Q&A: Demie Cao Continues To Find Her Sound Through Collaboration and Experimentation
HONING IN ON AN IDENTITY CENTERING AROUND AUTHENTICITY AND EXPERIMENTATION - pop/rap artist Demie Cao is building a strong discography reflective of her changing taste. Since debuting with โNight Visionโ back in 2019, Cao has continued to build a name for herself by creating music at the intersection of pop and rap with just enough edge to keep you into each note.
After signing with the 5A label in 2014, Cao has been training to bring her full artist vision to life. The USC Alum has gone on to collaborate with Justin Park, Holly and Katherine Ho amongst others, as she continues to find her true sound. Cao is currently working on a mini-ep and is ready to dive back into live shows. Read below to learn more about what sheโs working on, the power of collaborations and more.
LUNA: As the summer winds down, how are you doing these days?
CAO: Good! Been feeling pretty inspired these days, having been cooped up for a good part of the year. Honestly, it has really lit a fire under my ass to create more. Very excited to possibly do more collaborations with other people, and just bask in the sun :)
LUNA: What are some of the key elements making your sound yours?
CAO: I think I'm still in the process of trying to find my own sound. I definitely feel like I've been less concerned about whether the song is good or will "hit" but rather if it connects with me- which I think is key when creating a unique sound. Whether it's a certain sound I choose to incorporate or a lyric, I try to make sure that it resonates with me and isn't just a projection of what I think others want from me. As I grow older, I find that authenticity is now my major priority.
LUNA: Are there any common themes or narratives you explore in upcoming music?
CAO: Most of my themes revolve around finding the light in the dark. Even though I am in a genre where self confidence and flex culture is the most prominent, that is also something that I struggle with the most internally. Most of my songs kind of reflect that dichotomy of insecurity and confidence as well as battling negative emotions but knowing it's going to be okay in the end. I use music as almost a personal journal- so the narratives also reflect that kind of emotional rollercoaster.
LUNA: As a younger artist do you still resonate with the music you released earlier in your career?
CAO: I really wish I could say I do, but no. You know the feeling when you scroll back to read a tweet you sent when you were 17? It's a bit of a similar feeling. Not that I think my earlier stuff is bad, but being older now and knowing the headspace I was in while writing it, it's just something I've moved past from.
LUNA: You teamed up with label mate Justin Park for your latest recent "Circles", what do you like about collaborating with others + any future collaborations in the works?
CAO: I'm still getting used to collaboration to be honest. Because I am so insecure about my work a lot of the times, I feel quite vulnerable when working alongside others. I am usually the type of person to write in a secluded bedroom... I need to feel safe in my space and create without judgement. Working with Justin is always a chill time though since we've known each other since 17. And I do think I've been opening up to the idea of reaching out to others recently and I've been speaking to a couple of other close friends for the possibility of working together- but, shhh, it's a secret ;)
LUNA: The visual side of your work is sick - why is tapping into this side of your work important as well?
CAO: I love art in all mediums. I started out as a dancer (ballet for 13 years) and am also quite passionate about painting and drawing as well so I've always wanted to be able to express myself in a multi-faceted way. I've always disliked being boxed into one thing, which is why I always want to utilize all my skill sets when working on a project. "Circles" was actually the first MV I drafted a full treatment for and also worked directly with the videographer. That was super fulfilling for me, and I definitely want to continue to be very hands on with all my visuals.
LUNA: As shows become a thing again, what are you most looking forward to when it comes to live performances?
CAO: I miss performing so, so much because you can see people vibing to your music firsthand. If I'm honest, I am a bit nervous to step foot on the stage after such a long hiatus, but I know the second I get on stage I'll be back in it. There really isn't any feeling like performing your music to a crowd.
LUNA: There's a lot of work to be done still but the music industry is definitely starting to become more. diverse and inclusive - what role do you hope you can play in all of this?
CAO: I'm so happy to see more and more Asian faces in the industry, as there weren't many while I was growing up. I hope that other younger Asian woman can look at me, an unlikely 5 foot tall, unbearably shy Chinese girl and possibly give them hope that you really can do anything you want. Fuck the labels.
LUNA: Any upcoming goals or plans for the rest of the year?
CAO: I've been getting more and more into producing my own music. I'm in the works of possibly making a little mini EP of just things I've produced myself. It's a super different sound, probably not as refined as my other songs, but I know it will be the most fulfilling project I've done yet. Keep an ear out <3
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