Cassie Walter of Semi Sweet talks to RAW about their band. Be sure to RSVP to see them live at the next Long Beach showcase on Thursday, May 27th at the Hotel Maya! 

Semi Sweet is Cassie Walter (vocals, guitar); Vanessa Barnes (drums); Heather Patton (keyboard); Derek Liner (bass); Jeff Weber (lead guitar)

How did you first get started as a band?
I hosed down a girl fight that involved our drummer and then we picked a band name.

How would you describe your sound?
Bitch pop

From where do you draw inspiration for your music?
I hate to say it, but who doesn't love to write about dramatics.

Do you engage in, or draw inspiration from, any other forms of art?  
Photography for sure. We talked a very talented photographer into making art out of our madness. Take a look. 

What do you love most about what you do?
Writing music is amazing; you're literally creating something from thin air. There's nothing like it. 

From start to finish, explain your songwriting process; what does a typical music-making day look like for you?
Well it usually starts with a melody and ends with a hangover.

Are there any musicians, past or present, who strongly inform and influence your work?
Robert Smith of the Cure 

Favorite album of all time?
I don't want this question to discredit my musical knowledge, but I still think Tragic Kingdom from No Doubt is pretty epic.

Are there any specific reoccurring themes that you explore most in your music?
Blood and sunglasses

Why showcase at RAW?
Well I'm assuming RAW stands for really awful wrestling and we're definitely into that.

When not making music, anything you enjoy doing?
Making videos, you should really check those out too. 

Any previous albums/shows/collaborations that you are most proud of?
Our self titled EP we released last year was literally our baby.

Any current rising stars within music that you would recommend we look out for?
Charles Mansion and Railroad to Alaska
 

Learn more about the band and download their music for free on their web site: www.semisweetband.com