DJ Cassandra’s Guide to Austin

Cassie Shankman, known professionally as DJ Cassandra, has become one of Austin’s most sought-after DJs, performing at major events including ACL Fest, South by Southwest and Austin City Limits’ 50th anniversary taping, where she opened for Willie Nelson. This year, she became the first woman to be named Best DJ at the Austin Music Awards. A University of Texas music composition graduate, Shankman began her career as a film orchestrator on several Terrence Malick projects before turning to the decks, where she’s now a fixture at festivals and parties across the city.

As one of TRIBEZA’s Curators, Shankman offers a glimpse beyond the turntables, sharing her journey to Austin, the music that fuels her and the local spots she loves most.

What the full interview here:

Videography by Dillon Magnuson/@geeksoftly.

How long have you lived in Austin? 

Cassie Shankman: I have been in Austin for 15 years. 

Where are you from, if not Austin, and what brought you here?

CS: Before I moved to Austin, I was in Dallas-Fort Worth and London. What brought me to Austin was the heat … just kidding. It was college. I went to the University of Texas at Austin for a music competition. And yes, I do music, and that’s also what brought me to Austin. I’ve stayed here ever since.

What do you love about Austin?

CS: There are so many things I love about Austin. The live music scene is an obvious favorite, but I think that it’s the people that keep me here. I love building and creating with all of them. Every year, every month and every day brings something new. And of course, the great food.

What’s your perfect day in Austin—from morning to night?

CS: A perfect day in Austin would be waking up and walking my dog. Then I would have some kind of jam session throughout the day or in the evening, lasting into wee hours of the morning. Being near water is essential for me; I’m a Pisces, so swimming in Town Lake, Deep Eddy Pool or Barton Springs makes me happy. 

Where do you take out-of-towners to show them the “real” Austin?

CS: I usually take them to a coffee shop. They always want some kind of tacos or barbecue. We’ll also go record shopping and stop by Elephant Room or Monks Jazz Club to listen to some amazing jazz. Most of the time, the day ends at a friend’s house with a jam session. 

Are there any lesser-known Austin gems that you’re willing to share?

CS: There are so many I feel like. Terrible Love Coffee is a lesser-known gem. Quack’s Bakery is not a lesser-known, but it has been a favorite of mine since moving here. 

What do you hope never changes about Austin, even as the city grows?

CS: I hope that the friendliness doesn’t go away. The open community and collaborative vibe is so cool and I hope it never changes.

Shankman’s Austin Favorites:

Favorite music venue: Playing at ACL Fest and ACL Live was amazing. I also loved playing at Stubb’s BBQ, which was really cool. I think playing Circuit of the Americas is probably the coolest thing ever, too. I also love how seamless Antone’s is, and everybody there is incredible to work with.  

Favorite art gallery: I like Laguna Gloria. I’ve gotten to DJ there for weddings, and it’s amazing. Being around all the outdoor sculptures is incredible.

Favorite park or trail: I love Walnut Creek Trail and Turkey Creek Trail. 

Favorite BBQ: I love them all. Terry Black’s is amazing. I love Franklin Barbecue too. 

Favorite coffee shop: Desnudo Coffee is amazing. Also, Quack’s Bakery, just because they had my heart in college. 

Favorite place to shop: I really like shopping on South Congress Avenue. ATown and Toy Joy are amazing local shops.

Favorite nonprofit: SIMS Foundation