CASANDRA Talks About Streaming Success, Her Cuban Heritage, And LP ‘ISLA TRANQUILITA’

CASANDRA is the artist we can’t stop hitting replay on!

LA-based, Cuban-rooted, and unapologetically herself, CASANDRA has spent 2026 turning heartbreak and healing into pure sonic magic. From the sultry tension of “WANT VS NEED” to the sun-soaked serenity of her ISLA TRANQUILITA EP, she’s built a world where alt-pop, R&B, and electronic influences collide with bilingual storytelling that feels like a warm hug and a gut-punch all at once.

And just when we thought we’d found our new favorite hideaway, she announced the full-length ISLA TRANQUILITA LP, expanding her oasis with seven brand new tracks (including the dreamy “HOURGLASS”).We had the pleasure of speaking with CASANDRA about her first 10 years in music, the songs that best represent her as an artist, and more!

One of our early favorites of this LP is the single “HOURGLASS”! Can you tell us how this song came to be?

C: “Thank you! “HOURGLASS” was written last year in maybe 30-40 minutes. I was feeling very romantic, raw and silly that day so I allowed myself to get a bit spontaneous and playful with my vocal melodies, I was not in a serious mood at all. The outro is the best. That melody popped into my head the moment we slowed everything down and is probably my favorite part of the whole song.”

Is there a song or project from your current discography that you think perfectly represents who you are as an artist?

C: “Hmmm that’s tough to pin! I think I wake up every day a different flavor from my assortment!!! But a few songs of mine (of the ones that have been released) that always feel like me no matter what mood I’m in are: “ptsd,” “Everything You Could Want,” “MISC U ALREADY,” and “TRUTH SERUM.” 

From your early days of singles like “Slowly” and “Goosebumps” to now, how do you reflect on your first decade in professional music?

C: “I see it more like my earlier days of releasing music was me learning how to do this in a way that worked for me. Ten years ago I was making and releasing music, yes, that is true— yet i didn’t really start feeling like myself inside of my music until just recently. The music that is to come is what I’m most excited about. It is me with no filter, no outfit, and no makeup to hide anything. I think I ended up realizing that I feel safest in my rawest form and it took me learning to discover that. Listening to my old music is like reading an old notebook, I feel like I know her but sometimes my arms bend back.”

Your music has amassed over millions of streams on Spotify and a loyal fanbase that is growing by the day! What has been your reaction to your rising fame? 

C: “My listeners are everything to me. At the start of my dream, I knew making music was all I ever wanted to do with my life. But, it’s become clear to me that the underlying point of it all is to connect with humans and to allow myself to experience that connection too. i am deeply inspired by learning from others.”

It’s inspiring how you keep your Cuban heritage close to you. How important do you think latin-influence is in modern music?

C: “Thank you!!! I am thankful to keep my heritage close to me in my music. I think all cultures are important in modern music; that’s what makes it all so exciting!”

Your brand-new LP “ISLA TRANQUILITA” is out in the world! Can you tease what fans can expect from the project? 

C: “Something I haven’t really shared in greater detail about this album is that although it’s meant to be an offering of peace, it is also very much about grief and honoring grief. Every track invites a different sense of relaxation or daydreaming, which is intentional. All emotions and states of being are welcome. Listeners can expect to find something for every mood, and a message that goes deeper than the chill ambiance.”

Make sure to stream LP “ISLA TRANQUILITA”, available now on all music streaming platforms!

Photo Credit: Andrey Nikolaev

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene Magazine, back in October 2020. When not helping her team and working on their print issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral TikTok recipe.