Playlist: Musician Ryan Cassata’s Songs For Self-Care

From Ariana Grande to Gladys Knight, here’s what the 26-year-old songwriter and activist listens to when he’s down.

By Ryan Cassata

Music has been my greatest outlet since I was a very little kid. I was about six years old when I picked up a guitar for the first time. I had already started singing with a toy microphone and boombox before that. I started writing songs when I was 12 years old, after beginning piano lessons. Banging on the keys became another outlet for me. I have struggled with anxiety for my entire life. I honestly don’t remember a time that I existed before anxiety came into my life. I think it’s just always been there. Some brains are just like that…

I have many self-care tools that I use throughout the day such as meditating (I use the Headspace app a lot), journaling, reading books, cuddling with my dog, going to therapy, exercising, deep/paced breathing, and playing music. I always find myself wanting to drive around in my car and sing my favorite songs…at the top of my lungs. Here are my go-tos for when I’m feeling uncomfortable, sad, blue, upset, or anxious:

“Dancing In The Dark” - Bruce Springsteen

The lyrics in this Bruce song express the feelings of frustration while the music is upbeat. I love singing this one loudly. It’s definitely an anthem that lifts up my mood. I relate to the lyrics, and I love the melody and energy behind Springsteen’s vocal delivery. There are several Bruce songs that really lift me up, including “Rosalita,” “Tucson Train,” “Wrecking Ball,” “Born to Run”…

“Two Left Feet” - A. Charles

This song brings up the mood. It’s just the perfect song. Soulful. Honest. Musically upbeat. It can be depressing at times to be an indie artist because it’s a constant struggle to get the attention for your art that it deserves. However, this song really makes me grateful for the journey.

“Thank U, Next” - Ariana Grande

This song is all about self-love and appreciating what you have been through and where those experiences led you. It reminds me to stay grateful. Plus, it makes me giggle still, and I can’t help but to sing along.

“God’s Plan” - Drake

This song is definitely one of my go-tos. It’s a song that can turn my mood instantly. The lyrics make me think of a few things. 1. My friends. I have really good friends that get me and accept me. 2. Bullying. In the age of cyberbullying, Drake’s lyrics reach far: “It’s a lot of bad things that they wishing on me.” I relate on a human level, and I’m really not alone. 3. It’s a fun and gentle spiritual reminder that I often need to bring me back to feeling present and grateful.

“Holiday” - The Get Up Kids

I bring it back to early emo sometimes for the relatable lyrics and knowing that this album by The Get Up Kids, Something to Write Home About, has gotten me through literally every rough patch of life. I’ve seen The Get Up Kids a few times live, and bouncing around in the crowd of fans singing these lyrics passionately feels like none of us are ever truly alone in our feelings.

“Emma” - Alkaline Trio

Sometimes I need punk rock. I need to hear the angsty lyrics and distorted guitars. It makes me feel better to know that other people have felt these feelings too -- they’ve felt the same way I have. None of us are alone.

“Ten Thousand Hours” - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

This is my pre-show anthem. It’s the song that gets me pumped up. Sometimes I get anxious from all the anticipation before I take the stage. I sing/rap along, and I’m reminded of how far I’ve come. I feel so grateful that I get to tour and live my dream centered around my music. This song reminds me of the hard work, it makes me proud that I did and still do all that hard work, and it makes me grateful to be exactly where I am.

“Midnight Train To Georgia” - Gladys Knight & The Pips

The music and lyrics are just so great on this classic song that it’s impossible to not have a mood lift. It’s filled with soul, a genre that always reminds me of my heart and love.

My Own Music

“Bamboo Plants”: My girlfriend Jeni and I wrote this song together. The last verse is about having a panic attack and having my girlfriend’s love and support through it.
“Light Up”: This song came to me when I felt super happy and hearing it or playing it live with my band always brings up my mood!
“Extended Vacation”: This song is another one that I wrote with my girlfriend. It's about falling in love and feeling very happy and free.

If you want to hear more from Ryan, you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and listen to his music on Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.