Kaash Paige has always been a visionary—someone who spoke her future into existence. From telling her friends in high school that she would one day sign a major label deal to carving her own path as an independent artist, Kaash’s journey has been equal parts resilience, growth, and evolution. Now signed to Rostrum Records, home to legends like Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller, she’s stepping into a new chapter of artistry defined by ownership, balance, and unapologetic creativity. In our conversation, Kaash opens up about her early lessons in the industry, finding structure as an indie artist, the importance of mental health, and the bold dreams that extend far beyond music.

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In high school, you told your friends that you’d sign a major deal one day, and you did. Looking back, what do you think that young version of yourself would say about where you are now?

Kaash Paige: I would just be like, you did it, you know? I would just be very excited and just proud of myself for actually pushing through and sticking to that plan A and not making a plan B.

You’ve mentioned how Def Jam helped you with media training, stage presence, and vocal control. What skills do you carry on with you from then to today?

Kaash: I would say honestly, just the experience of that and then obviously growth as a human being and as an artist. Like, I feel like it’s helped a lot when talking to people, because overall, it’s like—you’re going to talk to people every single day in your life and in meetings, media, stuff like that.
So I would say it helped me articulate my words better. When I was straight out of high school, I wasn’t really saying anything. Media training taught me how to be more proper in the way I speak, how to hold conversations better, and be more professional.

After leaving, you described freedom as beautiful, but also said structure is beautiful too. How have you found that balance as an independent artist?

Kaash: Being independent really saved my life. When I signed to Def Jam, I signed to a production deal, so I had a middleman in my situation. It was a blessing but also a lesson because I was so young and just signing things without knowing. Shout out to Tunji—he helped me get out of that deal, and that was the biggest freedom for me because it was such a bad deal.
Now, I know what I want and what to expect. When I said “structure is everything,” I meant having a team—A&Rs, marketing, production managers—people who can bring order. As an indie artist, sometimes you get that if you sign with a label like Rostrum. That structure was missing when I first went fully independent. But I wouldn’t stray away from majors. After this project drops, I’ll probably go back to another major.

So you mentioned Rostrum—you just signed with them, and they’re home to legends like Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller. What about their approach convinced you they were the right fit?

Kaash: Honestly, their consistency. They kept reaching out, following up, having multiple meetings, multiple conversations. It was like dating—you don’t just go on one date, you take the time to see if it’s real. I got to meet everyone on the team, including Benji, the owner. Everyone flew in from New York to LA, we had dinner, a great time. It felt family-oriented beyond just business. They loved the music, but I needed that genuine excitement around me and the industry.

You’ve said ownership is everything. Beyond music, what does ownership look like in your daily life and creative process?

Kaash: Prioritizing myself. My mental health. Making sure I take care of myself every morning. Sometimes you forget—you’re on calls, touring, doing everything, and you start to feel like a robot. For me, ownership is being healthy enough to create. If I’m not mentally right, how am I going to put out my best music? It’s about owning up to the ups and downs of life.

I never thought about that—making music in an emotionally heavy state and then having to perform it, revisiting those emotions. That must be tough.

Kaash: Yeah, sometimes I don’t even want to go back there. A lot of my recent music reflects my past. I don’t drink or smoke anymore, but back then I was overindulging and felt like I was losing myself. Performing those songs feels exciting because of the production and energy, but also conflicting. Sometimes I wonder if I even want to pursue music long-term, because as I build my relationship with God, I feel more conflicted.

What are other things you could see yourself doing?

Kaash: Owning Six Flags. (laughs) People tell me to open my own theme park, but I think Six Flags could go bankrupt one day. I want to buy it and make it about real experiences, not just overpriced snacks.
I’d license artists’ music to play on rides—imagine riding a rollercoaster to Future or Drake. Each park would have its own world, like boats to Six Flags Miami, or livestock at Six Flags Texas. I also ran track, so I’d love to invest in a junior Olympic team and travel. Beyond that—restaurants, businesses, just having fun. I’ll still be in music, but I don’t want to feel forced to make music constantly.

That’s awesome. So, what can fans expect sonically and emotionally from your new EP and full-length project later this year?

Kaash: People can expect R&B Kaash, similar to what they first heard, but elevated. With Cash My Checks, expect gritty, rough, vulgar tracks with heavy 808s—summer vibes, playlist music alongside Gunna or Future. With the upcoming project, I’d say it sounds like something that could come right after Drake in a playlist.

OK, my last question: what advice would you give to someone just starting out in the industry?

Kaash: Keep pushing forward. Study—even if you don’t know what to study, ask AI like ChatGPT. It’s powerful enough to give you answers. Learn what it takes to build a team. Reach out to managers, lawyers, business managers. People may say no, but someone will say yes. Read your contracts—put them in AI if you don’t have a lawyer. Understand them before signing. Most importantly, have fun. Make what you love. Don’t let anyone pigeonhole you into one genre. There are no rules to music. Do what you want.

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Whether it’s reintroducing fans to her R&B roots, dreaming up business ventures like reinventing Six Flags, or simply prioritizing her mental health, Kaash is charting her own path with authenticity and purpose. And for Toronto fans, we’ve got something special: we’re holding a giveaway for Kaash’s upcoming show in the city—your chance to experience her raw energy and evolution live on stage. Click HERE to enter!