Chicago-based, Chinese-born artist Cassandra Liu steps into the spotlight with her debut single 'Chaos Is Me', a dark synth-pop release that introduces the conceptual world of her forthcoming album 'Madison Boulevard'.
Entirely written, produced, and recorded by Liu herself, the track transforms philosophical reflection into something immediate and emotionally charged, blending atmospheric electronica with striking vocal intensity. Inspired in part by the classical Chinese concept of Zhuangzi’s Butterfly Dream, 'Chaos Is Me' explores identity, existence, and the idea of embracing uncertainty rather than resisting it. Paired with an ambitious, abstract music video directed by NYU graduate Matan Hamam, the release immediately establishes Cassandra Liu as an artist driven by both sonic and visual world-building.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Probably piano. My mom got me a little keyboard when I was around six, and I was obsessed with the sound immediately. I loved how emotional and classic it felt. I’m not a good piano player even now, but learning it really shaped the way I hear music and produce songs. Also, I was in choir from 6 to 14 years old, so I grew up constantly hearing harmonies and different vocal parts. I think that trained my brain to naturally think in layers when I make music now.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I always loved music that felt dramatic and cinematic — music that could completely pull you into another world. I was such a theater kid growing up. I loved musicals, old jazz, orchestral music, anything that already felt like it was telling a story before the lyrics even started. I think that’s why I’m still drawn to very visual, emotional production today.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I remember owning was actually a cassette tape from Jay Chou. He was so influential in the 2000s Chinese music scene and culture - my cousins were huge fans and gave me their tapes. I’d listen to them at my grandparents’ house and they were so confused by the fast-paced rap vocals, but I thought it sounded incredibly cool. The first English album I remember owning was …Baby One More Time by Britney Spears. My mom got it for me when I was really young and I remember feeling like pop music suddenly became this huge exciting world to me.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Probably “Gasoline” by Halsey. I remember hearing it about 10 years ago and thinking it was exactly the kind of music I wanted to make. It felt mysterious and cinematic. The production keeps evolving throughout the whole song. It has these subtle eastern influences mixed with explosive choruses. The melody, the pacing and the tension are incredibly well-done.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I need a huge uninterrupted block of time. I really can’t write songs casually. Usually I’ll wait until night when everything is quiet — like 10 or 11 PM — and then sit there for hours trying to force myself into that creative zone. Writing could be a struggle for me sometimes. I overthink everything. But I kind of need that isolation and silence to fully get into the emotional side of creating.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’ve been listening to a lot of Sophia Isella lately. She’s insanely talented. Her songs feel almost theatrical because they change so much emotionally and sonically throughout the track. You can’t really half-listen to them. I’ve also been listening to Rosalía a lot for the same reason. I think both artists are really fearless creatively.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Definitely Halsey. I saw her The Great Impersonator tour recently and I was blown away by how much thought went into the storytelling and visuals. It didn’t just feel like a concert — it felt like a full experience. I think our artistic styles overlap in that way where we both care a lot about creating a mood and a world around the music.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Honestly, when people hear my music and assume I had a whole team behind it. Most of what people hear — the production, melodies, lyrics, vocal arrangements — is really just me working alone in my bedroom. Even visually, I’m involved in basically every decision, from music videos to album artwork. When people connect with the songs, it means a lot because those songs are very personal to me.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Marketing myself, for sure. I think people underestimate how much work independent artists have to do outside of making music. After spending so much energy writing, producing, recording, and figuring out visuals, it’s hard to suddenly switch into social media mode and constantly promote yourself in new ways. I think a lot of artists struggle with that balance in this day and age.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Probably to stop being afraid of being “too much.” I used to overthink whether something felt cringe or dramatic or overly emotional, but I’ve realized those are usually the things that make art feel human. The more honest and confident I’ve become about my vision, the more people actually connect with the music.
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Cassandra Liu's new single 'Chaos Is Me' is out now. Check it out in the player below.