17 Feb Meet the Press: Cassie Morien

Good morning, South Florida!

It’s hard to believe that five years ago I was invited to lend my writing skills and ringing ears to help cover the music and sounds of SunFest. How did I get so lucky?

Even back in 2012, I proudly considered myself a veteran of Florida’s largest waterfront music festival. I’ve been attending SunFest my entire life. My parents first brought me to the sunshine-soaked, five-day gathering when I was tethered to a stroller. I’ve learned so much since then. And almost three decades later, there are few things that make my heart race and swell like this special homecoming.

My name is Cassie Morien and I’m ecstatic to be your lead blogger again in 2016.

I wholeheartedly believe was born to be a [music] journalist. At 14-years-old, I was first invited to highlight bands for our own Sun Sentinel. My first published review was on The White Stripes’ album “White Blood Cells,” which dropped during that hazy time where we still speculated if the duo was married or related. I was hooked.

Fast forward through a journalism degree from the University of Central Florida, music internships, freelancing opportunities, and a fantastic position as an editor with Boca Raton magazine. I knew deep down that I needed more sounds, year round, than what Florida could offer.

So I filled my car with books and crumpled clothes and moved to Austin, Texas. It will be three years this June. I’ve never happier, or closer to permanently losing my hearing.

I promise, like years past, to bring all my words and passion for live music back to Florida this spring. Nothing brings me more joy than spotlighting new artists, sharing veteran tips, and interviewing big bands. I promise to do all the above, again, starting today.

What can you do right now? Save the date! SunFest’s 2016 lineup drops next Thursday, February 25. Oh, and buy your tickets early, for this will undoubtedly be the best season yet.

I’ll see you soon. xx