Much like her latest character, Abby Vargas on The L.A. Complex, Cassie is cute and brassy, the ultimate girl next door, with a rough, punky edge. Charming and oft-recognized as Manny Santos from her 10 seasons on cult Canadian series Degrassi: The Next Generation, Cassie makes her return to Canadian television. The Toronto actress, singer, songwriter, is now staring in the hot series The L.A. Complex broadcast on MuchMusic, and The CW in the spring. Big things are in store for this stylish starlet.

A: Congrats on your new series The L.A. Complex! I’ve seen the first season and it is AWESOME! Your character Abby is a struggling Canadian actor in L.A. can you tell me about your real-life experience as an actor? Was it anything as dramatic?

C: My personal experience was actually quite similar, and although our situations were different they were just as dramatic. Or I’m very dramatic.

C: Right now I’m working on my third album and I’m so excited to finish and have everyone hear it! I really love writing music, but my formula is a bit different from the usual “let’s collaborate!” sessions. I write the lyrics and melody with an idea of what the end product should sound like, and then I call up my good old friend Isaac Hasson to bring it to life. I usually have writers block, because I literally can only write about personal experiences… if I release a song about murder, stay away.

A: What are your Top 10 songs on your iPod?

C: Gosh, I’m really not sure… my screen is broken so I kind of just hope I land on something great. I really like this Seattle based band The Head and the Heart, also The Vaccines and The Horrors… I’m a big fan of English boys. And their music.

A: Really LOVE your unique and edge-y sense of style! What are your favourite places to shop?

C: My girlfriend has an amazing store Queen W. called “Jacflash“. She’s got a great eye and usually doesn’t order more than a couple to a size, so nearly no one else will have it!!! I love vintage shops like “Chosen” and “I miss you”, also anything online. I love online shopping.

Thanks Cassie!
And you can catch her on the L.A. Complex currently airing on MuchMusic every Tuesday at 9pm or online here.

I don’t think it’s too much of a secret, but I love Martin Solvieg. And Dragonette. Quite possibly my two favourites…put them together and you have an instant love affair. Enjoy this one – “Big in Japan”. Man, I need to visit.

This deserves a proper feature – Kina Grannis’ “In Your Arms” track is a fantastical storyline all depicted with over 200,000+ jellybeans. Jelly Belly x Kina Grannis collaborated for over two years to produce this beautiful tableau of sugar art. What’s more? Her behind the scenes footage of how it all came to be (below). This little talented lady (who is really…older than I am), has been an artist whose YouTube channel I’ve been following for a good while.

Watch it, love it. I have – over five times.

Learn more about Kina here:
www.kinagrannis.com, youtube.com/kinagrannis, and twitter.com/kinagrannis

I literally can’t stop listening to this song. Catchy, non? And I’m not even one of those ladies that typically likes to loop…but definitely guilty of. Reminds me, I need to refresh that darn playlist on the side, sorry guys!

Ever since friend Boris sent me a link to The Naked and Famous music, I’ve been completely hooked. They’re the perfect blend of rock, new-electro-pop, angsty goodness that I love. Check it out for yourself – and be sure to watch them next time they come to town!