Tell us about yourself:
i go by Kassette (AKA Jesse Kassette Hanes)
– Why do you love music?
I love music because it was the one thing I felt connected to most in the world. Growing up half black and half Mexican it was easy to feel like I didn’t fit in with a lot of people. Music made that go away and it was as if I was meant to be involved with it. Playing it, listening to it, creating it. Music drew me in.
– What makes you different as a music artist?
The thing that makes me different from most music artists is that I am active. I know people that can play instruments better than me or make more complex beats, but the things I find I excel at is hustle and community. If I hustle hard enough with my natural talents in production and networking I can do anything with my team. My business partner Jesse Szabo is a mastermind when it comes to music theory and production. I have a very gifted ear. Together we are unstoppable.
Last year I got to produce a single with Mateo Briscoe and Jesse Szabo for the award winning short film “Lover Girl” which has received over 1 million views on YouTube. I became a voting member of the San Francisco chapter of the Recording Academy. I also have released a single with the Neo Funk group Busta featuring Season 17 top 10 finalist Shane Q. This year I received a recording credit 2022 Grammy nominated on Falu‘s – “A Colorful World”.
I am versatile in music and that’s what makes me different. It’s not just about writing verses for me it’s the culture. Jesse Szabo and I opened a Recording a Rehearsal Studio in Sacramento called Let’s Go Rehearsal and Studios Rentals. We offer artist services, production, and rehearsal spaces. Our goal is to bring the community together to grow in the commercial music industry.
– Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In the next 5 years I see my business partner and I opening more studios in the Northern California area. I see myself with a Grammy and an Emmy. I see myself running music workshops for independent artists in my community to help guide them down their individual journeys in the music industry. I also see myself on tour with 8 figures in my bank account. I am hoping to be involved with my home town on the city council as an ambassador for the arts and music in my community.
– What do you want to accomplish in life?
I hope to win so hard that my community follows. Even if they aren’t on my team I want someone to see me and what I’ve accomplished and know that they can do what they desire. I want to show people that their dreams and desires are achievable. If I could show my family and friends that they don’t have to wonder what living a good life looks like and that they can just do it, that would be the dream.
– What do you bring to the music world?
The value I bring to the music world is that I am forward thinking. We are here to create and experience and getting caught up in old thinking can stifle those things. I have learned by being caught in between cultures and races that it is important to be observant, willing to learn, and willing to grow. I bring my whole self to music. I bring my business, my creativity, and my heart. I am not sure I could give anymore but where I can I will.
– What do you want to be remembered by?
I hope to be remembered by the love and effort I put into music and my community. I could have all the money and attention, but what I really want is to inspire those who really want it to keep going. A hall of fame would be cool too.