Cassandra Jenkins: It’s in Her “Nature” to Keep Folk Alive

An Overview on Phenomenal Nature Cover Art

Cassandra Jenkins is a Brooklyn-based musician, singer and songwriter. Currently on tour in support of her latest album, An Overview on Phenomenal Nature, Jenkins tells Brooklyn Roads how she got to where she is today.

Jenkins is no stranger to music, as she grew up in a musical family where, at just twelve years old, she toured with her family band to play folk music at festivals around the country. She cites artists such as Cole Porter and Billy Joel as well as the jazz genre for music that influenced her taste today, which stems mostly from her parents’ preferences.

“I always wonder what it would have been like to have grown up with rock ’n’ roll parents. Or Steely Dan parents. They never got that bug,” she says. Jenkins adds that her musical family has advised her many times to not continue the path, but that music always pulled her back in. 

Cassandra Jenkins On The Road / photo by Wyndham Boylan-Garnett / courtesy of Siren’s Call PR

Her biggest source of creativity lies in the subway. While she is Brooklyn born, commuting from Manhattan where she lives is where inspiration often strikes. 

“I end up writing a lot of lyrics on the subway, and often use that time to process everything I’m doing,” says Jenkins. “There’s a lot going on, so it’s endlessly inspiring.”

Brooklyn has helped shape her musical creativity. She tells us that “Brooklyn is certainly a hub” where she has been able to meet and collaborate with many amazing artists.

Cassandra Jenkins / photo by Wyndham Boylan-Garnett / courtesy of Siren’s Call PR

When asked to describe what her music can best be classified as, Jenkins says, “Everything under the sun. To quote Joni Mitchell, ‘I’m a folk musician, so I’m a mimic at heart.’” Jenkins also tells Brooklyn Roads that while New York City, specifically Brooklyn, may hold a certain pressure to always present your true self as an artist, it’s OK to still perform even if things aren’t perfect.   

“Let’s nurture more spaces where we can put on shows that strive to push the boundaries of our abilities, knowing we might fail miserably in the company of friends doing the same thing,” she says. Some Brooklyn venues that she credits with allowing her to experiment her work are Union Pool and Jalopy Theater. 

“These are the places that have helped me grow over the years because I felt free to work out my kinks and try new things,” Jenkins says. 

Catch Cassandra Jenkins touring now through October.