and try figure out why. I didn’t when I was young, but I see it now. It complex to break down in a short interview but now every time I write and record, I tap into the cultural difference and similarities. I want to be able to speak to as many people and be as relatable as possible. Everyone is navigating this complicated journey called life. The best we can do is try being empathetic and honest.
Q- What advice could you offer others as far as embracing the true way they see themselves?
CC- It’s no one else’s job to make you comfortable in your own skin. You will definitely feel like a victim of persecution because that’s a part of life; others will always try cut you down, so they stand taller. Appeasing others by changing who you are to make them comfortable will only hinder you on your path. It’s terrifying to stand in your truth and face scrutiny because it might cut deeper but I promise you, it did the opposite for me. When I let go of trying to impress everyone else was the first time, I felt like I could truly breathe. I released the vizard and accepted myself to find the pressure put on me was put on me by myself. I set the insane standards for myself from what I thought the people around me would feel more comfortable with. Here I am in my adult life realizing that if I had honored myself, I would have avoided a lot of sadness.
Q- Who are your musical inspirations?
CC- I’m inspired less by artists and more by the songs themselves. I love finding out who wrote a song and who produced it. Of course, the voice on a record can give me chills and bring me to tears. The way that voice shines come from all these other peoples’ talents and contributions to the music. That’s what inspires me. Paying attention to how sounds were created, layered and pieced together.
Q- You are co-founder of BRUSH Salon – do you plan to continue to pursue your career as a master stylist alongside your music career?
CC- I am. When I was in high school, I fully intended to pursue music. The world was different then and I let the people around me tell me that a gay boy with feminine features would never succeed in music. I always loved playing with my sisters hair when we watched movies. She hated it but let me anyways because it meant she could choose the movie. So, I am now at the top and have achieved so many of my goals in hair. I love it but I’ve felt like this part of me has been stuck in limbo. I can’t ignore it anymore and I want to pursue music. The world allows people to be more than one thing and I’m going to ride that wave.
Q- Outside of music and styling, what are your passions?
CC- Depends on the season. I love being outside in spring and summer. I’m one those dog lovers that sees my boys as my children, so I dedicate a lot of time to them. I love cooking and find it therapeutic to cook for my family and friends. I love being active, but my ultimate reset is to just spend a winter day in bed with snack watching movies or maybe an entire series… haha
Q- Looking ahead, what plans do you have in store for the remainder of 2021?
CC- Lots of music. I want to bring new music as much as it possible. I want to perform when I’m allowed to and introduce my music to more and more people. I’d love to collaborate with other artists when we are restricted from doing so.