10 Questions w/ CASANDRA

Photo by Andrey Nikolaev

Miami-born artist CASANDRA amalgamizes pop, R&B, and electronic textures on her newest six-track EP, ISLA TRANQUILITA, carving out her usual rhythmic and lyrical lanes while stretching some of the energies that occupied her CASANDRA EP into calmer frames.

The name stems from the command “tranquilita”, a word her aunt would routinely say in order to remind her to be calm and present in the moment when she was feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated. Across the project’s six tracks, this concept carries an emotional depth and a sonic complexity that showcases the turning of a page for the rising artist.

Below are 10 questions meant to help you get to know CASANDRA and her new project a little better.

ISLA TRANQUILITA is out May 15th on all streaming platforms. 

1. What have you been up to since the release of your self-titled EP in 2025? When did you start work on ISLA TRANQUILITA?

I've been up to lots of things! I technically started working on ISLA TRANQUILITA over two years ago but the project didn't fully identify itself to me until 2025. 

2. Your great aunt Teresa inspired the name of the project. Are the sounds on the EP in any way a tribute to her or your Cuban heritage?

Yes! It all started with a tattoo. Almost every song has a secret piece of something from my childhood and the healing from it that takes place throughout one’s lifetime. My great-aunt Teresa encouraged my singing, creativity and curiosity (she also loved to enable my love for sweets) and this entire record holds my memories in a time capsule on a small, pretty island called ISLA TRANQUILITA. 

3. What artists did you find yourself listening to most often in the making of the project?

I didn't listen to much during that time actually. When I'm working on an album, I often avoid listening to other music unless it's instrumental. I like to keep my palette locked in while I’m in a focused creative zone. Exploring new music becomes even more enjoyable when I feel finished; it's almost like a reward. 

4. What’s your favorite song/moment on the new project? Why? 

It changes but right now it’s "WANT VS NEED" because the lyrics recently hit me in a new way, revealing a secret message it’s had for me all this time 

5. ISLA TRANQUILITA, for the most part, approaches things with a calmer sensibility than your last EP. Did that force you to alter your songwriting approach at all?

No, The CASANDRA mixtape was how I was feeling at that time during my artist name change and how I felt bold and silly enough to make a project that felt like all my moods presented as a flavor pack of fruit snacks. ISLA TRANQUILITA represents how I feel now. You could say my albums are like mood rings. 

6. How did your work with Jaye Locke affect the creative process of making the EP?

We work in a state of flow and trust. I met J right when I moved to LA 6 years ago. I’m thankful we have this way of creating together that feels easy and light 

7. You’ve noted that the release of ISLA TRANQUILITA feels like a new era for you creatively. How would you describe that ‘new era’ in contrast to the eras you’ve already passed through?

Although it may feel like a new era, it’s one that’s always been there. I’m just ready to step into it and embody it publicly for the first time. Sometimes I wish I hadn’t held off so long, but at the same time, I kind of understand why the wait was worth it. 

8. ISLA TRANQUILITA marks the second straight shorter release in your discography since your string of three long-form projects in Lil 5i5, mundo dulce, and METAPHORIA. Is there any way in which you feel like a shorter tracklist allows you to express yourself more directly?

The length of ISLA TRANQUILITA came down to how I thought I should present it. It will become an album shortly after I release the EP. But instead of dropping listeners onto a big island right away, I'm able to welcome them slowly to its shores before venturing together into its depths.

9. If you could collaborate with one artist (active or inactive), who would it be and why?

It’s a secret!!!!! ;)

10. Just a fun question for our last one: In your opinion, what is the most underrated (or overrated) city in the U.S.? 

I do think that with the right company all cities have beautiful stories to reveal to you. But, to not avoid the question, I’ve always quite enjoyed Alamogordo in New Mexico when passing through the Lincoln National Forest. It’s a magical place I don’t hear mentioned enough.