Singer-songwriter Cassidy Cummings is bringing some Canadian flare to Nashville.
This past October, the emerging artist released her debut single “Fixer Upper”— A pop-country track that encourages listeners to not discredit a potential romantic partner just because they are a little rough around the edges.
Recently, I spoke with Cassidy about her start in country music, her debut single and more.
Kyla Pearson: For those who are unfamiliar with you and your music, can you tell us a bit more about how you got your start in music? Why did you decide to pursue pop-country music specifically?
Cassidy Cummings: I would love to! Although my family is not musical, they do have great taste in music! I grew up listening to music all the time, the stereo was always on. Country music was a huge part of that but I listen(ed) to all genres of music. Being exposed to music early on, I developed a deep love for it.
I have always loved to sing and write songs since I was super young. In my elementary school choir, my teacher told my mom she thought I had a good voice and I think that gave me the first initial confidence to really pursue it. From there it snowballed into me playing gigs, travelling back and forth to Nashville writing and recording and now I am finally releasing music which is so exciting!
“Fixer Upper” definitely falls into the pop-country category! I always felt a connection to country music specifically, it has definitely stolen my heart. I’ve always been inspired by and admired the storytelling in country music. Clever lyricism and relatability are something I think are at the core of country music and make it really special. That along with catchy melodies and instrumentation like pedal steel are all aspects that drew me in. Not to mention, I have always naturally had a country/twangy singing voice.
Although this single is very pop country, I am releasing more tunes in the new year that are more country-rock as well as traditional country.
Kyla Pearson: What is the primary message you want to share with through your music?
Cassidy Cummings: There are a lot of different topics I like to write about and share through my music. However, I think the primary message I’d like to share is that no matter what you’re going through, you are not alone.
That is the special thing about music, especially country music, is the relatability. There have been many instances in the past where I’m listening to a song and have found comfort in its lyrics because it’s about something I have or am currently experiencing.
Kyla Pearson: Up until now, you’ve primarily been songwriting and participating in writer’s rounds/showcases. How have those experiences helped you build your confidence as an singer/songwriter and get your name out there?
Cassidy Cummings: The thing I love about writers’ rounds is it’s more of an intimate performance. You are performing your original songs acoustically and get the chance to tell the story behind them. Performing them live with just vocals and guitar showcases the bare bones of the tune and yourself as an artist.
I think playing a song live vulnerably like this and if the audience connects with it really justifies if it is truly a good song! So playing these and receiving positive responses from the audience and fellow singer/songwriters has immensely helped build my confidence.
Co-writing with other talented singer/songwriters who I think are brilliant and leaving a session excited about a song you just wrote together totally builds my confidence and keeps me motivated.
Kyla Pearson: On October 20th, you’re set to release your debut single, “Fixer Upper”-- How exciting! What types of emotions are you going through leading to release day? Are you doing anything to celebrate/hosting a release party?
Cassidy Cummings: It was so exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time! Releasing my first single, I dealt with a lot of new scenarios. So I have learned a lot throughout the process. It was a bit stressful and scary, but I am so happy and relieved to have “Fixer Upper” out in the world now!!
I’ve received so many kind messages from listeners and am proud to say it was added to Spotify, Apple and Amazon’s editorial playlists! It seems it is being received well and I am so happy!
I had a very casual release party with close friends and family! It is exactly what I need to decompress and celebrate with everyone special in my life.
Kyla Pearson: What made you choose this song as your first release? How would you say it introduces you and your music, as well as sets the stage for what’s to come?
Cassidy Cummings: It has been such a long time coming for me to release music. When my co-writers and I first wrote “Fixer Upper”, we really loved it and found ourselves with the tune stuck in our heads days later. That was the first confirmation for me. After we had demoed it, that’s where I think the magic set in and the song stuck out to me. I thought it was relatable but light-hearted and written cleverly with a hint of humour. After showing it to people and getting positive reactions, I felt confident in making it my first release.
I think it introduces and sets the stage for me by ticking musical boxes that I try to incorporate in all my music which would catchiness, clever lyricism, relatability and a slight hint of edge.
Kyla Pearson: On a related note, can you tell us a bit more about the track, as well as the songwriting & recording process behind it?
Cassidy Cummings: Yes, totally! “Fixer Upper” was a co-write between friends, Joey Depaiva, Mike Cali, Matt Freedman and I. We ended up writing the tune over Skype pretty quickly! Some writing sessions take a bit and some are fast — I think we wrote this one pretty quick.
Obviously, the hook of the tune is “That boy’s a fixer upper and imma be the one to fix him up”. We wanted to write it cleverly and not give it away till the chorus to have that “ah-hah” moment. So we wrote verse 1 lyrically just hinting at the idea of a fixer-upper such as a house, etc but not noting anything specific.
The recording process was probably the most exciting! Joey and Mike produced it and let me be super picky with everything, which was great haha! Pedal steel is my favourite instrument so I wanted to make sure that was included. We took our time with it and hearing everything slowly come together to the finished product was so cool and rewarding.
Kyla Pearson: Something I really appreciate about “Fixer Upper” is the creative direction behind it, and how well it ties into the song’s title & narrative. Is the vision for the single art & photoshoot something you had going into the project or something you workshopped with your team? What was it like being on set for the photoshoot? How does it feel to see it all come together?
Cassidy Cummings: Thank you! I initially had a very specific vision for the photoshoot and single art. I wanted the overall vibe to be very like rhinestone/Barbie cowgirl…which meant lots of pink! I also wanted to showcase “Fixer Upper” visually, so that is where the idea of wearing overalls and incorporating paint, tools etc. came into play! Basically anything symbolic you would need to “fix something up”.
The final touch was making the title “Fixer Upper” for the single art similar to a broken neon sign. That is why the R is slightly off and crocked, a little ode to the meaning of “Fixer Upper”.
Being on set was so much fun! I am the type of girl who loves getting dolled up so when it comes to doing a photoshoot, I really enjoy it. It is honestly surreal seeing everything come together! Goes to show hard work pays off.
Kyla Pearson: Lastly, do you have any upcoming shows where fans can hear you play “Fixer Upper” live?
Cassidy Cummings: Currently, I am focused on writing and recording more music to release! But keep an eye on my Instagram and socials, that is where I post all about my shows!
Cummings, Cassidy. Interview. Conducted by Kyla Pearson, Oct 18 2023.
McKeown, Jordan. “Featured: Emerging singer-songwriter, Cassidy Cummings.” Photo courtesy of Cassidy Cummings. Accessed Oct 17 2023.
McKeown, Jordan. “Featured: Emerging singer-songwriter, Cassidy Cummings.” Photo courtesy of Cassidy Cummings. Accessed Oct 17 2023.
Small Dog Design. “Featured: Official cover art for Cassidy Cumming’s debut single, “Fixer Upper”. Photo courtesy of Cassidy Cummings. Accessed Oct 17 2023.
