Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra Capener
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. Music was always part of my life growing up—I started singing with my family and at church, where I realized I had a natural ear for harmonies. That love for music led me to join choir in high school, where I was pushed into advanced and AP levels, studying vocal technique and music theory.
After high school, life took me in a lot of different directions. I performed as a drag artist in Dallas under the name Kizme Moore Starr, which was a huge part of my journey as a performer. When I became a parent, though, I realized I needed to step into my true self and follow my passion for music more seriously—not just for me, but to show my kids that they can chase their dreams, too.
I started gaining traction on TikTok, where I shared cooking tips and pantry hacks, which gave me a platform to reach a bigger audience. When my TikTok took off, I decided to use my username **Crusty Wafer** as my artist name. Now, I’m fully committed to my music career, blending my experiences and influences into a sound that’s real, raw, and uniquely me. It’s been a long road, but I’m just getting started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. There have been a lot of challenges, both personally and professionally. One of the biggest struggles was being in an abusive marriage, which left me feeling powerless at times. That relationship impacted a lot of my confidence, and it took me a while to regain my sense of self and push forward. My song “Selena (Bowling for Attention)” is actually about a pivotal moment in that relationship, where I followed my gut and confronted the reality of his cheating. That experience was painful but ultimately gave me a lot of clarity and strength.
Another challenge has been overcoming fear. For a long time, I was afraid to fully pursue music—I didn’t think I had what it took, or I worried too much about what people would think. Becoming a parent shifted my mindset. I realized I needed to be the example for my kids and show them that it’s okay to chase your dreams, even if it’s scary.
Balancing everything has also been tough—between being a parent, a dance instructor, and growing my TikTok presence, finding time for my music has been a constant juggling act. But every struggle has taught me something, and I think it’s made me a better artist.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a musician, vocal coach, dance instructor, and a TikTok creator—all of these roles allow me to express myself and connect with people through music. As **Crusty Wafer**, my music blends pop, rock, and indie influences, with a focus on storytelling and emotion. I love creating songs that are personal but also have a fun, upbeat vibe, like my latest single, **“Selena (Bowling for Attention)”**. It’s a deeply personal story, but I wrapped it in a pop energy that mirrors the adrenaline I felt in that moment.
As a vocal coach, I specialize in helping artists find their true voice, no matter the genre. I’ve worked with pop, rock, country, and R&B artists, guiding them not just in technique but in creating songs that fit their style and message. I’m proud of the artists I’ve helped grow, and it’s always fulfilling to see them thrive and find their sound.
On TikTok, I’ve built a community by sharing tips on how to make great meals using food pantry ingredients. It might seem unrelated to music, but it’s another way I connect with people, show creativity, and offer something valuable to my audience.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend all these aspects—being a parent, a coach, a creator, and an artist. I don’t fit into a single box, and I think that resonates with people. I’m most proud of being able to share my personal stories through my music, and still keep it relatable and fun, while showing others that it’s never too late to follow your passion.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’d just like to remind anyone reading this that it’s never too late to chase your dreams, no matter what life throws at you. I’ve faced a lot of struggles, from navigating an abusive marriage to overcoming fear and self-doubt, but those experiences have shaped who I am and the music I create. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that you’ve got to trust yourself, follow your intuition, and take the leap—even when it’s scary.
Whether you’re listening to my music, taking a vocal lesson, or just following my TikTok, I hope my journey inspires others to keep going and never stop pursuing what they love. And if you’ve got a story to share or a dream you’re chasing, I’d love to hear about it! Let’s keep this community growing together.
Thank you for supporting me—it truly means the world!
Pricing:
- Vocal coaching: $45/h
- Song writing: $200-$900
- In Booth Coaching: $30/h
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @crustywafer
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/rJEP8zzjq6zrfMfr/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@crustywafer?_t=8qbFbdRNwMM&_r=1
