Day: July 10, 2024

‘Hereditary:’ Unveiling Cassadee Pope’s Latest Musical Evolution

‘Hereditary’ will be released on July 12, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Cassadee Pope’s fourth LP, Hereditary, has been a long time coming for the Nashville-based singer/songwriter. Her first full-length since 2021’s Thrive marks her boldest, most resonant reimagining yet, a return to the upbeat, high-octane pop-punk sound she built her career on some 15 years ago. Pope is  back where she belongs – aided by the benefit of years of personal introspection and a desire to fully understand her true identity.

The album’s 12 tracks are, in many ways, the reclamation of the grief Pope has experienced throughout her life. The album is the result of a decade and a half as a professional songwriter, but also a relatively newfound willingness to unlock the why behind her feelings. After years spent inside the machine, everything’s come full circle for Cassadee Pope, though she’s now finally confident enough to sit back and enjoy what’s to come. (Big Picture Media, 2024)

The Grammy-nominated, Platinum-certified singer-songwriter recently shared the new music video for the single “I Died (ft Daisha Mcbride)” off of her upcoming album, Hereditary, due out July 12.  Pre-save Hereditary here. 

The album marks The Voice winner’s first full length following her shift from country back to her pop punk roots. With “I Died,” the former voice of rock band Hey Monday masterfully captures the raw emotions of love, loss, and longing following a one sided breakup. 

The pop punk / rap track explores the feelings of abandonment while channeling the strength it takes to move forward from heartache. The track serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can find solace in shared experiences. The collaboration between Cassadee and Daisha has created a genre blending fusion of pop punk and rap, proving that even when we feel our most vulnerable, music will always be there to offer a sense of community.  

Cassadee’s powerful voice and storytelling brings heartache and healing to life on Hereditary, an emotional rollercoaster ride through the ups and downs of life, love and self-discovery. Each track is a testament to the journey we embark on, shaped by our upbringing and the legacies passed down through generations. Whether that’s love, betrayal or the intricate web of family dynamics, the title Hereditary captures the essence of our roots, the echoes of our past and the quest to carve our own path. 

“Hereditary offers a soundtrack to navigate the complexities of life with authenticity and courage. I couldn’t think of a better backdrop for these lyrics than pop/punk and I hope this album gives people permission to feel everything!” -Cassadee Pope

Cassadee released another Hereditary single and music video, “Three Of Us” earlier this year, which invites listeners to confront the darkness of addiction and embrace the power of empathy, compassion and community. 

She will be hitting the road this summer on her headlining Hereditary Tour. The tour will be making stops throughout the country, kicking off July 11 in Anaheim, California and visiting Los Angeles, Knoxville, Albany, Charleston and more before wrapping on July 31 in West Palm Beach, Florida. 

This fall Cassadee will be joining multi-platinum-selling Canadian pop-rock band, Marianas Trench on The Force of Nature tour – produced by Live Nation, making stops across the US, including shows in Dallas, Orlando, Nashville, New York City, Chicago, Denver, and wrapping up in Salt Lake City. 

Upcoming Cassadee Pope U.S. Tour Dates
July 11 – Anaheim, California – Chain Reaction~
July 12 – Los Angeles, California – The Peppermint Club~
July 13 – Mesa, Arizona – Nile Underground~
July 14 – Flagstaff, AZ – Pop Punk Summer Camp Festival
July 19 – Knoxville, Tennessee- Open Chord*
July 21 – Indianapolis, Indiana – Turntable*
July 22 – Louisville Kentucky – Headliners Music Hall*
July 23 – Albany, New York – Empire Live*
July 24 – Syracuse, New York – Funk ‘N Waffles*
July 26 – Virginia Beach, Virginia – Elevation 27*
July 27 – Durham, North Carolina – Motorco Music Hall*
July 29 – Charleston, South Carolina – Music Farm*
July 30 – Jacksonville, Florida – Underbelly*
July 31 – West Palm Beach, Florida – Respectable Street*
October 19-20 – Las Vegas, NV – When We Were Young Festival^
February 4-8 – Emo’s Not Dead Cruise^

~Foxies opening
*Natalia Taylar opening / Foxies direct support
^Billed as Hey Monday

Hereditary tracklist 

  1. People That I Love Leave 
  2. Eye Contact 
  3. Secret Master 
  4. More To Me
  5. Three Of Us 
  6. Rom Coms
  7. Almost There 
  8. Capacity 
  9. I Died (feat Daisha McBride) 
  10. Hereditary 
  11. Ever Since That World Ended (feat. Aaron Gillespie) 
  12. Wrong One 

From Diagnosis to Treatment: A Review of ‘Ready, Set, Radiation’

Prepare for your radiation therapy journey with ‘Ready, Set, Radiation: How to Prepare for Radiation Therapy Treatments.’ Photo: Amazon

“Ready, Set, Radiation” is a comprehensive guide for those about to go through radiation therapy. While similar books are written by former patients, a medical professional wrote this one. Drawing from her own experience as a radiation therapist, Shaina Moore-Ivanov presents a clear and accessible roadmap through the uncertainty of cancer treatment. The goal is “to introduce you and your support system to radiation treatment as it pertains to cancer.”

The practical advice covers everything from understanding the radiation process to managing side effects and preparing emotionally and physically for each session. She addresses common fears and uncertainties and offers reassurances and empowers readers to take an active role in their treatment.

Some of the chapters include:
Chapter 1 Cancer Diagnosis – What Comes Next?
Chapter 2 What is Radiation Therapy?
Chapter 5 – Factors to Consider When Deciding Where to Undergo Treatment
Chapter 6 – Consultation with a Radiation Oncologist
Chapter 8 – CT Simulation – General information
Chapter 9 – Tattoos, Patient Autonomy, and Self-Advocacy
Chapter 22 – Scheduling Daily Treatment Appointment
Chapter 23 – Arriving On Time and Prepared for Treatment
Chapter 24 – Radiation Oncology Team
Chapter 26 – Final Day of Treatment

Highlights:
Chapter 1 Cancer Diagnosis – What Comes Next? – reminds patients “to advocate for yourself and to ask questions.” She explains that everyone’s treatment is different because not all cancers respond to treatment and that if you want a second opinion, to get one. The doctors will not be offended.

Chapter 8 – CT Simulation – General information – explains that the purpose of CT Simulation is to decide on the best position for you to be in when receiving radiation treatment which helps plan your treatment. The area will be marked to detail where the treatment will be.

She expertly combines medical expertise and human connection so that it’s not just a technical manual; it’s a companion that understands the fears and challenges patients face. The language is straightforward and doesn’t use complicated medical jargon, making it accessible to everyone involved in the treatment journey. I especially like that the tone is empathetic to patients without being condescending. The figures and pictures make it easy to understand the chapters on body positioning and the different machines being discussed. There are QR codes that you can scan for videos that further explain the topic.

Overall, “Ready, Set, Radiation” is an invaluable resource for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals alike. Since it provides not only vital information but also a sense of solidarity and guidance during a challenging time, it is recommended for anyone facing radiation therapy or who knows someone who is.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 5 out of 5.