Cassandra Maze Thrills With Neo-Soul Brilliance in a Stunning Dual Performance of “One on One”
- STAFF
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
By: Staff
A breathtaking masterclass in soul, tone, and artistry; Cassandra Maze is in a league of her own.
We discovered the incredibly talented artist Cassandra Maze and her latest release, “One on One,” and we absolutely loved both the song and its overall presentation. We also discovered the (live at Park Sound Studios) version on YouTube, which we highly recommend that you check out for a deeply engaging experience that showcases not just her vocal and instrumental brilliance, but the thoughtful creativity behind the entire production.
After years of reviewing and hearing thousands of tracks, it’s rare to receive a simultaneous submission of both a studio and live version of the same song. What stood out immediately was the impossibility of choosing a favorite; they’re both exceptional, offering unique yet equally compelling takes on “One on One.”
Beginning with the studio version, we were drawn in by a light, airy introduction that felt like a cleansing breath. This subtle entrance instantly set a calming mood and demonstrated strong production instincts. Starting with Cassandra Maze’s vocals front and center was a smart decision. Her voice is a commanding presence, sweet yet sultry, with a natural falsetto touch that leaves a lasting impression. It’s a distinct vocal tone that effortlessly conveys emotional nuance and is perfectly suited to the track’s modern neo-soul vibe.
The arrangement is impressively textured, full of understated moments that reward close listening. The near-spectral quality of the instrumental backing, the ghost notes, and the gentle phrasing add a sophisticated softness that elevates the entire composition. Maze’s guitar work stood out with its warm resonance and light sparkle in the chord progressions. This subtly introduced an indie rock layer that brought extra dimension to the sound.
Meanwhile, Victor Balconi provided the bass lines that were fluid and deeply rooted, anchoring the groove with rhythmic precision that intertwined beautifully with the vocal phrasing. Balconi’s playing gave the song a flowing, almost cascading quality while still maintaining grounded control. On drums, Brennan Buglioni brought a tasteful restraint that shaped the rhythm without overpowering it, letting the vocals and melodic textures breathe while still driving the groove forward.
This production setup allowed Maze to shine vocally throughout. Her vocal expression was full of character and emotion, and her melodic choices felt thoughtfully crafted and deeply sincere. Many of her phrases extended syllables and combined smooth embellishments with crystal-clear diction, creating moments that could define a career in this genre. She isn't just hitting notes; she’s delivering feeling with technical control that feels effortless. The emotion behind the delivery makes it obvious she’s not just performing the song, she’s living it. Whether the listener identifies the techniques or simply feels the impact, the sincerity is unmistakable.
Switching to the live version filmed at Park Sound Studios, we felt an added sense of closeness to Maze and her collaborators. The studio environment, paired with a minimalist visual concept, struck a strong chord. The camera work focused in on each performer, Maze, Balconi, and Buglioni, allowing us to connect with each musician individually. Their facial expressions, physical cues, and unspoken interactions gave the performance an energy that reached through the screen. From subtle expressions to shared glances, there was a chemistry that suggested not just technical compatibility but true mutual respect.
A standout creative choice in this video was the inclusion of the recording engineer as part of the visual narrative. Watching scenes unfold from the control room as well as the live room gave us the immersive sensation of being both in the audience and behind the scenes. It mirrored the feeling of being backstage during a concert, and for anyone familiar with studio sessions, the way they captured the softened sound from outside the booth was nothing short of brilliant.
What also impressed us was the consistency of Maze’s vocal delivery; there was no single standout moment because the entire performance, from beginning to end, maintained such a high level of vocal finesse and emotional delivery. Each phrase felt freshly delivered, like a one-of-a-kind vocal painting made on the spot.
Overall, both renditions of “One on One” were exceptional. The studio version showcases flawless production and meticulous execution, while the live performance offers warmth and intimacy, giving us a deeper appreciation for Cassandra Maze as both a musician and performer. This dual presentation gave us a complete picture of her artistry, from concept to performance, and we walked away not only impressed but genuinely moved by the entire experience.
We’re thrilled to have encountered Cassandra Maze through this project and look forward to following her future releases.
Cassandra Maze’s “One on One” is an emotionally charged, beautifully produced triumph that redefines indie soul.
Cassandra Maze, based in Vancouver, Canada, is a powerhouse of independent artistry. Her ability to balance songwriting, live performance, teaching, and music production speaks to a level of dedication and craft that few can match. She performs over 150 shows a year, seamlessly blending her stage presence with a behind-the-scenes expertise honed at Blueshed Studios, where she produces music for both herself and other artists.
What makes Cassandra particularly compelling is her hands-on approach. She’s fully self-produced, managing everything from songwriting and arranging to engineering and performing, bringing a unified vision to every track she creates. The song “One on One” stands as a milestone in her evolution, representing not only a new direction in sound but also a deepening of emotional and artistic perspective.
Rather than drawing from specific musical influences, she finds her inspiration in real-life experiences. It’s this authenticity that makes her music feel so relatable and impactful.
We are so excited to have found Cassandra Maze and can’t wait to hear more from her
Don’t miss your chance to experience and share “One on One” by Cassandra Maze—stream it, playlist it, and pass it on.
