Born in Rockville, MD, Cassandra began singing as soon as she could speak. She grew up in Duluth, GA before moving to Binghamton, NY for middle school and high school. Her family resides in Jacksonville, FL. “Every city I’ve lived in has taught me something about myself and the world around me,” she explains. “Although it was difficult to move often, I’m grateful for the memories I have made and the lessons I have learned in each place.”
‘In high school, Cassandra began to dabble with her songwriting skills, composing several pop songs but never releasing them. It wasn’t until the Coronavirus pandemic hit the U.S. in 2020 that she found what she loved most about the creative process of music. She started writing and co-writing pop music and began recording soon after.
As a trained opera singer, Cassandra has a vast vocal range that spans over four octaves. She has a fierce sound, with the ability to seamlessly weave in and out of tricky vocal runs that would trip up most singers. As an artist, her goal is to never treat two songs the same, thus developing a new sound for each one.
Cassandra graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music with a Bachelor’s degree in Classical Voice Performance and is currently studying for her Master’s degree in Music Business through Berklee College of Music‘s online program.
Cassandra (Pinataro) was crowned Miss Boston in 2022 and was first runner-up to Miss Massachusetts that same year. While still reigning her title, Cassandra decided to chase her dream and move to Nashville, TN, where she was crowned Miss Music City in 2023. She is currently competing for the title of Miss Tennessee and hopes to continue on to the Miss America competition later this year.
As a Miss America local titleholder, Cassandra has provided meals for over 250,000 homes in the past year. She plans to release a cookbook this year, with 50% of those proceeds going back to the Middle Tennessee Food Bank.
Cassandra is currently visiting schools across Tennessee, building bonds through music and speaking with students about the importance of mental health.
What first got you into music?
My mother! She began teaching me to sing when I was 4 years old. She has a beautiful voice and realized I loved singing and performing when I was little so she invested time in building my voice until I began vocal lessons at age 11. I’m so grateful for that.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Find what makes you light up inside. Whether that’s the people around you, something you’re passionate about, or something that seems trivial to others, find the things, people, and moments that make you happiest and dive into those. It will change your life for the better!
Of your own music, do you have a favorite? If so, can you pin down why?
“Meanwhile in My Head” holds a special place in my heart. The lyrical storytelling in this song brings me back to the emotions I felt in this scenario every time I hear the track. Also, I loved creating the vocal production and harmonies in this track and it was the first time I really felt like an artist in the studio!
What are your musical plans for the next 12 months or so?
Over the next 12 months, I plan to work on a new project, finish my Masters at Berklee College of Music, and hopefully compete for Miss America as your Miss Tennessee! As a pop artist and opera singer, I have lots of new music on the way!
Would you have any advice for would-be artists or songwriters wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Remember this when trying to find your sound: If you write it, it’s YOU. Don’t let people tell you that you have to fit a niche and put you in a box. Make the box fit you and your sound!
What is your current music project about?
“Love You Back” is about taking the time to take care of your mental health and practice self love. As I compete for Miss America, I’m on a mission to spread this message to classrooms across Tennessee! I hope you join me in this on social media @youknowcassandra or join my mailing list on www.cassandraofficialmusic.com
What is the most useless talent you have?
I can do the work with my eyebrows!
What would be the ideal food to have cooked for you on a date night?
I love trying foods that are traditional in someone else’s culture or that make them feel at home. Cooking is my love language so I’d want to try something that my partner enjoys cooking or loved having growing up!
Would you rather be the one in a movie who gets the hero/heroine or the baddie with all the good lines?
I’d rather get the hero! Being funny is cool but being in love AND being funny is way cooler.
What was the last TV series you watched on TV?
I’m currently watching Parks and Rec! I can’t stop laughing!
What would you bring along to an idyllic picnic?
Charcuterie on charcuterie. I love a good board. I’d have a brie, a manchego, and a goat cheese, some salami and hot capicpla, rosemary olive oil crackers, fresh baguette, and my homemade roasted red pepper salad with sparkling juice and maybe some dates or grapes!
With a combined total of over 420K streams on Spotify, Cassandra uses her talent to spread encouraging messages through her music. She released her latest single “Love You Back” on March 31, 2023.
Stream Love You Back https://youknowcassandra.hearnow.com/love-you-back
For more information, visit www.cassandraofficialmusic.com and follow Cassandra on Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.