Paralandra is a rock band thatbeganinSpringfield,Mo. in the summer of 2013. Cassandra Carson, along with her dad, Paul Carson, began writing songs for a one-time event at a local Independence Day celebration. The pair received so much positive feedback, and they loved the showsomuch,theydecidedto turn it into a life-long career.
Their first CD titled “Rise Up” was homemade and sold over 1,000 copies. Shortly after, the duo added Sawyer Rikard on bass. Soon after their EP “All Fall Down” debuted #1 on the Billboard Heatsearkers chart, they took their show on the road and began their first tour. It didn’t take long for the band to begin receiving invitations to festivals such as Rocklahoma, SXSW, Rockfest, Dirtfest and Loud in Lima, to name a few.
Their second EP, “Ascension” is what put them on the map, so to speak. Singles like “Back to Life” and “Killer Queen”begangettingairplay on the radio. That was when they added Dakota Watson as the drummer, making Paralandra complete.
Carson said that even though they have a few years under their belt, touring and recording music has not become any easier. Actually, she said it as become more difficult.
“It’s a crazy amount of work sustaining yourself by being a musician,” she said. “Keeping us on the road, keeping us booked is a lot of work. It’s a daily task, honestly, we work 24/7, I’m always on call.”
Even though they have toured with multiple bands, her her favorite band to tour with was Tantric. She said her opinion on that one might have been a tad biased.
“It was our first big tour in 2018,” she said. “Those guys became some of our life-long friends. My boyfriend was in the band.”
She said it was “one of the turns in the road” to be able to tour with Tantric. Becoming friends with the “high caliber” musicians and being able to play in larger venues was possible because of touring with Tantric.
She said that her music career afforded her to opportunity to meet some of her personal idols, like Yngwie Malmsteen.
“He killed it every night,” she said. “I grew up an Yngwie Malmsteen fan, I’ve been a fan since I was three years old.”
She said getting to watch the man she idolized perform night after night was mind blowing and such a full-circle event.
Carson said that along with Yngwie Malmsteen and Tantric, she sees influences from other bands creeping into her music. She said that Alter Bridge, Van Halen, LoveWarandtheBeatleshad a massive impact on her life.
Since the band has been touring quite a bit, Carson said she has a few items that must make it on the tour bus. Herinstruments,amp,makeup and a “killer outfit”. Her outfitalmostalwaysincludea pair of spikey-high heel boots. She said she always brings her body pillow with her to makesureshehassomething from home.
During her touring phase, Carson said that she prefers festivals over big arenas because the festivals have a different vibe.
“I love playing festivals,” she said. “Just the crazy energy thatcomeswithit.These people have been without public restrooms for days, but they’re there for the music.”
She said there’s a crazy energy, because the fans are there for the music. Arenas are fun, as well, however, the stands aren’t full because they’re the first band. It isn’t the same energy as a smaller, more intimate venue.
Carson had some advice to anyone new coming into the music business.
“Make sure to hone your craft,” she said. “If you have an awesome live presence, there is an X factor, an intangible thing that connects you to your fans.”
“Stand up for yourself,” she continued. “Call the venues and call the promoters.”
The band’s new video, “Give me a reason” is a bit different from their normal story lines. Carson said she wantedittoshowbehind-thescene footage for the video.
Paralandra will be at the LegendsPubhouseinChickasha on September 26.