The depth of emotion and poignancy in “Poison” is something that definitely resonates. It’s a different type of pain, watching something that was once healthy and nurturing slowly turn toxic before your eyes. Sometimes it hurts more to hold on than it does to learn to let go. Would you mind sharing the story behind this song?
Cabus: The story behind the song is based on my relationship with my partner of six years. At the time of the break-up, I didn't see it coming and it really took me to a brief dark place. I use the word "brief" because a good friend of mine who works in mental health & wellness set me up with an amazing therapist shortly after things ended because he knew I wasn't in a good space. I dove in and took the therapy seriously and did a lot of much-needed mental work on myself. It was through those sessions that I realized the writing was on the wall months before the break-up. The song is about one person who isn't happy anymore and the other not present enough to realize it. It was tough recording the song because I had to revisit some of those feelings again. It's hard not to feel anything listening to that song especially if you've been through something like it.
Congratulations on the video for “Poison” – I understand this is your first official video. It’s very well done and provides some stunning visuals that help solidify the emotion of the song. What did you learn during the process, and what you might do differently going forward?
Cabus: The concept of the video was actually developed during a meeting with Magdiel Lopez. I met with him to discuss to possibly creating the official artwork for my debut EP "PSYCHO". During the meeting I played him the EP, then "Poison" came on and for some reason, I broke down and started to cry. It was strange because it had been 4 years since the break-up. In that moment Magdiel became the creative director of the music video. Over the course of the next few weeks, we came up with the storyboard/concept and pitched it to a young up-and-coming filmmaker/music video director Jared Barton. The whole experience was amazing. Another awesome fun fact - I work with both of them!! These dudes are on another level with their work.
How would you describe your experience performing at Modern by Moonlight: Otsukimi Festival, and what were some of your favorite moments?
Cabus: I had so much fun playing at the festival. To perform songs from my debut EP in front of a sold-out audience - many of whom I did not know - was a joy. But probably the best part of the night was having my parents in attendance at the show. They've never seen me perform live before in all my years doing this music thing. I was raised in a very religious household. I'm sure they would prefer it if I was doing gospel music, but regardless I know they love me and that's really all that matters.
On one of your Facebook posts, you say ‘I turned every bad thing that ever happened in my life into fuel, squeezing the hell out of every lemon that life gives me” – would you say that transforming life’s pains into the beauty of the music you create helps you to heal from some of these experiences?
Cabus: Doing music, especially as an independent artist, is not a walk in the park. You're gonna have highs and lows, personally and some professionally. This is a brand-new project so I'm leaning on some tough personal experiences in my past. But going back to therapy was a turning point in my life because I learned to really love myself and be grateful. I'm really loving life right now and all people in it. Starts with my family, friends, work, family, and more importantly, my spirituality.
In addition to your music career, I see that you are a photographer at Artist Uprising Studios and a host of the Artist Uprising Podcast. Could you tell us more about each of these endeavors?
Cabus: Artist Uprising is like my second family. It's a creative company led by some of the most innovative people in arts and entertainment. Add to that all of the key employees who work there and you have this beautiful energy shared between creatives from all walks of life. Working for the company has made me a better creator as well as a musician because of the talent I'm surrounded by on a daily basis.
What helps set you apart from other artists in an incredibly saturated industry?
Cabus: I think it's my ability to present feelings, situations and moments-that-might-just-slip-away; basically things that are widely experienced among us all - in an honest and unconventional way.
Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass
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