Cassandra Kubinski is a “storytelling oriented, piano-driven, theatrical pop” singer/songwriter from Saratoga Springs. Her passion for music from a young age propelled her into a successful career with Billboard charting albums. Kubinski’s career has already linked her to artists like Chris Botti, the Goo Goo Dolls, and Mary Ramsey of 10,000 Maniacs. Since her 2005 debut, Kubinski’s development as an artist continues to showcase her unlocked talent waiting to be released.
A Musical Introduction
Growing up, Kubinski listened to a variety of artists because of her parent’s eclectic musical taste. Billy Joel, Carole King, Jackson Browne, and Joni were all a frequent part of the Kubinski’s family’s rotation of music. Kubinski’s theatrical exposure to Bette Midler, Guys and Dolls, Barbra Streisand, and Pippen shaped her into becoming a musical storyteller. Kubinski has even garnered praise from her musical idol, Billy Joel.
“Billy Joel is embedded in my DNA. My parents were listening to his music and loving him before I was even a twinkle in their eye. His storytelling, passionate vocals, and rogue piano playing style influenced me when I decided to be a songwriter,” Kubinski said.
During a 2008 concert in New York City, Kubinski’s dream of meeting Billy Joel came true. The full-circle moment of meeting her childhood music idol is one of the most memorable and surreal moments as an artist for Kubinski. If Billy Joel is willing, Kubinski would love to add a possible collaboration to her musical resume. Kubinski’s other musical hopes include opening up for Billy Joel, Jason Mraz, and Rob Thomas on tour one day. While the pandemic canceled touring for most artists, Kubinski looks forward to having a face-to-face interaction with concert audiences again. Performing at music venues with a beautiful outdoor component like Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado and Humphreys Concerts By The Bay in San Diego are at the top of her list.
The Journey
While Kubinski’s musical aspirations keep her motivated as an artist, she has already amassed a couple of well-deserved accolades. Onward charted #97 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Album chart in 2016, while Holiday Magic charted #46 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Album chart in 2017. In 2020, Kubinski has released her “Stardust,” “Back to Earth,” and “Stardust (DJ Taz Rashid Remix)” singles. “Stardust” highlights Kubinski’s “epic pop and piano sound” with the combination of positive lyrics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kubinski has gained a new perspective of how her songs can take on a different meaning from their initial release. “Dreams” started as a “whimsical look of a bittersweet moment of willing to let go because a better dream is coming” and now has a different significance of embracing the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic.
I didn’t write “Stardust” in the pandemic I wrote it years ago. Since releasing it during the pandemic, I’ve heard from fans it was a sentiment they needed to hear to feel connected to something bigger, connected to nature, and reminded that they have power. This pandemic has made a lot of people feel very helpless and powerless. “Stardust” is about claiming and reclaiming your power. It takes on that meaning even though that’s not what I wrote it about,” Kubinski said.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, Kubinski is already working on a song with Hannah Grace Colin from “Dance Moms.” Her upcoming song “Eternity” with DJ Sol Rising is a follow up to “Stardust” and is set to release in early January. As fans can look forward to more music, Kubinski continues to progress as an overall artist. From the release of her first album, Hold The Sun to her latest single “Stardust,” Kubinski has honed her ability and confidence to lead as an artist with a specific creative direction in mind. “Trust your vision,” Kubinski said. “When you see something for yourself, work on it, and do it. That’s your vision for a reason and you’re the one that has to execute on that vision.”
