Interview: Casii Stephan Explores a Future That Is Out of Our Hands in “Without a Box”

Minnesota-born, Tulsa-based singer/songwriter Casii Stephan unveils a folk-pop offering “Without a Box” for all those looking to create a clean start.

Stream: “Without a Box” – Casii Stephan

When you are in a relationship, it can feel like it is your whole world and there is nothing else outside of that.

Then when the partnership ends, you feel crushed and are left to pick up the pieces. Casii Stephan’s soulful serenade “Without a Box” offers a powerful reminder that a relationship is not the only thing that defines us. We can grow and rebuild. The tender vocals soaring over a powerful piano backdrop captures that emotion of embracing the unknown seamlessly.

Relationship Status - Casii Stephan — Relationship Status – Casii Stephan

Stephan is an indie pop / soul-rock artist with an immense amount of heart. In every one of her songs there is pure vulnerability. Her lyrics have been known to push back on toxic social norms and fans love that bold bravery. You would never believe she grew up a shy kid listening to her music laced with so much conviction. “Without a Box” portrays that same level of fierce self-assurance.

“Without a Box” is the final track off Stephan’s recently-released EP Relationship Status, which is an emotional ride of ups and downs from one relationship to the next. The stunning single is one of her most personal and many can connect to the concept.

Whether it is where we are from, what we do for a living, etc., we all have things that can put us in a box. Casii Stephan takes away those confines and paints a picture of what life could be… without a box.

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:: stream/purchase Without a Box here ::

:: connect with Casii Stephan here ::

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A CONVERSATION WITH CASII STEPHAN

Atwood Magazine: Life is not this perfect little box tied into a cute bow. Your song “Without a Box” is all about life’s unknown, looking beyond just a relationship status. Can you explain this in more detail and what inspired you?

Casii Stephan: This song was written 9 years ago actually. I had just moved to Tulsa. I was starting to see what was possible for my life in new ways I hadn’t expected. It was a rush. I was also wondering what my life would look like or take shape. I was sitting near a river and watching a fish flow with the river while the plants holding onto the dirt and sand had built up debris on them. And that started “Without a Box.” I have those two options in life. I can flow with the water, or I can hold onto what I know and become dusty.

In regards to the song’s message you state, “I want to see how the story ends before it starts and in life, you don't get that. You have to let go and be willing to start over.” What would you say to those who struggle to start fresh?

Casii Stephan: Hello. It’s me. I’m that person. I’m in the process of doing that right now. Re-organizing my life to be more creative and flowing. There’s this thing that happens when I release a song. It becomes true in some ways. And I was nervous about releasing “Without A Box” for that reason and here I am. So you know… my advice is just what I keep telling myself. I will land where I need to land. And also I’m working on living again. Enjoying the things I once enjoyed because I like them rather than feeling like I need to keep hustling more. It is not easy. But I’m working on gathering hope. You have to have strength to hope again. It’s hard work.

You have one of those rare soul-pop voices where every inch is bursting with intense emotion. How did you develop your stirring sound?

Casii Stephan: Between voice lessons and also just letting my voice be what it is, I would say that’s the combo. I love Celine Dion. And for years, I thought I wasn’t a good singer because I didn’t have her voice. And so I’ve had to let go of a lot of assumptions about myself to embrace my voice and realize it’s its own thing. Like they say, there is no one else like you in the world. So don’t be anyone else.

Your stunning pieces possess so much layered depth with lyrics that do not hold back, challenging certain social norms. What does your songwriting process look like?

Casii Stephan: Me being honest with myself and what I’m going through. Then trying to find the lyrical or melodic hook that feels like I’ve hit the right tone. Average Man took a few tries. I had a whole other chorus written and it wasn’t going anywhere. I had to toss it out and found the hook eventually. But I try to let the creative process happen when it needs to. I keep myself open and keep trying until I figure it out. A new song I’m proud of only took two hours once I sat down to write it. Sometimes it’s that quick and sometimes it’s not.

I also use my ADHD to my advantage. If I’m not bored, well then I can’t be the only one. You know?

Your vibrant voice displays the passion and tonality of artists like Adele yet is unique to you. Who are some artists that have influenced your style?

Casii Stephan: Celine Dion. White Stripes. What a combo, right? Carole King. ’60/’70s soul. Tina Turner. Prince. Joseph. Kacey Musgraves.

It is hard to believe you grew up a shy kid when your music is so fierce and raw. What led to the transition into a person who holds so much conviction in your character?

Casii Stephan: I think it was always in me. I just didn’t know how to share it without being afraid of offending people. I’ve done the therapy. And I’ve just realized that offending people will happen just by existing. People assume things about me. So might as well say what I want to say and have the offense be on purpose.

You are Minnesota-born, and now Tulsa, Oklahoma based. What prompted the move and how did that affect your music?

Casii Stephan: Moving to Tulsa was one of the best things I could have done for my music. The talent here is incredible. It pushes me as a performer and songwriter. But the reason for the move wasn’t music. I moved for a change of life and found myself in one of America’s best kept secrets. Tulsa is a music city.

What’s next for Casii Stephan?

Casii Stephan: Writing. Recording. Playing shows. I’m going to be an official showcase artist at Your Roots Are Showing in Ireland. Just keep pushing on and keep creating. It’s all we can do.

What are some of your best up-and-coming artist recommendations?

Casii Stephan: Damn. My labelmate Flamy Grant is pretty badass. She’s for those who need some healing from being in the church and are now in the LGBTQIA+ community. I’m loving The Band Loula right now. That’s the closest thing I’ve seen to the next Civil Wars.

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