Cassadee Pope reaches fans and takes them on her ride
by Scott Kiefer
New country music singer Cassadee Pope has come across as a force to be reckoned with in the modern age of country music, utilizing social media in addition to her vast popularity from her reign as the winner of season three of The Voice.
"It's a modern way of embarking on a career," Pope said in an interview. "I think a lot of it has to do with The Voice, but we are aggressively working all the avenues we can, which is what you have to do in today's world."
Her current single, "Wasted All These Tears," has been an I-tunes sensation, and is garnering a quick return in radio airplay on stations across the nation.
"It's a song about going through a tough situation, and coming out of it to be a better person, moving on with life," Pope said. "I cant think of a better song to release as my first single."
Before her appearances on The Voice, Pope was busy playing the rock and roll circuit, but realized that country music is what she really wanted to do.
"I grew up singing country music, and did the rock thing too," Pope said, "so its a great time for me in country music, because i am molding the two together to come up with music that I think the fans, especially in country music will enjoy, but also in all genres."
The atmosphere of the Nashville community also pleases her, because she feels a part of a family.
"It's a great surrounding because there's such a sense of community," Pope said. "I'm surrounded by a great group of people, not to say there isnt in other formats, but i think its the sense of community in country music that you just don't find anywhere else."
She is also a fan of some of today's brightest country stars
"Right now, I just love Jason Aldean, because he has that 'edge' that seems to come naturally for him," Pope said. "I also like Brantley Gilbert, and the Eli Young Band. And, of course, there's The Band Perry and Rascal Flatts."
Pope is slated on the opening slot of the Rascal Flatts Live & Loud Tour all the way through october, opening for her label mates.
"Now how cool is that," Pope pondered. "Seriously,  it's a great experience, and I get to learn a lot from just standing on the side watching them perform. It's like we are a big family out there on the road together."

Although three of her performances on the NBC hit show catapulted to Number 1 on the iTunes All-Genre Chart while on Team Blake (Shelton), Pope hasn't rested on her early achievements, and has made a concious effort to involve her fans in just about every aspect of her career.
Realizing the importance of fans to a music career, especially in country music, Pope decided to allow her fans to choose her album cover art for her debut album, Frame By Frame, which is slated for release on October 8.

Cassadee utilized social video site Vine over the weekend to unveil the title of her forthcoming album. In a mere 72 hours, thousands of loyal fans took to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to select their favorite artwork, instantly becoming “the voice” in their own right.

“My fans are the ones who gave me this incredible opportunity to create Country music and I want to ensure they are a part of the process as much as possible” said Cassadee. “I’ve received great feedback on my new music while visiting Country radio stations each week and while out on the Rascal Flatts tour, so I also wanted to make sure the fans had input on the artwork for the new album.”

The talented singer/songwriter is dedicated to giving her fans personal experiences, including an inside look at recording with esteemed producers Dann Huff, Nathan Chapman and Max Martin in a CMT DOCU-SERIES, premiering this fall.

With unique vocals, soaring melodies and edgy lyrics, the lead single “Wasting All These Tears” has already sold over 200,000 downloads and soared to the #1 spot on the iTunes Top Country Songs chart.

The Florida native recently performed the single during her debut at the hallowed Grand Ole Opry and is currently on the road with Superstar group Rascal Flatts’ LIVE & LOUD Tour. Cassadee also graces NASHVILLE LIFESTYLES magazine’s “HOT LIST” cover (on stands now) and is featured as one of CMT’s Next Women Of Country.

"I'm just out here trying to make a living doing what I love to do," Pope said. "All I can do is say 'thank you' to the fans who supported me on The Voice, and have continued to support me since. So far, it's been a wonderful ride."

For tour dates and more, visit CassadeePope.com.

Who: The Rascal Flatts Live & Loud Tour, with special guests The Band Perry and Cassadee Pope
When: Friday, August 16
Where: Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
How: www.livenation.com, www.ticketmaster.com
Tickets: $25 - $76