Cay Dioses is a singer, songwriter and violist currently based in Jacksonville, FL. Her first song was created when collaborating with longtime friend Casey Wells when they returned to their hometown, Charleston, SC after finishing their respective undergraduate studies. Her debut release "Gone" evokes a sense of calming melancholy and artists like Foals, Glass Animals and Tame Impala have been a great source of passion and inspiration. Her classical training as a violist has undoubtedly played a role as well, as evidenced in the expressive swells and hooks in “Gone”. Cay is currently completing her residency as a pharmacist and plans to continue releasing more music in the future.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Cay Dioses, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
Hi! I first learned the viola at an early age and played in the orchestra in school, which also taught me basic musicianship. In terms of singing and songwriting, I started out singing in the car or shower and was essentially self-taught in that sense.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
Yes! I am a pharmacist and I am currently completing my residency.
Your latest song is 'Gone'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
I reconnected with a friend of mine, Casey Wells after moving back to my hometown for a while, a few years ago. He studied recording and production in school, and his “sound” fit with the songs I was wanting to write. For “Gone”, we went to a secluded cabin in the NC mountains to record the vocals, and continued to work on the production after. The whole process took a few years as we experimented with different arrangements but we’re glad that we feel like we left no stone unturned.
Can you reveal the recipe for a musical hit?
I think it could be any melody and/or rhythm that creates an impression on people and leaves them wanting to hum, sing or move to it, no matter where they’re from or what language they speak. Music is universal.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
I’m always looking for what’s new in the genres that I like and find ideas from that inspiration.
What inspires you as an artist? Could it be the sea, the weather or something else?
I’m inspired by writing about love, loss, and life challenges that all are experienced in different ways by everyone. For songwriting, it’s about being able to tie common threads in those challenges that makes it worthwhile for me.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Casey and I have already started the process of recording my next song! Though it may take some time to complete because we do not live in the same city anymore.
Do you have a mentor or coach?
I’ve had mentors over the years such as during my classical training as a viola player in orchestra, including a few directors and private teachers.
I’ve learned a lot from my vocal teacher Aimie Morris. She helped me come into my own as I trained my voice.
And of course I have to credit Casey who has been there since the beginning. He has helped my recording and creative process.
Do you think it's easy to become established in the music world, or is it difficult?
I believe it is rather difficult as there is so much good and underrated music out there. Also, as a female artist becoming established is even more of a challenge, especially in male-dominated spaces like alternative rock.
What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five to 10 years?
I hope to release a full-length album someday, but we will see where life takes me first.