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Texas Singer Has a Modern Take on Funk and R&B

KETR | By Matt Meinke
Published October 9, 2019 at 5:43 PM CDT
Cassandra Elese (right) and guitarist/co-songwriter Abraham Freshwater (left) with Matt Meinke at Notably Texan Headquarters.
KETR
Cassandra Elese (right) and guitarist/co-songwriter Abraham Freshwater (left) with Matt Meinke at Notably Texan Headquarters.

Cassandra Elese grew up in Austin influenced by records from Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross, inspiration that she carried all the way to her debut EP "Honesty" which puts her powerful pipes and positive vibes on full display.

Despite naysayers telling her she couldn't become a singer due to a congenital birth defect in her hand, Elese pushed forward and is realizing her dreams. She truly stands out as a unique Austin performer, making sounds that represent Austin in more soulful and funky manner than most others in her field. Cassandra visited KETR to talk about her debut album, her songwriting process, and the empowering nature of her lyrics.

Find more about the artist on her website, and listen to Notably Texan weekdays on KETR from 11am-2pm for music from across the Lone Star State.
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Local Shows Texas singer-songwriterR&Bdebut albumAustin TexasCassandra Eleseneo-soul
Matt Meinke
Born in Dallas, Texas, Matt moved to the Sulphur Springs area in 1990 and settled in Commerce shortly thereafter. Having dreamed of working in radio since childhood, he began working at KETR while taking Radio-Television courses at Texas A&M University-Commerce in 1993. Matt has transitioned from a part-time worker and pupil of KETR, to the station’s Chief Announcer/Producer and supervisor of student broadcasters. A familiar voice of 88-9 KETR, Matt has hosted such shows as The Late Nite Lion, and can currently be heard as host of Notably Texan.
See stories by Matt Meinke
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