The Hype Magazine Interviews Cassandra Lucas (Formerly Of Changing Faces)

First things first, where exactly have you been? And, what all have you been up to, both personally and professionally speaking, since the release of the third and final Changing Faces LP, Visit Me, way back in October 2000?

Cassandra: Actually, it was never my plan to stay out of the limelight so long professionally, but unfortunately life gets in the way and you have to take that time to get your personal life in order so that you can be your best professionally. I think they go hand in hand for the good or the bad.

In having said that, were you happy with the overall commercial success of that specific project? Although a very solid effort, it appeared that it pretty much flew under the mainstream radar…

Cassandra: Thank you. I thought it was a solid effort as well, but as you said it did fly under the mainstream radar because it was not pushed and promoted the way we anticipated it should have been. It was just unfortunate that we put a lot into that album and the world was not able to hear it .

Now a little more than a year ago today, Changing Faces finally returned (again) with a brand new single “Hate Love,” which a video was shot but never unveiled, from what was said to be taken from your, then, forthcoming untitled fourth studio opus — That being said, what actually occurred that prevented your then plans for another Changing Faces album?

Cassandra: Yes, we did do a video for a song that I wrote called “Hate Love,” and were on our way to scheduling a re-shoot date for the video when we decided to travel different roads. It was unfortunate, but sometimes people just don’t see eye to eye on certain things and they (decide) to go their separate ways, you know, do their own things. Sometimes life calls for change, and that’s what we have to do…So, I guess I’m “Changing Faces” now literally! *Lucas giggles*

But you permanently and “officially” left the group last summer though, am I correct?

Cassandra: Let’s be clear…As far as me permanently leaving the group last summer, that was not the case. I didn’t choose to permanently leave the group “Changing Faces.” I chose to do a solo Cassandra Lucas project. Changing Faces was a brand that I put years of hard work into and I’m very proud of. I found out just like you did that I was being replaced by an imposter! However, advertisements for those shows included my picture. Yeah, I know, and we will leave it like that for now…

You have since embarked on a solo career, unleashing your debut single “Damn” back in September ’13 — Tell me about this particular track? How did it actually come to fruition?

Cassandra: Yes, I have and I’m so excited about it! The first single, “Damn,” is just a raw emotional track about a girl who’s admitting she messed up, but she’s hoping it’s not too late. I thought it always appears to be the guy who messes up, but us girls do as well. It may not be as frequent! *She smiles real big* But, we do. I just wanted to write a song from the other side of the table.

Speaking of said solo collection — What all can you reveal and/or divulge at this particular point in time? Title? Favorite track(s)? Producer credit(s)? Cameo appearance(s)?

Cassandra: Well, I’m close to being done. What happens is every time I think I’m done, I end up in the studio with another idea. It’s crazy, but I love it! I’m really excited about the project. It feels like back in the day when I first got signed. It’s that good anxiety you have and your mind is just constantly working. I’m looking to release an EP first, with about 7 to 8 songs, which will be a brief synopsis of the album.

How does your 20-14 sound or style either differ and/or compare to what your fans both know and love you for given your many works as one half of Changing Faces?

Cassandra: Well, I am one half of Changing Faces, so that is a major part of who I am musically, and it will always be present in my work. But, on my upcoming EP I went places and did songs on my project that Changing Faces would of never touched, but Cassandra would. I have dance tracks for the clubs, hard hitting tracks that I’m thinking of features like (Rick) Ross or Fabolous. Pop driven tracks, and, of course, my core R&B tracks. I just allowed myself to be free, and I didn’t set any boundaries. I wanted it to be organic and real. I actually have a hot remix of “Damn,” featuring Uncle Murda. I’m currently putting together a collaboration wish list, as we speak, like Miguel or Ne-Yo, and even R. Kelly would be a nice addition to my solo project. I’m keeping my fingers crossed, so let’s see what happens…

With that said, how has not only yourself, both personally and professionally, but the entire music business in general either changed and/or evolved since your whole inception into it?

Cassandra: O.M.G., it’s totally different in terms of how big a role technology plays on your success. That’s taking me a minute to get used to. I realize that I have to have an online presence and be available to my fans. I do love the one on one interaction I have with them, that’s pretty cool. What I do love is that the Internet gives everybody the opportunity now to be heard and seen, no matter where you are in the world. You can literally become a star overnight!

Longevity, what do you feel it is that has ultimately been the key to yours?

Cassandra: You know there’s no set formula, but I think allowing yourself to live and being open to change and growth is key, and most of all not over-saturating yourself. I think that’s very important.

Do you have any other outside/additional future aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

Cassandra: Yes, I have also been having a great time working on my label CRC Musik, and the wonderful new talented artists Northstarbrooks, Maycee and Untaymed, we have on the roster. Can’t wait for you guys to hear them, they are great! I’ve also tapped into the business-side of me and found a love for Real Estate. I like to get my brain going in different directions, it’s fun.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B? And as an extension to this question, where exactly do you fit in when it comes to the overall sound-scape of today’s music?

Cassandra: Well, to be completely honest, I’m really disappointed with the current state of R&B, because it seems as if they threw the whole genre under the rug, and want to do away with it like they did Disco. I hope and pray that artists like myself and others, continue to help keep it alive. I have always said I believe R&B is the main ingredient to basically all other genres. It heavily influences rap music and beats, as well as hooks, all day everyday! As far as my solo project, I’m not concentrating on fitting in, I’m just doing what feels right and hopefully people will feel and love it the way I do.

To date, what has been your biggest career moment?

Cassandra: I would have to probably say meeting James Brown and Aretha Franklin, and trying to keep my cool! *Cassandra laughs* Oh, and doing Soul Train! Man, I tell you, it was surreal. Soul Train was like everything to me growing up. I didn’t miss a Saturday, so when I had the opportunity to perform on that show I was like, “Girl, we made it!” *More laughter follows*

Looking ahead, say five or even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

Cassandra: I realized in the past that I didn’t take in the moment and I wasn’t as present as I should have been, so now this time around I’ve made a conscious effort to take time to be in the moment and thank God for it and be present. I’m just enjoying everyday as it comes. It’s hard to know what the future holds for me, but I picture myself being someplace great! *Followed by another great big smile*

Lastly, although Changing Faces are broken up, do you still speak with your former group-mate Charisse Rose? And if so, is there any chance of a CF reunion, futuristic-ally speaking, either on stage and/or wax?

Cassandra: No comment… *She concludes half laughing/half smirking*

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